Jaime Bettencourt

Walk through any major retail store today and you'll notice that digital screens are becoming as common as shelves. It's no coincidence that the U.S. retail digital signage market surpassed $2.2 billion in 2024, with brands from Walmart to Nike doubling down on these dynamic displays. But are shoppers actually paying attention? Or are retailers…

According to Gensler's 2024 Design Forecast, experiences are no longer either/or; they're AND. Blending convenience and engagement during every touchpoint is critical, which is why over 60 percent of customers switch to a different brand following a poor experience. Engaging displays and immersive audio capture shoppers' attention, with 42 percent reporting that they pay attention…

Imagine entering a store for the first time and encountering screens instantly customized to your preferences. As you browse the aisles, you receive tailored product recommendations precisely aligned with your tastes and needs. This scenario depicts the imminent future of on-premise personalization — where artificial intelligence lifts customer journeys to unprecedented levels. Nevertheless, the human…

Although it may feel like the past two years have radically changed retail, many consumer expectations are still the same, just fast-tracked. To meet these expectations, physical stores need to get creative with crafting unique experiences, including using pop-up shops, providing exclusive products and experiences, and managing their supply chain and inventory effectively and sustainably.…

Distance makes the heart grow fonder, sure. But it can also create romanticized expectations that are near impossible to meet. While there's certainly a lot to miss about physical shopping, it's possible some consumers have built up the retail experience in their head to the point where it will be hard for stores to deliver.…

After a year of social distancing, quarantines, and Zoom calls, it's no wonder people are yearning for human contact and physical experiences more than ever. In fact, 25 percent of online shoppers agree that online shopping is less satisfying than visiting a brick-and-mortar store, according to Kantar’s COVID-19 Barometer. However, the brands that thrive moving…

Contrary to naysayers, I think it’s safe to say that we’re beyond the hotly debated and anticipated "retail apocalypse." However, tech-resistant brands that refuse to innovate still have the potential to be left behind. Those poised to survive (and thrive) in today’s retail marketplace are the retailers that embrace innovation and continuously engage customers in…