4 Shopping Trends That Will Reshape Retail in 2025

Modern consumers expect to move easily between online and offline experiences, whether they’re browsing a product on their phone, checking inventory at a local store, or completing their purchase in person. This dual-shopping approach presents an opportunity for retailers to unify the shopping journey and meet customers wherever they choose to engage.

Omnichannel integration ensures that every interaction a customer has with your brand—whether online, in-store, or on social media—is connected and consistent. It’s about creating a unified experience, where data flows seamlessly across channels to provide customers with a personalized and efficient journey.

Why it matters in 2025: Brands and retailers with strong omnichannel strategies report higher customer retention rates and increased sales. Companies that allow consumers to start their buying journey on one platform or channel and finish it on another will consistently come out ahead.

How to Make it Happen

An effective omnichannel strategy is complex, but can center on some basic principles.

• Centralize Customer Data. Brands can leverage a customer data platform to unify purchase histories, preferences and behaviors across all channels. This creates a single source of truth, enabling personalized marketing and consistent service.
• Invest in Real-Time Inventory Visibility. Ensure customers can check product availability across locations in real time. Offer options like ship-to-store or in-store pickup to bridge the gap between digital and physical shopping.
• Optimize Mobile Shopping. Mobile user experience is now a dominant channel for research and purchases. Retailers must prioritize fast-loading mobile websites, easy navigation and integrated payment options.
• Leverage In-Store Technology. Enhance the in-store experience with digital tools like interactive kiosks, QR codes, or augmented reality (AR) for virtual product try-ons. In Bonobos stores, for example, you can walk into a store, try on outfits and have the clothing added directly to your online cart, where you can ultimately make a final purchasing decision.
• Create Consistent Messaging Across Channels. Customers expect your branding, tone and promotions to remain uniform across platforms. Use marketing automation to synchronize campaigns across email, social media and in-store signage.

By breaking down silos and creating a cohesive shopping journey on all platforms and locations, retailers can build loyalty, drive sales and set the standard for the future of retail.

Today’s consumers are more open to sustainable goods than ever: according to research from nShift, 80% of shoppers would consider paying more for products made with sustainable materials and processes.

Retailers embracing sustainable practices can enhance their brand reputation, build customer loyalty and reduce operational costs. Companies can also leverage tools like product lifecycle management (PLM) solutions to make product design and development more efficient—and therefore, more sustainable.

Why it matters in 2025: Shoppers increasingly prioritize eco-friendly products and transparent supply chains. Retailers that fail to meet these expectations risk losing market share. When implemented correctly, sustainable practices—reducing material waste and optimizing supply chains—can also lead to cost reductions while minimizing environmental harm.

How to Make it Happen

Retailers that integrate sustainable practices into their operations will lead the way in a competitive, eco-conscious market that’s already on the rise. Here are a few ways to implement sustainable retail practices.

• Optimize Product Design with PLM Tools. PLM systems enable retailers to design products with sustainability in mind from the outset. By providing insights into material usage, production methods and end-of-life considerations, PLM helps brands make informed decisions that reduce environmental impact.
• Enhance Supply Chain Transparency. Retail sustainability is built on transparency. Brands with the ability to track and document the origin, sourcing and journey of materials and components can deliver more ethically produced goods that resonate with today’s consumers.
• Efficient Inventory Management. PLM systems connect seamlessly with inventory and demand forecasting tools, helping retailers avoid overproduction and minimize waste. This not only supports sustainability goals but also cuts costs associated with unsold inventory.
• Improve Circular Strategies. PLM enables retailers to explore circular economy initiatives like product recycling, refurbishment and resale. By managing product data centrally, brands can support sustainable after-use programs.

Retail sustainability will be a cornerstone of shopping for years to come and brands that can deliver ethically made goods that align with consumer values and needs will be able to operate more easily in competitive retail landscapes.

The benefits of providing a personalized shopping experience to consumers can’t be understated. According to McKinsey, personalization can lower acquisition costs by half and improve revenues by up to 15%.

Personalization, powered by advanced technologies like AI and real-time analytics, should be considered a necessity, especially for specialty retailers. Brands and retailers who embrace it now can turn casual shoppers into loyal customers and one-time purchases into long-term future relationships.

Why it matters in 2025: Consumers are accustomed to hyper-personalized recommendations from platforms like Netflix and Spotify—now, they expect the same in retail. Retailers can leverage customer data and behaviors to anticipate needs, create targeted offers and refine marketing strategies customized to an individual’s needs and preferences.

How to Make it Happen

Personalized shopping experiences are all about making consumers feel listened to and understood. Here are a few ways to build personalized journeys for retail shoppers.

• AI-Enhanced Recommendations. AI-powered tools can analyze customer data to provide real-time, personalized recommendations. By understanding purchase history, browsing habits and preferences, retailers can curate experiences that feel bespoke.
• Customized Loyalty Programs. Generic loyalty programs may no longer resonate, but personalized incentives can transform loyalty programs into dynamic tools that deliver rewards based on individual preferences.
• Personalized Marketing Campaigns. Personalized communication is key to keeping customers engaged. Use data to send targeted emails and texts with product suggestions, reminders, or exclusive promotions.
• In-Store Personalization. Bring the benefits of e-commerce personalization into the physical retail space. In-store tech, such as interactive kiosks or AR mirrors, can recommend products or enhance the shopping journey.

Brands that use personalization and customized offerings to make their audiences feel more understood will find they can do a better job of meeting consumer pain points, which can lead to increased sales and long-term engagement.

Multicategory retailers in 2025 may have difficulties luring consumers back to tried-and-true retail experiences and locations, but brands who can experiment with more innovative spaces have excellent opportunities to grow.

Experiential retail is the response to this demand for new shopping experiences that blend entertainment, engagement and community to create memorable in-store interactions. Shoppers are no longer just buying items—they’re seeking meaningful experiences that connect them to a brand.

Take Jordan’s Furniture in New England, for example. In several of their large stores, Jordan’s also has an indoor rope obstacle course that makes visiting a normal furniture store seem downright boring. Jordan’s has created an experiential space that’s memorable and even exciting to visit for families (it also drives a lot of press and media mentions).

Why it matters in 2025: Customers increasingly value experiences over possessions, making experiential retail a key driver of in-store visits. If you give consumers a reason to visit for the experience itself, you’re doing it right.

How to Make it Happen

Creating an authentic and engaging retail experience isn’t easy, but the dividends can be significant. Here are a few ways to build experiential retail spaces into your brand’s strategy.

• Design Immersive Store Environments. Physical stores can serve as canvases for creativity, reflecting your brand’s identity while inviting customers to interact with products in new ways.
• Host In-Store Events. Transform your store into a hub for events that align with your brand values. From workshops and panel discussions to live demos, these events offer customers reasons to return.
• Integrate Technology into Shopping. Technology like augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR) and mobile apps can bridge the gap between the physical and digital, offering engaging experiences that go beyond browsing.
• Create “Third Spaces” for Community. “Third spaces” are locations outside home or work where people gather, such as coffee shops or gyms. Retailers can create these spaces to foster connection and brand affinity.

Although much retail shopping research and experience happens online, many consumers still crave a memorable in-person shopping experience. Brands that deliver an experience on top of their product offerings are more likely to leverage this retail shopping trend.

For brands and retailers looking toward the future, staying ahead of retail shopping trends is key to success in this trillion-dollar market. Brands that embrace these trends and shifts will not only stay relevant but will thrive in a fast-evolving retail space.

With Centric Software®, brands, retailers and manufacturers can streamline their product workflows to stay ahead of trends, get products to market faster and create products that resonate with their target markets. Centric’s agile PLM makes it easy to elevate your retail operations, improve efficiency and create unforgettable customer journeys.