Generation Z and stores of the future at RetailEXPO London

Some of our team went along to RetailEXPO at London Olympia to check out the conference programme. There were some interesting seminars on Generation Z and how they are disrupting the traditional status quo and several seminars and discussions about stores of the future.

As you may already know, Generation Z aren’t passive consumers. They expect to have a more active involvement in the development of products, media and the entertainment they consume. And as you would expect, they are having a big influence on stores of the future. Even though they are true digital natives, 67% of Z-ers prefer to shop in brick-and-mortar stores.

What will the store of the future look like? Digital and online is impacting physical stores and some retailers are embracing this. Store designers are blending the physical with the digital and creating immersive, meaningful and engaging store experiences. Discovery, education, storytelling, identity exploration, stores with a purpose or that foster a sense of community are on the up.

Trends drive new ideas relevant to the sectors and channels we work in, irrespective of whether we are designing merchandising furniture for beauty or drinks brands, temporary pop-up activations or a new store for a spa. It’s all food for thought.