Consumer behaviour has changed substantially since the pandemic hit in 2019, with customers forced to take their shopping online and adapt to the changing marketplace. Now, two years on, the industry is still evolving and – in some instances – moving back to physical brick and mortar shopping habits. It’s a new realm where digital meets physical, encouraging a whole new way of shopping.

For many retail owners, this might seem intimidating. Having just adjusted to digitising the entire process, people now want to see, feel, and experience what they’re paying for before they act. However, digital solutions promise many opportunities to retain current customers and appeal to new ones.

Don’t push, delight on digital

It’s expected that from here on, we’ll see more digital displays in store, in store fronts, and within mall passageways. This gives customers the ability to interact with brands and information, and problem-solve on their own. Other options include reel-type advertisements, which business owners can swap out when new promotions become available.

However, for this to work in 2022, business owners should remember that the goal is not to push sales, but rather to find a way to delight customers and make them feel more in control of their purchasing decisions.

People are inherently visual and, if something moves, we tend to look. Digital displays will not only loop your sales content, but they can also play video content to draw attention and create a lasting impression in the minds of consumers browsing the store or walking through the mall. The aim is to create a connection, because meaningful connections lead to loyal customers.

LG is leading the industry with innovative digital displays for businesses, helping to connect competitive companies to their customers. The LG LED range for indoor and outdoor environments come with a range of perks to bring your brand to life including unrivalled picture quality, high brightness, slim and curved solutions, IP65 certified weatherproof designs and a wide range of options including customisable aspect ratios and 90° corner.

Customers want more, so give it to them

Being cooped up for two years has encouraged customers to research what they want before they buy it. In fact, 81% of people do research online before shopping. It’s so easy to visit an online store, find all the specs, and watch a product review video before taking the plunge and checking out.

Customers’ mindsets have changed, and business owners need to respond to this. The 2022 customer has heightened expectations of businesses and staff, because they don’t necessarily need you to convince them of something they could have previously researched.  

Information signage may be a solution to this challenge. Think back to the infomercials we used to watch years ago where an enthusiastic chef demonstrated the strength of his knives, cutting through everything from cardboard to foam. That’s the type of content you should be producing for customers instore. Why? Because it’s memorable. Compile how-to videos, word-of-mouth testimonials, and lifestyle content to display a product’s everyday use. Information displays are the perfect platform to bring products to life, while also educating customers and leaving a long-term brand impression.

Invest in unconventional displays

Most of the time, consumers are glued to their phone screens. Reports suggest the average person spends 147 minutes on social media every day. We’re constantly consuming content and, as a business owner, you want customers to consume yours. To help brands stand out from the crowd, think about exploring unconventional displays or creating Instagram-able displays where people of all ages can experience a strategically designed display.

These information displays need to be visually striking and enticing to encourage customers to snap a pic or film a quick TikTok video. You can either add subtle branding in the background or ask them to tag your business on their socials. The result? Increased awareness and engagement for you, and a unique experience for your customers. 

Technology will continue to change the retail industry and business owners need to effectively respond to this. Get on board the digital display train and get in touch with LG today.