A new decade is here! We've transitioned from an abundance of 2019 trend reports to 2020 predictions – all of which has the potential to transform the retail industry as we know it. While this information is seemingly overwhelming, the data is invaluable in the face of rapidly evolving customer preferences. All, or at least most, of companies listen to and follow along with industry trends, but actually acting on changing consumer behavior and needs is pivotal. For Shipt, this is especially important as we evolve toward our long-term multi-vertical, multi-retailer strategy.
However, as the retail landscape grows ever more complex, one guiding principle still rings true – focus on people. Having built our company around customers and meeting their needs, people have always been at our core – a focus that is never off-trend. That said, in 2020, we anticipate that the way we engage with the consumer will be impacted most by three core things – purpose-inspired branding, values-based shopping habits and a personal touch.
Creating purpose-driven branding
As of this week, Shipt has a fresh new look. To kick off 2020 as a time for evolution and growth, we've designed a new brand identity, including a fresh logo, voice, and experience. Overall, the updated Shipt brand is meant to feel familiar – we didn't lose sight of who we are at the core – but reflect more of the industry and our company's long-term goals.
The first thing you will notice is our new logo, which was created to communicate our values, differentiate us in the market place, and compliment our beloved retail partners' branding. The new brand and logomark reflect what people already know and love about Shipt – we're friendly, we're warm, we're trustworthy, and we're representing our people-first mentality.
Why the update now? We needed a refreshed look and feel that was more reflective of who we are at our core values and what we do. The last two years have marked a period of immense growth and in order to maintain that momentum through 2020 and beyond, our brand needed revitalization to help carry us forward.
Values-first shopping
Companies and brands that not only share, but actually demonstrate the same values as their customers will come out on top – this is obvious. It's also a 'trend' we love to see grow in importance year over year, as it's holding businesses accountable while also helping to drive positive change across the industry.
At Shipt, we feel that actions are stronger than words and with people at the core of our business, what we do every day makes a difference. Our business model provides a flexible opportunity for Shipt Shoppers, we've stayed true to our roots and we've seen Birmingham's reputation elevated as a tech hub, and we offer a service that helps simplify consumers' lives every day. When we say that our company will grow, advance its technological capabilities and expand services without losing the human touch, we mean it. Because without people, we're not Shipt.
Don't lose the personal touch
People are shopping faster and smarter than ever before – and expect more out of the shopping experience, too. The hyper-personalization of the retail industry is a trend we love because it's so integral to who we are. Consumers want retailers and brands to cater to them, not the other way around – and that's what we do best.
Our Shipt Shoppers go above and beyond to create a personalized shopping experience for each and every order. As an example, in 2019, Shipt Shoppers delivered tens of millions of bananas, picked just the way consumers like them slightly green? Spots? No problem!
So, what's the takeaway here? Do more. Show consumers you care about them. Meet them where they are in their shopping journey, whether that's online or a specific retail location. It'll go a long way.
What's in store for 2020?
2019 was the year the world became more digital, more efficient, more real – driven by the need for purposeful brand identities, commitment to values and customers’ growing expectation for customizable shopping options. We expect 2020 to be the year this is kicked into high gear.
As retailers work to better communicate and connect with these audiences, we're preparing to support them in this new age of retail – expanding our delivery services to new verticals and new retailers across the country. It's an exciting time for the industry, and we can't wait to see what else is in store.
via https://ift.tt/2Jn9P8X by Harley Butler, Khareem Sudlow
