Travel retail is a huge industry, with millions of people passing through airports every day. The industry has had a tough time over the last couple of years due to the pandemic. However, as we head into 2022, the picture is starting to look a little brighter. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the travel retail trends that are set to dominate in 2022 and beyond.
1. Increased Focus on Sustainability
Sustainability has been a buzzword in retail for some time now, and the travel retail industry is no exception. In 2022, we can expect to see more retailers putting a greater emphasis on sustainability. This could mean anything from reducing plastic packaging to sourcing products from eco-friendly suppliers.
2. The Rise of Contactless Payments
The pandemic has accelerated the trend towards contactless payments, and we can expect to see this continue in the travel retail industry next year. With more people looking to avoid physical contact, retailers will need to offer easy and secure ways to pay for goods and services.
3. Personalized Shopping Experiences
As consumers become more comfortable with sharing their data, retailers are finding new ways to personalize the shopping experience. In 2022, we can expect to see more retailers using data to create tailored shopping experiences. This could mean anything from offering personalized recommendations to creating bespoke product offerings for individual customers.
4. Health and Wellness Products
Health and wellness have been growing trends for some time now, and this is set to continue in 2022. Expect to see more retailers offering products that promote health and wellbeing, such as vitamins, supplements, and healthy snacks.
5. Digitization of the Retail Experience
The pandemic has accelerated the digitization of the retail experience, and this is set to continue in 2022. Retailers will need to invest in technology that allows for a seamless shopping experience, both online and offline. This could mean anything from virtual try-ons to augmented reality-enabled displays.
6. Multichannel Marketing
As consumers become more comfortable shopping across multiple channels, retailers will need to offer a seamless experience across all touchpoints. Expect to see more retailers using a multichannel approach to marketing, with targeted campaigns across social media, email, and other channels.
7. Increased Emphasis on Local Products
With more people looking to support local businesses, we can expect to see more retailers offering regionally-sourced products. This could mean anything from locally-produced food and drink to souvenirs and gifts that are unique to a particular destination.
8. Greater Emphasis on Safety and Hygiene
The pandemic has made safety and hygiene a top priority for consumers, and this is set to continue in 2022. Retailers will need to invest in measures that reassure consumers that they are shopping in a safe and clean environment. This could mean anything from regular cleaning and disinfecting to offering contactless delivery options.
9. In-Store Customer Experience
As online shopping becomes more popular, retailers will need to offer a compelling in-store experience to attract customers. This could mean anything from interactive displays to in-store events and experiences.
10. Growth of the Luxury Market
The luxury market has been growing steadily for some time now, and this is set to continue in 2022. Retailers will need to offer high-end products and experiences that cater to the needs of luxury travelers. This could mean anything from exclusive product lines to VIP shopping experiences and personalized concierge services.
Conclusion
As we move into 2022, the travel retail industry is set to undergo some significant changes. With a focus on sustainability, digitization, and personalized experiences, retailers will need to adapt to meet the changing needs of consumers. By keeping up with these trends, retailers can stay ahead of the curve and create a shopping experience that is truly world-class.
Resources | Links |
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IATA | https://www.iata.org/en/publications/store/travel-sell-2020/ |
DFNI Online | https://www.dfnionline.com/ |
TR Business | https://www.trbusiness.com/ |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is travel retail?
Travel retail refers to the sale of goods and services to travelers in airports, train stations, and other transportation hubs.
What are some of the biggest travel retail trends for 2022?
Some of the biggest travel retail trends for 2022 include sustainability, digitization, personalized shopping experiences, and the growth of the luxury market.
What are some of the challenges facing the travel retail industry?
The travel retail industry has faced a number of challenges in recent years, including the pandemic, changing consumer behavior, and increased competition from online retailers.
How can retailers stay ahead of the curve in the travel retail industry?
By keeping up with the latest trends and investing in technology that allows for a seamless shopping experience, retailers can stay ahead of the curve in the travel retail industry.
What role does sustainability play in travel retail?
Sustainability has become an increasingly important issue in travel retail, with consumers looking for eco-friendly products and retailers looking to reduce their carbon footprint.