Have you ever been shopping in a retail store and see an outfit or product in a display or on a manikin? Then have trouble finding where it was on the rack or even in the store? This happens in physical retail stores often but it also happens online more often than it should. In today’s post, I do not aim to embarrass a brand. I simply want to highlight how retailers can “be better”. I am passionate about shopping experiences.

So, let’s seize today as our vibrant, uplifting guide to tackle a persistent issue in retail that has haunted us for far too long! Picture this: that exhilarating moment when we, as eager shoppers, spot something truly captivating—something that instantly resonates with our very souls. Our hearts race as we’re drawn in, feeling a magnetic connection to the product that ignites our excitement and anticipation. But just when we’re ready to dash and make it ours, we face the crushing disappointment of it being nowhere in sight!

Here in this example, I stumbled upon a fantastic beach product—a blanket that magically repels sand! How wonderful is that? Just around the July 4th holiday, I came across a social media post featuring some beautifully themed colors and designs that truly caught my attention. I thought I would explore. Excited to shop the themed collection. Then this happened…

I went round and round just trying to find the product I saw in the social media picture. After over 8 clicks and multiple scrolling, I ended up leaving without purchasing anything.

The Take!

What brands, analysts and anyone tracking retail is beginning to realize. Is that with new technology like AI the age of hyper-personalization is here and accelerating. But, the basics still matter! Brands must creatively harness data to deliver real, human-centered experiences. This means not leading us on long wild goose chases when you have us at “hello”. Connecting the dots in the experience matters. Watch more closely if links that are intended to drive consumers to a certain product collection do just that. Check inventory levels and adjust in real-time your messaging as inventory levels change. Make the path simple, clear, and intuitive. This means keeping watch! #Letsgoshopping