The myth that Shopper marketing is all shelf barkers and FSDUs is something the team at Multiply have been trying to bust for quite a while now.
For us, it’s the elegant dance between above the line and getting the beanz in the trolley, or the gin in the basket. It goes beyond perishable goods and touches anything and everything that can be purchased. We’re passionate about Shopper Marketing at Multiply and have been since our humble beginnings 15 years ago. We’ve helped a plethora of brands speak to their consumers through Shopper Marketing, and we’ve got a pretty good grasp of trends that will only continue to gather speed.
One of these trends is experiences in retail – beyond mere commerce, there’s a requirement to build memorable customer experience. Reimagining retail has become more prevalent and crucial to attract consumers offline and instore.
TopShop was arguably ahead of the curve 25 years ago, opening the flagship store in London’s Oxford Circus. The store has food and drink offerings, over 50 partner brands, personal shopping and a choice of hair, nail and brow bars. Add to this Selfridges offering skill-based classes, lectures and talks, and Sweaty Betty providing in-store yoga classes – the UK has had experiences covered for a number of years.
It’s a tired fact, but Generations Y & Z really do value experiences over things. Therefore, brands must offer more to hook a purchase. We’ve seen swathes of brands offering memorable customer experiences, it’s crucial if the high street is to survive. Consumers want a mix of things; instagrammable content, sharable experiences, ways of personalisation, advice, new skills… The list is endless.
We’ve picked a few of our favourites, showcasing how brands are engaging with existing and new customers. While we’re here, engagement through experience doesn’t need to be flashy. As we’ll show below, it’s really not that new…
Dr Martens – BOOT ROOM: An intimate music venue offering access to biggest acts across all genres. Tying the traditional cultural link between Dr Martens to music and modernising.
Nike's New NYC Flagship Store - House of Innovation 000: A behemoth of a store with everything from personalisation to shop the mannequin functionality. Showcasing how ahead of the game the brand it.
Levi’s Tailor Shop: Embroidery, t-shirt printing and alterations. Put your spin on a classic. Harking back to the hand-made craftsmanship of the product.
Apple: Genius bar, instore lectures and gigs, masterclasses. The tech equivalent of Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory. Dispelling consumer concerns around switching from Microsoft to Apple.
Lush: Although the smell isn’t for everyone, the store is arguably very hands on, oohing and aahing over the fizzing bath bombs, this is fun product testing. On-site spas and workshops provide additional experiences.
La Famiglia Rana: Only open for five weeks, the Rana pop up was a glimpse into the future of food retail. Instagrammable displays, workshops and meal box guidance proved very popular. Simple but effective.
IKEA: A creche, restaurant, furniture to try in real life, food shop and styling advice. IKEA has long been a master in consumer experience.
Waterstones: Super simple activation from Waterstones, in store signings and readings, picks of the month with short reviews from Waterstones employees and most stores have an on-site café.
Rapha: The Rapha Clubhouse has a real cult following. An aspirational place to pick up a coffee, watch the Tour de France or join the cycling club. You may not be able to afford the full kit, but by frequenting the club house, you’re still an active consumer.
Starbucks: The Roastery in Milan is a sight (and site) to behold. Onsite roastery, cocktail bar, AR experience, a handpicked store featuring everything from clothes to accessories, and events.
We have been weaving experiential with shopper marketing for many years. From in-depth whisky tasting classes with a discount voucher for next purchase, a virtual reality tour of a brewery while in bar, and in store complimentary grooming treatments.
If you’d like to inject some experience into your retail environment, or if you just fancy a chat, get in touch.
