LOHAS Retail & Tech Trends
Vitrual Grocery Stores
Going all out on the ever-spreading QR-surface-retail phenomenon, US-based online grocer Peapod.com announced in October 2012 that it was launching over 100 QR-code based ‘virtual stores’ at train stations in major cities including Boston, New York, Washington, D.C. and Chicago. Meanwhile, QR code ‘shops’ continue to spread. Walmart-owned Mexican supermarket chain Superama has unveiled QR code-enabled kiosks in a selection of shopping centers in Mexico City. A 2012 global Nielsen survey found that 26 per cent of respondents planned to buy food and beverage products using a digital device in the next three to six months. In Canada, sites like Grocery Gateway already offer grocery services through the click of your mouse. Boulder based Door to Door Organics provides the delivery services of organic produce to select cities in Colorado, Kansas Midwest and Northeast.
Mobile shopping takes off
E-commerce is now a $200 billion-plus industry in the U.S., set to ratchet up 15% a year as consumers realize there’s no reason to trek out to the local strip mall anymore. Macy’s, The 154-year-old retail chain saw online sales rise 40% in 2011 while same-store sales grew just 5.3%. Mobile point-of-sale systems–modified iPod touches–that eliminate lines while helping sales clerks sell customers out-of-stock items.
Mobile connection
Last year, more people purchased smartphones than PCs. Consumers will look to their mobile devices to maximize absolutely every moment. Hectic, urban lifestyles mean that no amount of (micro) time will be too fleeting, or activity too absorbing, to cram in more content, connection, consumption or simply more fun. A survey of US adult smartphone owners found that 63% of female respondents and 73% of male respondents don’t go an hour without checking their phone (Source: Harris Interactive, June 2012).
Smarter Social media
Every business feeling obligated to create a dynamic presence on every social media platform. 2013 will be the year that small businesses become confident and adept enough at social media integration to pick the specific platforms that make the most sense for their business.
Electric Cars Become accessible
In the past the general price for an ultra-limited production Tesla was over the $100k mark, but it gave drivers a car that could hit 60 MPH in 3.7 seconds on electricity. Now, with a full production factory outfitted and ready to produce 20,000 new Model S cars for public consumption, many are saying Tesla is poised to become the new fourth in the American car industry’s leader group. The Model S may only be a sedan that delivers 0 to 60 in 5.6 seconds, but they are selling fast at half the price of the company’s flagship model.