Article · January 1, 2024

Looking Ahead: Retail Predictions in 2021 - Chute Gerdeman

A new year marks a new beginning for consumers and brands alike. Looking ahead with optimism we've identified key retail predictions for 2021.

Looking Ahead: Retail Predictions in 2021 [vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]A new year marks a new beginning for consumer trends and brands alike. Patiently awaited, 2021 is here and received with widespread optimism. Retail resiliency has sparked innovation as we’ve never seen before, which leaves us wondering what’s next.

We began to think – how could our world of retail shift even further? Looking ahead at 2021, our studio identified consumer trends we believe retailers can anticipate in the near future.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][movedo_title line_type=”line”]Fashion First[/movedo_title][vc_column_text]So many of us can’t wait for the opportunity to get out, get together, and shed the comfort clothing we’ve been used to for months. Whether it’s back to the office, back to social gatherings, or even just for fun, fashion will be a key retail component in 2021.[/vc_column_text][movedo_empty_space][movedo_quote quote_style=”line”]“It’s like back-to-school shopping, but back to the office for adults.

Will office dress codes change? I can’t imagine going from PJ pants every day to suits, so I’m glad I’m not in that sort of field.” – Annie Foertmeyer, Designer[/movedo_quote][movedo_empty_space][movedo_single_image image=”30093″ retina_image=”30093″][movedo_empty_space][vc_column_text]For some, the office is just scratching the surface. Market growth for formal wear has grown 1.1%, pushing the industry close to $500M.

Expect more formal activities, with a focus on revitalizing the dinner party. Initially, these events will be intimate until the world can get back to large gatherings, but the urge to get dressed up will take over in 2021.[/vc_column_text][movedo_empty_space][movedo_quote quote_style=”line”]“How many times can you play Monopoly? We’re not ready to hang out in bars, but we are ready to have some adult-focused fun and humor as we gather safely in our homes.” – Mindi Trank, VP of Strategy[/movedo_quote][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][movedo_title line_type=”line”]On The Road Again[/movedo_title][vc_column_text]While we won’t see immediate and dramatic changes, people will continue to spend time on the road.

Cars, an unsung hero of the pandemic, have been a major bridge between brands and consumers in recent months. Working with El Pollo Loco, we recently reimagined its restaurant fleet to focus on the traveling consumer’s experience in a new digital forward world.[/vc_column_text][movedo_empty_space][movedo_quote quote_style=”line”]“Hospitality and convenience are changing how we order and pickup. From walk-up, drive-up, drive-thru, and curbside, all of these forms need to consider how to make it an enjoyable experience for the customer.

These also take over existing in-store experiences (retail and dining), leaving a huge challenge on how these services fit and are effectively communicated into remodels.” – Jeff Wietrzykowski, Creative Director[/movedo_quote][movedo_empty_space][movedo_single_image image=”30089″ retina_image=”30089″][movedo_empty_space][vc_column_text]Restaurants aren’t the only beneficiary of drive-thru convenience. Designer Breyanna Grizzard also believes we’ll see a new take on drive-thru in the world of grocery. In our work with the drive-thru convenience store chain, Swiss Farms, we saw the consumer demand for the speed and convenience of the drive-thru combined quality products and fresh foods typically found in a grocery store.

This concept is even more relevant now as many grocers and c-stores are looking to accommodate consumers with contact-less experiences. While grocery delivery continues to experience an all-time high, consumers are looking for more control in receiving goods. Rather than a 2-4 hour window, maybe not even the same day, the grocery drive-thru model provides a solution for immediate need and frequent shoppers.

As well as the drive-thru, new experiences are coming to life in the form of the drive-in. Artists, cinemas, and experiences alike will continue to capitalize on the drive-in’s nostalgic appeal while slowly lowering barriers into normalcy. The drive-in fills a void when the world lacks experiences, bridging the gap between the movie theater, concert, or festival we’ve been dearly missing.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][movedo_title line_type=”line”]Old is Gold[/movedo_title][vc_column_text]Thrifting isn’t a new concept.

Recently, the art of recycled fashion has become its own niche and even garnered a market where it’s so desirable that it becomes an occupation. With extra downtime, people have been cleaning their closets out for months. This uptick in second owned fashion is saturating the market with new quality pieces.[/vc_column_text][movedo_empty_space][movedo_single_image image=”30097″ retina_image=”30097″][movedo_empty_space][movedo_quote quote_style=”line”]“While we’ve been at home, who hasn’t cleared out at least one closet and realized there are still nice things tucked back in there that don’t match your current style.

So, you take them to your favorite donation center to be recycled or upcycled. It’s not surprising the market for recycled goods has evolved into a 24 Billion dollar industry in recent years.” – Mindi Trank, VP of Strategy[/movedo_quote][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][movedo_title line_type=”line”]Honing New Habits[/movedo_title][vc_column_text]The pandemic trailblazed new hobbies and habits, changing consumer’s priorities in their everyday lives. Our Senior Designer, Meghan Coleman, expects a continuation of small business support.