A record breaking holiday season has set the tone for what's going to come in 2023. Last quarter’s pent-up demand is certainly something to cheer about. But what's more pleasing is the return to many of the pre-covid behaviors of being out and shopping in-stores.
For retailers who have been continually responding to challenges thrown at them in the last three years, 2023 isn't going to be any easier. Many of the challenges they confronted in 2022—supply chain problems, rising inflation, labor shortages—haven't gone away. Added to this is the fear of slipping into a recession. However, this time around retailers are better prepared for disruption. Having learnt to thrive in uncertainty, retailers will remain steadfast in their approach to deliver superior, seamless experiences and value to customers across multiple channels.
Delivering an integrated omnichannel experience still appears to be a stretch for many. To help you foster a more meaningful connection with shoppers, we invited several industry leaders and experts to share their perspectives on topics that are crucial to deal with the market dynamics and quickly adapt to the shift in consumer behaviors. As you browse through the pages, one thing is assured: you get a big picture look at the State of Retail industry.
We hope the ideas present here will give you extra dose of motivation to take a leap of faith and invest in the tools that can increase adaptability, efficiency and profits. The retailers that prioritize organizational efficiency and great customer experiences will reach new heights in 2023 and position themselves well for the future.
Also check out our editions on the State of the eCommerce 2023 and the State of Retail Supply Chain & Fulfillment 2023.
Happy Reading!
John Mathews
editor@retail-today.com