According to industry analysts, 2020 will bring exciting innovations that promise to reshape the retail industry. Let’s take a look at the opportunities and explore the data challenges resulting from these trends. Augmented reality (AR) takes the stage Technology is catching up with expectations, with second generation augmented reality tools that make the technology more immersive than ever before for retail customers. Customers can try on outfits or makeup or even see how furniture will look in their own living room. By enabling try-before-you-buy experiences, augmented reality not only boosts sales, but also reduces returns from online shoppers. With tangible benefits to both the top and bottom line, more retailers will eye opportunities presented by augmented reality. Digital and physical are converging It’s no longer either or when it comes to online and offline. Savvy consumers want the best of both worlds, so in the near future, e-commerce gets physical with augmented reality while stores go digital. The death of the store has been greatly exaggerated. Instead, there will be a transformation of retail space. Customers still like the experience of in-person shopping, which combines entertainment and utility. A new breed of stores without walls will go beyond the confines of the physical space to create a blended experience where customers at the store can research products they see in person, order items that are out of stock in the store, or get location-targeted texts about items they have browsed online that are available in store. Shopping goes social Thanks to the expanded e-commerce capabilities of social platforms, social shopping is gaining wide-spread traction. Social shopping is the merging of social media and commerce, and it’s yet another channel for retailers, big or small, to build brand awareness, generate leads, and engage customers, as well as transact. From buy buttons to shoppable posts and stories, it’s time for retailers to get in on the action. Social networks give brands access to highly engaged audiences with high purchasing intent. Read more here.