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LIQUID AGENCY
A WHITEPAPER
ABOUT THE FUTURE
OF RETAIL FROM A
BRAND EXPERIENCE
PERSPECTIVE.
RETAILING:
IT’S A LOT LIKE
DATING.
2LIQUID AGENCY
Technology, mobility and social media, among other things, have
dramatically changed the retail landscape. But the future of retail
is bigger than flashy new technologies or the hyper-connected
Internet of Things. Success lies in giving consumers more than
what they've come to expect from the shopping process.
In this report, we explore the notion that brands and retailers
need to embrace the idea that retail is an opportunity to build
relationships by creating experiences that are relevant, intimate,
and fun. In other words, the future of retail is a lot like dating.
Relationships lead to transactions, and that is something that is
dear to the hearts of brands and retailers alike.
We hope you will enjoy this report. Let us know what you think.
Sincerely,
Alfredo Muccino
Chief Creative Officer
Liquid Agency
THE FUTURE
OF RETAIL IS A
LOT LIKE DATING.
3LIQUID AGENCY
The convergence of a new consumer
paradigm and overcrowded marketplace
has finally brought the (retail) industry to
the brink of fundamental change.
“
”
ROBIN LEWIS
THE ROBIN REPORT
4LIQUID AGENCY
Welcome to the new consumer paradigm.
Whether shopping with desktop, mobile, social or in-store,
the retail experience should be one that feels less like a
path to purchase and more like a first date that went really,
really well. So well that the customer is already thinking of
the 10th date—so well, that neither brand, nor customer,
can think of being with anyone else.
It means every digital tactic must be executed in the
pursuit of getting to know the consumer, so that every
message intrigues her, appreciates her, and continues to
draw her into a personalized brand experience—because
in the “future of retail,” it is all about the consumer.
Consumers make the rules and now have total access to
I WANT AN
EXPERIENCE.
I NEED STUFF.
RETAILERS/BRANDS
HAD THE POWER
SHOPPING
PLATFORM1 SHOPPING
PLATFORMS2+
FOCUS ON ACTUAL CURRENCY
CONSUMER
HAS THE POWER
FOCUS ON SOCIAL CURRENCY
STORE
INTEGRATED BRAND
EXPERIENCE
STORE
PLACE
==CONSUMERS
ARE MOVING
FROM WANTING
“STUFF” TO
WANTING AN
“EXPERIENCE”
VS.
“	Welcome to a new era of
marketing and services in
which your brand is defined
by those who experience it.”
BRIAN SOLIS
SOCIAL MEDIA EXPERT
whatever they want, wherever and whenever they want it.
The power has shifted away from retailers who long held
it—and now the ball is in the consumer’s court. Brands
and retailers are forced to play on the consumer’s terms
to be successful. And the more brands can understand,
connect and delight consumers instead of sell to them, the
more long-term success and sustainability they will enjoy.
No single factor led to this new consumer paradigm—
instead, many things collided to give more accessibility to
shoppers and to push retail into a new era. The greatest
insight from this collision? It will take much more than
access to win the hearts of consumers.
OLD MODEL NEW MODEL
5LIQUID AGENCY
To break it down further, think back to department
stores and catalogs—retailers controlled everything.
They set the time, place and parameters for consumers
to shop—and consumers, excited to have “stuff,” just
accepted what they got. They were at the whim of
manufacturers and retailers, restricted to physical store
hours or specific catalogue offerings. There was no
opportunity, or even vision, for digital tools that would
allow 24/7 shopping at any store in the world from any
device one might choose. But then along came the
Internet, and with it a plethora of new technologies,
that now allow consumers to cross physical and digital
platforms whenever and however they want. It’s given
consumers total accessibility, which yields heightened
expectations and has ultimately sparked a change in
mindset—from “I need stuff” to “I want an experience.”
This mindset ties into a larger shift in consumer values:
To achieve happiness and wellbeing, consumers now
look to experiences instead of stuff. The product is no
longer enough. As competition thickens, it takes more
than price, convenience, or selection to earn sales. In
the future of retail, it takes a fully integrated experience
to keep and sustain consumer attention.
Social currency is the new goal.
The experience needs to go beyond simply merging
physical and digital platforms. It needs to be integrated
at a personal level with the needs, wants, and lifestyle
of each individual consumer. Brands and retailers need
to strike an emotional and meaningful connection
throughout the shopping experience. The connection
should be so strong, consumers feel compelled to
come back for more and share the experience with
their community, which, thanks to social media, has
grown from what may have been 10 people before, to
hundreds and thousands of interconnected friends and
influencers throughout the world. To leverage these
connections, the smartest brands will find innovative
ways to build kinship among shoppers and will start
to focus less on actual currency and more on social
currency to maximize ROI.
SOCIAL MEDIA
AMPLIFIES THE
CONSUMER'S VOICE
ACROSS MANY
CHANNELS
6LIQUID AGENCY
Positive relationships lead to transactions.
Out of this new model, two truths emerge to help
guide successful retail strategies. The first, engaging
experiences help build relationships. And the second,
relationships lead to more and better transactions.
Improving the customer experience by just 10% can
yield more than $1 billion in additional revenue. An
understandable fact considering 86% of buyers will
pay more for a better experience. To stand out, the
experience needs to resonate on a deeper level and give
them something they cannot get anywhere else. It should
feel personal and go beyond consumption. It should
put customers at the center of a story that brings them
deeper into the brand and into the product.
RELATIONSHIPS
LEAD TO IMPROVED
BOTTOM LINE
Every four to eight weeks, STORY completely
reinvents itself and features a new theme,
trend, or issue through merchandise selection
and retail design. The store concept and its
ingredients change with the seasons and the
community­­—ranging from wellness, to men’s
essentials, to art; from pasta-making classes to
TED talks. It is a retail concept that goes beyond
consumption and serves as a matchmaker
between brands and consumers by integrating
strategists of marketing, merchandising, and
business development. On average, most new
retail concepts take about three years to turn
a profit. STORY was profitable in year one. Its
success has made STORY a media-darling,
attracting new customers, brands and partners.
Schechtman’s concept delivers on the idea
of consistent and creative collaboration and it
continues to evolve and grow each year.
STORY is a retail
space that has
the point of view
of a magazine,
changes like a
gallery, and sells
things like a store.
RACHEL
SCHECHTMAN
FOUNDER OF
STORY
Don’t think about
sales per square foot,
but experience per
square foot.
2
1ENGAGING
EXPERIENCES
HELP BUILD
RELATIONSHIPS
RELATIONSHIPS
LEAD TO MORE
& BETTER
TRANSACTIONS
RETAIL STUDY:
STORY NYC
7LIQUID AGENCY
Walk into the AT&T Flagship store on Michigan
Ave. in Chicago and you walk into a digital
playground where you can explore apps,
interact with new technology, enjoy local art,
and participate in various hands-on games.
Every initiative aims to educate customers
about the possibilities of AT&T services and
the future of wireless technology. “Customers
can touch, feel, and see how our latest devices
and apps will fit their lifestyles, whether they’re
interested in fitness or music, entertainment,
or family. You won’t find another store like
this anywhere else in the country,” says Paul
Roth, President of AT&T retail sales. It is a
strategy that puts interactivity, experience, and
education ahead of “selling.”
Connecting is crucial.
To connect with customers and differentiate from the
competition, brands need to create a space that is
authentic to the brand and that gives consumers the
meaningful experience they are looking for. The store,
whether online or not, is now another opportunity to
make connections, not just sell stuff.
RETAIL STUDY:
AT&T
AT&T built a space
that “educates” vs.
“sells.”
8LIQUID AGENCY
LOYAL CUSTOMERS
SPEND MORE THAN
NEW CUSTOMERS4
33%
50%RETAILERS THAT INVESTED IN
RELATIONSHIPS SAW THEIR SALES
INCREASE BY WITHOUT INCREASING
THEIR MARKETING BUDGET4
Meanwhile, 89% of consumers will jump straight into
the arms of a competitor when they have a negative
experience. With all the tools they need to play the field,
consumers can easily find the right product at the right
price. No longer must consumers accept a sub-par
shopping experience. As beholders of the power, they
can hold out for the right brand experience and the most
valuable relationship—even more reason to shift the
focus and invest in courting the customer.
The average cost of losing a customer is approximately
$300. To put that into perspective, JC Penney lost
1,000,000 customers in three months when they
altered the experience and relationship customers had
come to know, trust, and love. That’s a $300,000,000
loss in revenue during that period alone.
“	Consumers today seek
reciprocal relationships with
partners who ‘get’ them—who
are into the same things, who
speak their language, who
want similar outcomes in life,
and who are willing to be
invested in a relationship.
Retailers and brands should
seek meaningful encounters,
rather than just incenting cold,
one-time transactions.”
DEE WARMATH
RETAILING EXPERT
=
AVERAGE
COST $3003
LOSING ONE
CUSTOMER
CONSUMERS WHO ARE
EMOTIONALLY CONNECTED
WITH A RETAILER ARE MORE
LIKELY TO SHOP WITH THEM2
4x
OF CUSTOMERS
TEND TO SWITCH TO A
COMPETITOR’S BRAND1
BECAUSE OF
A NEGATIVE
EXPERIENCE
89%
NEW MODEL
Consumers are demanding more.
Consumers want engaging and rewarding experiences.
By embracing this “want” we have an opportunity to build
stronger and more meaningful relationships.
Consumers who feel an emotional connection to a retailer
are four times more likely to shop with them—the greater
the emotional connection, the stronger the relationship,
and the higher the earnings.
Loyal customers spend 33% more than new customers.
The more brands invest in long-term relationships, the
more loyalty they will earn, and the more social currency
they will build. That is, the more often consumers will
speak positively of the brand. In the Future of Retail, it
is social currency that will propel businesses forward
and increase ROI. Retailers who invest in relationships
and target conversations, increase their sales by 50%‚
without increasing their marketing budget. It’s a no brainer.
Brands and retailers need to learn what their customers
care about, then invest in building connections and
conversations that foster kinship, instead of advertising the
hell out of a product.
9LIQUID AGENCY
THANK HER.
INSPIRE HER TO
STAY CONNECTED.
INSPIRE HER
TO SHARE.
Hi
INTRODUCE HER
TO THE BRAND.
INVITE HER IN.
GET TO
KNOW HER.
LEARN WHAT
SHE LIKES.
I LIKE...
Old Path to purchase
New Path to relationship
ENTERTAIN HER.
SURPRISE HER.
AWARENESS
ENGAGEMENT
SELECT
PURCHASE
EXIT
CONSIDERATION
AMPLIFY
STORE ENTRANCE
NAVIGATE & FILTER
NEED ARISES
UNDERSTAND HER.
CONNECT WITH HER
ON A DEEPER LEVEL.
BUILD HER CONFIDENCE
AS SHE GETS READY TO
MAKE HER CHOICE.
ACCOMPLISH
ELIMINATE
BARRIERS
TO PURCHASE.
MAKE HER FEEL
SUCCESSFUL.
INSPIRE HER TO CONNECT
WITH YOUR BRAND.
GET HER
ATTENTION,
REASSURE HER.
BE HONEST WITH HER.
RELATIONSHIP
ESTABLISHED
OFFER HER A
SUPPORT
PLATFORM.
REINFORCE HER
ACCOMPLISHMENT.
REFRAIN FROM
PUSHING OR SELLING.
BE BETTER IN
THE FUTURE.
VALIDATE
BA
Let's evolve the notion of "path to purchase."
The new model of retail demands we think of the customer
journey in a new way—and the customer as separate from
his/her purchase. Whether there is a transaction or not,
the customer experience should feel less like a path to
purchase and more like a journey to relationship. Today’s
technology allows brands to court the customer like never
TAKE A LOOK
AT A FEW KEY
INDICATORS OF
THE OLD MODEL
VS. THE NEW
before. To learn what she likes and what she does not
like—share stories that inspire her and be there for her
when she needs something. It’s a lot less like selling, and
a lot more like dating. The retailer’s objective is no longer
to make a single sale, but instead, to ignite and foster a
long-term relationship.
10LIQUID AGENCY
Curating the
retail experience
to cater to a
specific customer
demographic.
The store concept (both online and in-store)
caters to a very specific shopper, they know
their customer well and they invest in creating
an experience that will resonate with her on
every level. President, Glen Senk says, “Our
customers are our friends, and what we do
is never, ever, ever about selling to them.”
Instead of strictly selling, Anthropologie inspires
and learns about its shoppers, and with that
deeper level of understanding, they curate
an experience she cares about and build a
relationship that is meaningful to her. While
other brands shell out marketing dollars,
Senk creates an experience that exceeds
expectations. He says, “We don't spend money
on messages­—we invest in execution.” A smart
philosophy that has shoppers swooning over
Anthropologie whether online or in-store.
Consumers expect to be courted, not sold to.
Every touch point along the consumer’s journey is an
opportunity to build a relationship. Where, when, how,
and how often brands interact with each customer
should be thoughtful and meaningful to her—and what
is said should give her exactly what she needs in the
moment. Get to know the customer and execute from
that insight, rather than blindly inserting fancy technology
and tactics that may end up hindering the experience.
It’s important to remember that, like dating, too many
calls are just as bad as too few.
RETAIL STUDY:
Anthropologie
11LIQUID AGENCY
Sephora’s Beauty Insider program makes
it fun and easy to purchase make-up and
learn expert applications and techniques.
The brand uses Kat Von D. as a spokesperson
to connect with make-up enthusiasts about
the latest trends and how to achieve them.
And the “VIB” club offers videos, coupons,
tips, and membership perks to help Sephora
build a lasting and valuable relationship with
customers. With over two million Facebook
fans and hundreds of thousands of Twitter
followers, Sephora has built a community
of engaged members by investing in
relationships.
Sephora builds
relationships
with loyalty perks
customers really
care about.
Sharing turns into shopping.
To go after the single sale and skimp on the
relationship is to miss out on an entire community of
customers and future transactions. The stronger the
relationship with the customer, the more likely she
is to spend her social currency on you. And when
she spends social currency on you, she amplifies
her experience and feeling to a community you may
otherwise never reach. All of that talking and sharing
turns into shopping, and then into sales.
RETAIL STUDY:
Sephora
12LIQUID AGENCY
A new economy demands a new approach.
It is bold to tell brands and retailers to make the purchase
secondary and invest in relationships first, but it also
makes good business sense. Because those relationships
build social currency, and social currency will pay off in
actual currency now and down the road.
“	We are evolving into a KINSHIP
ECONOMY in which the job of the
brand is to facilitate and foster
relationships and connections among
consumers. Brands need to offer
social currency that consumers can
spend with other consumers.”
J. WALKER SMITH
THE FUTURES COMPANY
74%
55%
OF SHOPPERS
SHARE
OF BRAND MARKETERS SAW AN
INCREASE IN WEBSITE TRAFFIC
AFTER INVESTING JUST 6 HOURS
PER WEEK ON SOCIAL MEDIA5
74%
OF CONSUMERS
RELY ON SOCIAL
NETWORKS TO
GUIDE THEIR
PURCHASING
DECISIONS5
THEIR PURCHASES ON
SOCIAL
NETWORKS5
BY 2015, BRANDS WILL GENERATE
50% OF THEIR REVENUE
THROUGH SOCIAL MEDIA5
INTEGRATING SOCIAL
MEDIA WITH THE
RETAIL EXPERIENCE
WILL BE INCREASINGLY
MORE IMPORTANT FOR
SUCCESS
13LIQUID AGENCY
Apple and Burberry
collaborated to
deliver on one
objective that would
bring engagement
and meaning to their
shared consumers.
Let's rethink the value chain.
In this kinship economy brands, retailers, and
manufacturers need to add value–and to add value,
they need to work together, not against each other.
To be successful in courting vs. selling, both retailer
and manufacturer need to put the consumer at
the center of every engagement strategy and
communication tactic. It means recognizing
that the long-standing power struggle between
retailers and manufacturers is over. It’s the power
of the consumer that matters. To meet consumer
demand, retailers and manufacturers need to
design a distribution process that centers around
the consumer, instead of each party’s individual
agenda. Robin Lewis says, “a better-managed,
high-tech-driven, transparent, seamlessly
integrated, rapid response and totally controlled
value chain, directly connected and instantaneously
responsive to consumers (in fact driven by
consumers), is a win-win twenty-first century
process.” Easier said than done. The value chain
needs to be entirely rethought. There is no choice
but for retailers and manufacturers to co-conspire
in service to a shared objective. Collaborate to bring
every customer the experience she wants, when
she wants it. Then foster a relationship that brings
value to HER.
When apple was days away from launching
the iPhone 5S, they teamed up with Burberry
to capture and stream the highly anticipated
Burberry fall fashion show. The partnership
connected consumers all over the world
around the latest in fashion and technology at
once. Consumer’s minds were opened to a
heightened experience made possible by
both brands.
ANGELA
AHRENDTS
BURBERRY CEO
An average consumer
has now been enabled to create
some of the most brilliant content…
so we thought it was just incredibly
revolutionary and how could we not
help do something innovative on
using the runway?
RETAIL STUDY:
Apple & Burberry
14LIQUID AGENCY
1. GET NOTICED
You can’t start a relationship if you’re
a wallflower. Go from bland to brand.
Stand out from the rest.
5. SURPRISE HER
Keep her engaged with something
unexpected—something that invites
her back again and again.
6. STAY CONNECTED
Thoughtful notes, updates and
conversations let her know you’re
thinking of her, even when she
isn’t buying something.
7. DON’T OVER DO IT
Yes, technology is great.
But just because you can,
doesn’t mean you should.
8. BE NICE TO HER FRIENDS
The opinion of her community goes
a long way—and can make or break
your success in the ned.
9. REMEMBER: IT’S NOT ALL ABOUT YOU
In this new era of retailing,
the consumer has the power.
And it’s all about her.
2. BE HONEST
Stay true to your brand personality.
If it feels forced to you, odds are it
feels forced to your customer too.
3. GET TO KNOW HER
Sophisticated digital tools mean
you don’t have to assume what she
wants. Use them the right way to
ensure you understand her needs
and wants.
4. GIVE HER SOMETHING SPECIAL
Give her something she can’t
get somewhere else. Resist the
temptation to follow the crowd.
What’s right for one brand, may
not be right for you. Find what
makes you unique and use it.
A FEW TIPS FOR BUILDING A
MEANINGFUL, LONG-TERM RELATIONSHIP
WITH YOUR CUSTOMER
Here are a few tips.
When the perspective shifts from selling to courting–the
brand experience comes to life, consumers’ hearts
are won, social currency is earned, and more products
are sold. In this new model, brands, retailers, and
manufacturers must first create an experience true
and meaningful to the consumer, then master the art
of dating to secure long-term relationships. Whether
a brand, retailer, or manufacturer, take a look at these
tips for courting your customer.
IN THIS JOURNEY TO A
RELATIONSHIP, IT'S ABOUT
COURTING YOUR CUSTOMER,
NOT SELLING TO THEM
15LIQUID AGENCY
We're a Brand Experience agency. We develop holistic brand
experiences that help propel business forward. We do this by
working with our clients in a highly collaborative way that embraces
experimentation, curiosity and big thinking.
Approach
We got our start in Silicon Valley—a place that has
taught us to embrace innovation and inspired us
to develop new methodologies and new tools. We
call our approach Silicon Valley Thinking. More
than just a new buzzword, Silicon Valley Thinking
blends strategy, creativity and technology to create
solutions that are more agile, innovative, efficient
and effective.
Services
Starting with brand at the core, our services
address the brand experience opportunities across
key internal and external touch points. Our core
strategic services are designed to help companies
define and articulate the brand's purpose, structure
and differentiation. From there, we focus on key
experience touch points that include customer
interactions, employee cultures, as well as product
and service experiences.
Projects
We've helped our clients launch new brands, or
refresh brands that need to be infused with new
energy. We also work with companies to create
employee cultures that foster innovation and
collaboration. We help design new products and
service experiences; create packaging systems;
craft retail merchandising solutions; develop
sophisticated digital experiences; and design
physical environments such as museums, trade
show exhibits, and corporate offices. What is
important is that regardless of what we're doing
for our clients, we approach the work with the goal
of creating amazing brand experiences. Because
that’s how you build amazing brands.
If you’d like to learn more about us, please visit:
liquidagency.com
ABOUT LIQUID
16LIQUID AGENCY
If you’re interested in learning more about Liquid and how we
could help you gain a competitive advantage, please feel free to
contact our team members below.
WE'D LOVE TO
HEAR FROM YOU
Scott Gardner
CEO and President
T	408.781.2729
E	scott@liquidagency.com
Alfredo Muccino
Chief Creative Officer
T	408.781.2717
E	alfredo@liquidagency.com
Dennis Hahn
Chief Strategy Officer
T	408.504.2323
E	dennis@liquidagency.com
Katie Wagner
Director of Client Planning
T	503.535.7614
E	katie@liquidagency.com
Marty Neumeier
Director of Transformation
T	650.327.2066
E	marty@liquidagency.com

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Whitepaper: The future of retail.

  • 1. LIQUID AGENCY A WHITEPAPER ABOUT THE FUTURE OF RETAIL FROM A BRAND EXPERIENCE PERSPECTIVE. RETAILING: IT’S A LOT LIKE DATING.
  • 2. 2LIQUID AGENCY Technology, mobility and social media, among other things, have dramatically changed the retail landscape. But the future of retail is bigger than flashy new technologies or the hyper-connected Internet of Things. Success lies in giving consumers more than what they've come to expect from the shopping process. In this report, we explore the notion that brands and retailers need to embrace the idea that retail is an opportunity to build relationships by creating experiences that are relevant, intimate, and fun. In other words, the future of retail is a lot like dating. Relationships lead to transactions, and that is something that is dear to the hearts of brands and retailers alike. We hope you will enjoy this report. Let us know what you think. Sincerely, Alfredo Muccino Chief Creative Officer Liquid Agency THE FUTURE OF RETAIL IS A LOT LIKE DATING.
  • 3. 3LIQUID AGENCY The convergence of a new consumer paradigm and overcrowded marketplace has finally brought the (retail) industry to the brink of fundamental change. “ ” ROBIN LEWIS THE ROBIN REPORT
  • 4. 4LIQUID AGENCY Welcome to the new consumer paradigm. Whether shopping with desktop, mobile, social or in-store, the retail experience should be one that feels less like a path to purchase and more like a first date that went really, really well. So well that the customer is already thinking of the 10th date—so well, that neither brand, nor customer, can think of being with anyone else. It means every digital tactic must be executed in the pursuit of getting to know the consumer, so that every message intrigues her, appreciates her, and continues to draw her into a personalized brand experience—because in the “future of retail,” it is all about the consumer. Consumers make the rules and now have total access to I WANT AN EXPERIENCE. I NEED STUFF. RETAILERS/BRANDS HAD THE POWER SHOPPING PLATFORM1 SHOPPING PLATFORMS2+ FOCUS ON ACTUAL CURRENCY CONSUMER HAS THE POWER FOCUS ON SOCIAL CURRENCY STORE INTEGRATED BRAND EXPERIENCE STORE PLACE ==CONSUMERS ARE MOVING FROM WANTING “STUFF” TO WANTING AN “EXPERIENCE” VS. “ Welcome to a new era of marketing and services in which your brand is defined by those who experience it.” BRIAN SOLIS SOCIAL MEDIA EXPERT whatever they want, wherever and whenever they want it. The power has shifted away from retailers who long held it—and now the ball is in the consumer’s court. Brands and retailers are forced to play on the consumer’s terms to be successful. And the more brands can understand, connect and delight consumers instead of sell to them, the more long-term success and sustainability they will enjoy. No single factor led to this new consumer paradigm— instead, many things collided to give more accessibility to shoppers and to push retail into a new era. The greatest insight from this collision? It will take much more than access to win the hearts of consumers. OLD MODEL NEW MODEL
  • 5. 5LIQUID AGENCY To break it down further, think back to department stores and catalogs—retailers controlled everything. They set the time, place and parameters for consumers to shop—and consumers, excited to have “stuff,” just accepted what they got. They were at the whim of manufacturers and retailers, restricted to physical store hours or specific catalogue offerings. There was no opportunity, or even vision, for digital tools that would allow 24/7 shopping at any store in the world from any device one might choose. But then along came the Internet, and with it a plethora of new technologies, that now allow consumers to cross physical and digital platforms whenever and however they want. It’s given consumers total accessibility, which yields heightened expectations and has ultimately sparked a change in mindset—from “I need stuff” to “I want an experience.” This mindset ties into a larger shift in consumer values: To achieve happiness and wellbeing, consumers now look to experiences instead of stuff. The product is no longer enough. As competition thickens, it takes more than price, convenience, or selection to earn sales. In the future of retail, it takes a fully integrated experience to keep and sustain consumer attention. Social currency is the new goal. The experience needs to go beyond simply merging physical and digital platforms. It needs to be integrated at a personal level with the needs, wants, and lifestyle of each individual consumer. Brands and retailers need to strike an emotional and meaningful connection throughout the shopping experience. The connection should be so strong, consumers feel compelled to come back for more and share the experience with their community, which, thanks to social media, has grown from what may have been 10 people before, to hundreds and thousands of interconnected friends and influencers throughout the world. To leverage these connections, the smartest brands will find innovative ways to build kinship among shoppers and will start to focus less on actual currency and more on social currency to maximize ROI. SOCIAL MEDIA AMPLIFIES THE CONSUMER'S VOICE ACROSS MANY CHANNELS
  • 6. 6LIQUID AGENCY Positive relationships lead to transactions. Out of this new model, two truths emerge to help guide successful retail strategies. The first, engaging experiences help build relationships. And the second, relationships lead to more and better transactions. Improving the customer experience by just 10% can yield more than $1 billion in additional revenue. An understandable fact considering 86% of buyers will pay more for a better experience. To stand out, the experience needs to resonate on a deeper level and give them something they cannot get anywhere else. It should feel personal and go beyond consumption. It should put customers at the center of a story that brings them deeper into the brand and into the product. RELATIONSHIPS LEAD TO IMPROVED BOTTOM LINE Every four to eight weeks, STORY completely reinvents itself and features a new theme, trend, or issue through merchandise selection and retail design. The store concept and its ingredients change with the seasons and the community­­—ranging from wellness, to men’s essentials, to art; from pasta-making classes to TED talks. It is a retail concept that goes beyond consumption and serves as a matchmaker between brands and consumers by integrating strategists of marketing, merchandising, and business development. On average, most new retail concepts take about three years to turn a profit. STORY was profitable in year one. Its success has made STORY a media-darling, attracting new customers, brands and partners. Schechtman’s concept delivers on the idea of consistent and creative collaboration and it continues to evolve and grow each year. STORY is a retail space that has the point of view of a magazine, changes like a gallery, and sells things like a store. RACHEL SCHECHTMAN FOUNDER OF STORY Don’t think about sales per square foot, but experience per square foot. 2 1ENGAGING EXPERIENCES HELP BUILD RELATIONSHIPS RELATIONSHIPS LEAD TO MORE & BETTER TRANSACTIONS RETAIL STUDY: STORY NYC
  • 7. 7LIQUID AGENCY Walk into the AT&T Flagship store on Michigan Ave. in Chicago and you walk into a digital playground where you can explore apps, interact with new technology, enjoy local art, and participate in various hands-on games. Every initiative aims to educate customers about the possibilities of AT&T services and the future of wireless technology. “Customers can touch, feel, and see how our latest devices and apps will fit their lifestyles, whether they’re interested in fitness or music, entertainment, or family. You won’t find another store like this anywhere else in the country,” says Paul Roth, President of AT&T retail sales. It is a strategy that puts interactivity, experience, and education ahead of “selling.” Connecting is crucial. To connect with customers and differentiate from the competition, brands need to create a space that is authentic to the brand and that gives consumers the meaningful experience they are looking for. The store, whether online or not, is now another opportunity to make connections, not just sell stuff. RETAIL STUDY: AT&T AT&T built a space that “educates” vs. “sells.”
  • 8. 8LIQUID AGENCY LOYAL CUSTOMERS SPEND MORE THAN NEW CUSTOMERS4 33% 50%RETAILERS THAT INVESTED IN RELATIONSHIPS SAW THEIR SALES INCREASE BY WITHOUT INCREASING THEIR MARKETING BUDGET4 Meanwhile, 89% of consumers will jump straight into the arms of a competitor when they have a negative experience. With all the tools they need to play the field, consumers can easily find the right product at the right price. No longer must consumers accept a sub-par shopping experience. As beholders of the power, they can hold out for the right brand experience and the most valuable relationship—even more reason to shift the focus and invest in courting the customer. The average cost of losing a customer is approximately $300. To put that into perspective, JC Penney lost 1,000,000 customers in three months when they altered the experience and relationship customers had come to know, trust, and love. That’s a $300,000,000 loss in revenue during that period alone. “ Consumers today seek reciprocal relationships with partners who ‘get’ them—who are into the same things, who speak their language, who want similar outcomes in life, and who are willing to be invested in a relationship. Retailers and brands should seek meaningful encounters, rather than just incenting cold, one-time transactions.” DEE WARMATH RETAILING EXPERT = AVERAGE COST $3003 LOSING ONE CUSTOMER CONSUMERS WHO ARE EMOTIONALLY CONNECTED WITH A RETAILER ARE MORE LIKELY TO SHOP WITH THEM2 4x OF CUSTOMERS TEND TO SWITCH TO A COMPETITOR’S BRAND1 BECAUSE OF A NEGATIVE EXPERIENCE 89% NEW MODEL Consumers are demanding more. Consumers want engaging and rewarding experiences. By embracing this “want” we have an opportunity to build stronger and more meaningful relationships. Consumers who feel an emotional connection to a retailer are four times more likely to shop with them—the greater the emotional connection, the stronger the relationship, and the higher the earnings. Loyal customers spend 33% more than new customers. The more brands invest in long-term relationships, the more loyalty they will earn, and the more social currency they will build. That is, the more often consumers will speak positively of the brand. In the Future of Retail, it is social currency that will propel businesses forward and increase ROI. Retailers who invest in relationships and target conversations, increase their sales by 50%‚ without increasing their marketing budget. It’s a no brainer. Brands and retailers need to learn what their customers care about, then invest in building connections and conversations that foster kinship, instead of advertising the hell out of a product.
  • 9. 9LIQUID AGENCY THANK HER. INSPIRE HER TO STAY CONNECTED. INSPIRE HER TO SHARE. Hi INTRODUCE HER TO THE BRAND. INVITE HER IN. GET TO KNOW HER. LEARN WHAT SHE LIKES. I LIKE... Old Path to purchase New Path to relationship ENTERTAIN HER. SURPRISE HER. AWARENESS ENGAGEMENT SELECT PURCHASE EXIT CONSIDERATION AMPLIFY STORE ENTRANCE NAVIGATE & FILTER NEED ARISES UNDERSTAND HER. CONNECT WITH HER ON A DEEPER LEVEL. BUILD HER CONFIDENCE AS SHE GETS READY TO MAKE HER CHOICE. ACCOMPLISH ELIMINATE BARRIERS TO PURCHASE. MAKE HER FEEL SUCCESSFUL. INSPIRE HER TO CONNECT WITH YOUR BRAND. GET HER ATTENTION, REASSURE HER. BE HONEST WITH HER. RELATIONSHIP ESTABLISHED OFFER HER A SUPPORT PLATFORM. REINFORCE HER ACCOMPLISHMENT. REFRAIN FROM PUSHING OR SELLING. BE BETTER IN THE FUTURE. VALIDATE BA Let's evolve the notion of "path to purchase." The new model of retail demands we think of the customer journey in a new way—and the customer as separate from his/her purchase. Whether there is a transaction or not, the customer experience should feel less like a path to purchase and more like a journey to relationship. Today’s technology allows brands to court the customer like never TAKE A LOOK AT A FEW KEY INDICATORS OF THE OLD MODEL VS. THE NEW before. To learn what she likes and what she does not like—share stories that inspire her and be there for her when she needs something. It’s a lot less like selling, and a lot more like dating. The retailer’s objective is no longer to make a single sale, but instead, to ignite and foster a long-term relationship.
  • 10. 10LIQUID AGENCY Curating the retail experience to cater to a specific customer demographic. The store concept (both online and in-store) caters to a very specific shopper, they know their customer well and they invest in creating an experience that will resonate with her on every level. President, Glen Senk says, “Our customers are our friends, and what we do is never, ever, ever about selling to them.” Instead of strictly selling, Anthropologie inspires and learns about its shoppers, and with that deeper level of understanding, they curate an experience she cares about and build a relationship that is meaningful to her. While other brands shell out marketing dollars, Senk creates an experience that exceeds expectations. He says, “We don't spend money on messages­—we invest in execution.” A smart philosophy that has shoppers swooning over Anthropologie whether online or in-store. Consumers expect to be courted, not sold to. Every touch point along the consumer’s journey is an opportunity to build a relationship. Where, when, how, and how often brands interact with each customer should be thoughtful and meaningful to her—and what is said should give her exactly what she needs in the moment. Get to know the customer and execute from that insight, rather than blindly inserting fancy technology and tactics that may end up hindering the experience. It’s important to remember that, like dating, too many calls are just as bad as too few. RETAIL STUDY: Anthropologie
  • 11. 11LIQUID AGENCY Sephora’s Beauty Insider program makes it fun and easy to purchase make-up and learn expert applications and techniques. The brand uses Kat Von D. as a spokesperson to connect with make-up enthusiasts about the latest trends and how to achieve them. And the “VIB” club offers videos, coupons, tips, and membership perks to help Sephora build a lasting and valuable relationship with customers. With over two million Facebook fans and hundreds of thousands of Twitter followers, Sephora has built a community of engaged members by investing in relationships. Sephora builds relationships with loyalty perks customers really care about. Sharing turns into shopping. To go after the single sale and skimp on the relationship is to miss out on an entire community of customers and future transactions. The stronger the relationship with the customer, the more likely she is to spend her social currency on you. And when she spends social currency on you, she amplifies her experience and feeling to a community you may otherwise never reach. All of that talking and sharing turns into shopping, and then into sales. RETAIL STUDY: Sephora
  • 12. 12LIQUID AGENCY A new economy demands a new approach. It is bold to tell brands and retailers to make the purchase secondary and invest in relationships first, but it also makes good business sense. Because those relationships build social currency, and social currency will pay off in actual currency now and down the road. “ We are evolving into a KINSHIP ECONOMY in which the job of the brand is to facilitate and foster relationships and connections among consumers. Brands need to offer social currency that consumers can spend with other consumers.” J. WALKER SMITH THE FUTURES COMPANY 74% 55% OF SHOPPERS SHARE OF BRAND MARKETERS SAW AN INCREASE IN WEBSITE TRAFFIC AFTER INVESTING JUST 6 HOURS PER WEEK ON SOCIAL MEDIA5 74% OF CONSUMERS RELY ON SOCIAL NETWORKS TO GUIDE THEIR PURCHASING DECISIONS5 THEIR PURCHASES ON SOCIAL NETWORKS5 BY 2015, BRANDS WILL GENERATE 50% OF THEIR REVENUE THROUGH SOCIAL MEDIA5 INTEGRATING SOCIAL MEDIA WITH THE RETAIL EXPERIENCE WILL BE INCREASINGLY MORE IMPORTANT FOR SUCCESS
  • 13. 13LIQUID AGENCY Apple and Burberry collaborated to deliver on one objective that would bring engagement and meaning to their shared consumers. Let's rethink the value chain. In this kinship economy brands, retailers, and manufacturers need to add value–and to add value, they need to work together, not against each other. To be successful in courting vs. selling, both retailer and manufacturer need to put the consumer at the center of every engagement strategy and communication tactic. It means recognizing that the long-standing power struggle between retailers and manufacturers is over. It’s the power of the consumer that matters. To meet consumer demand, retailers and manufacturers need to design a distribution process that centers around the consumer, instead of each party’s individual agenda. Robin Lewis says, “a better-managed, high-tech-driven, transparent, seamlessly integrated, rapid response and totally controlled value chain, directly connected and instantaneously responsive to consumers (in fact driven by consumers), is a win-win twenty-first century process.” Easier said than done. The value chain needs to be entirely rethought. There is no choice but for retailers and manufacturers to co-conspire in service to a shared objective. Collaborate to bring every customer the experience she wants, when she wants it. Then foster a relationship that brings value to HER. When apple was days away from launching the iPhone 5S, they teamed up with Burberry to capture and stream the highly anticipated Burberry fall fashion show. The partnership connected consumers all over the world around the latest in fashion and technology at once. Consumer’s minds were opened to a heightened experience made possible by both brands. ANGELA AHRENDTS BURBERRY CEO An average consumer has now been enabled to create some of the most brilliant content… so we thought it was just incredibly revolutionary and how could we not help do something innovative on using the runway? RETAIL STUDY: Apple & Burberry
  • 14. 14LIQUID AGENCY 1. GET NOTICED You can’t start a relationship if you’re a wallflower. Go from bland to brand. Stand out from the rest. 5. SURPRISE HER Keep her engaged with something unexpected—something that invites her back again and again. 6. STAY CONNECTED Thoughtful notes, updates and conversations let her know you’re thinking of her, even when she isn’t buying something. 7. DON’T OVER DO IT Yes, technology is great. But just because you can, doesn’t mean you should. 8. BE NICE TO HER FRIENDS The opinion of her community goes a long way—and can make or break your success in the ned. 9. REMEMBER: IT’S NOT ALL ABOUT YOU In this new era of retailing, the consumer has the power. And it’s all about her. 2. BE HONEST Stay true to your brand personality. If it feels forced to you, odds are it feels forced to your customer too. 3. GET TO KNOW HER Sophisticated digital tools mean you don’t have to assume what she wants. Use them the right way to ensure you understand her needs and wants. 4. GIVE HER SOMETHING SPECIAL Give her something she can’t get somewhere else. Resist the temptation to follow the crowd. What’s right for one brand, may not be right for you. Find what makes you unique and use it. A FEW TIPS FOR BUILDING A MEANINGFUL, LONG-TERM RELATIONSHIP WITH YOUR CUSTOMER Here are a few tips. When the perspective shifts from selling to courting–the brand experience comes to life, consumers’ hearts are won, social currency is earned, and more products are sold. In this new model, brands, retailers, and manufacturers must first create an experience true and meaningful to the consumer, then master the art of dating to secure long-term relationships. Whether a brand, retailer, or manufacturer, take a look at these tips for courting your customer. IN THIS JOURNEY TO A RELATIONSHIP, IT'S ABOUT COURTING YOUR CUSTOMER, NOT SELLING TO THEM
  • 15. 15LIQUID AGENCY We're a Brand Experience agency. We develop holistic brand experiences that help propel business forward. We do this by working with our clients in a highly collaborative way that embraces experimentation, curiosity and big thinking. Approach We got our start in Silicon Valley—a place that has taught us to embrace innovation and inspired us to develop new methodologies and new tools. We call our approach Silicon Valley Thinking. More than just a new buzzword, Silicon Valley Thinking blends strategy, creativity and technology to create solutions that are more agile, innovative, efficient and effective. Services Starting with brand at the core, our services address the brand experience opportunities across key internal and external touch points. Our core strategic services are designed to help companies define and articulate the brand's purpose, structure and differentiation. From there, we focus on key experience touch points that include customer interactions, employee cultures, as well as product and service experiences. Projects We've helped our clients launch new brands, or refresh brands that need to be infused with new energy. We also work with companies to create employee cultures that foster innovation and collaboration. We help design new products and service experiences; create packaging systems; craft retail merchandising solutions; develop sophisticated digital experiences; and design physical environments such as museums, trade show exhibits, and corporate offices. What is important is that regardless of what we're doing for our clients, we approach the work with the goal of creating amazing brand experiences. Because that’s how you build amazing brands. If you’d like to learn more about us, please visit: liquidagency.com ABOUT LIQUID
  • 16. 16LIQUID AGENCY If you’re interested in learning more about Liquid and how we could help you gain a competitive advantage, please feel free to contact our team members below. WE'D LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU Scott Gardner CEO and President T 408.781.2729 E scott@liquidagency.com Alfredo Muccino Chief Creative Officer T 408.781.2717 E alfredo@liquidagency.com Dennis Hahn Chief Strategy Officer T 408.504.2323 E dennis@liquidagency.com Katie Wagner Director of Client Planning T 503.535.7614 E katie@liquidagency.com Marty Neumeier Director of Transformation T 650.327.2066 E marty@liquidagency.com