12 Retail Trends and Predictions.

We saw more merchants venture into omnichannel retailing and try in-store marketing solutions such as beacons to enrich the shopping experience. This year, we anticipate stores to double down on these strategies and continue to find ways to bridge the gap between offline and digital channels.

In addition, we expect platforms such as social media and mobile to play bigger roles in people's shopping experiences.

Many retailers leveraged social to engage users and influence their merchandising decisions this year, but in 2015, we’re anticipating companies to go beyond that and use social not just to showcase products, but to actually sell them.

The same goes for mobile. Companies won’t just use the small screen to “get in front” of customers (i.e. through geo-fencing and mobile-enabled sites). In 2015, retailers will step up their efforts by incorporating mobile into other parts of the customer journey, including order fulfillment, payments, and loyalty.

We discuss these trends—among many others—in more detail below. Read through the following predictions by Vend

CPG Marketers, Make Room For Gen Z

Generation Z has officially entered the workforce.If you've previously dismissed them as too young to focus your marketing efforts on, it’s time to shift your attention. Not only do they have their own money to spend (a reported $44 million) but they also heavily influence the households they live in. You can no longer afford to ignore them.

Who is Gen Z? If you’re thinking they’re just a younger version of Millennials, think again.

Read this interesting article here

Snacking Habits Of Millennial Parents Are Shaping The Category For Future Generations

The definition of snacking is continuously evolving; it is no longer constrained to just moments of Snack Attack, snacking will grow to be a $375 billion worldwide industry. There are many reasons people snack, but globally, two themes are prominent.
indulgence. According to Nielsen’s most recent global survey on the topic,

1. Enjoyment. 75% of the world consumes snacks to satisfy hunger or cravings in between meals.
2. Nutrition. 63% of the world’s consumers snack for nutritional reasons.

Brad Hana, an expert in consumer packaged goods, has studied the industry and has noticed similar trends emerging among a millennial audience that align with the Nielson findings. Millennial Mindset consumers are now shifting their mindset towards snacking for the purpose of healthy, mindful eating.

Read more here