Retail

Changing consumer habits creates a slew of challenges for distribution professionals

Consumer habits have changed considerably in recent years, with the boom in e-commerce, curbside pickup, and commerce 2.0 trends coupled with a drive for more responsible consumption.

Data and technology are facilitating new types of distribution and service

In its early years, online shopping was particularly popular for certain types of products. More recently, it has expanded to all goods and consumables with no exceptions. Distribution professionals are increasingly creating digital ecosystems. All brands are striving to combine the best of both worlds. Some are using artificial intelligence or self-service scanners to enhance the consumer experience.

Reinventing the customer experience to meet expectations for more local, responsible consumption

Increased competition from online retailers and the instant gratification of online shopping are pushing distributors to rethink the consumer experience at their sales locations. Distributors are drawing on technologies like robotics, the Internet of Things (IoT), and artificial intelligence to invent new services and develop a truly omnichannel experience.

Some distributors are responding to a growing preference among consumers and society for more local, eco-friendly consumption. This has been achieved by developing short supply chains, while others are promoting more responsible consumption that supports local producers.

Enhancing customer knowledge with data

Distribution professionals are keenly aware of the need to know and understand their customers better. Data collection and processing are crucial to achieving that goal. An analytical, data-centric approach can be used to develop customer knowledge by analyzing customer clickstreams, traffic and purchasing habits, customer segmentation, and more. The challenge for the future is using all the data collected, mainly through loyalty programs, to personalize offers and messages for consumers and increase their satisfaction and brand preference and store loyalty.

Distribution professionals with a genuine commitment to more sustainable, more eco-friendly consumption will need to transition to Net Zero Retail. That means accelerating their efforts to decarbonize their operations, products, and supply chain.

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How do we serve distribution professionals?

LSA is the leading information and data platform for French retail professionals

LSA

Our content offer is produced daily by the LSA editorial team and a team of experts who analyze and explain the impact of technologies, brand strategies, product innovations, and changing consumer behavior for our subscribers. LSA content is available 24/7 on our digital (mobile, web, and newsletter) and print platforms. LSA also creates and publishes data services and exclusive databases (store networks, brand statistics, database of purchasers and decision-makers, etc.) that enable users to identify business opportunities, prospect effectively, and carry out competitive intelligence. In addition to its information and data services, LSA hosts retail community events throughout the year, with a selection of professional conferences and community business and networking events.

Connecting purchasers and manufacturers to facilitate sourcing and distribution for the gardening industry

The JdC Garden Trends tradeshow

JdC Garden Trends is the leading gardening distribution tradeshow, bringing purchasers and suppliers from the entire industry together in a single location. JdC Garden Trends draws 380 exhibitors and 1,300 purchasers from France and the rest of Europe, who come to place orders and reference the products they discover. The event also sparks dialog and builds relationships, both in person and online. JdC Garden Trends features a range of social events and opportunities for informal conversations between exhibitors and purchasers. The JdC digital platform connects purchasers and manufacturers ahead of the event and is a great sourcing resource thanks to its detailed product database.

Encouraging franchise businesses by connecting franchisors and franchise applicants

Toute La Franchise

Toute-la-Franchise.com is the leading French networking site for franchisors and aspiring franchisees. Franchisors and brand developers can showcase their brands on the site’s reference portal to boost their visibility and attract potential franchisees. The platform covers all the latest general news on franchising as well as industry-specific news on its dedicated sites. A UK version of the site is available under the pointfranchise.co.uk brand.

Industry

Construction & Public Sector