J. Walter Thompson’s Innovation Group is partnering with Women's Wear Daily for the first time to create an exclusive global report exploring the future of retail. The groundbreaking report, co-created by The Innovation Group, which powers agency insights and forecasting content via JWT Intelligence, and the Penske Media-owned WWD, features original consumer data for the US, UK and China markets and will be unveiled at WWD’s Retail 20/20 Summit in June. The study, titled “Frontier(less) Retail,” will feature exclusive, original consumer data for the US, UK and China markets, emerging trends, experience innovation, analysis and forecasting relating to new retail landscapes—and the challenges they pose.
Frontier(less) Retail will examine how technology is rapidly transforming everything from payment and distribution systems to retail experience in-store and online. It will feature a deep dive into the Chinese market, including trends and original consumer data. It will also feature nationally representative original data on US and UK consumers and their attitudes and behaviours around retail. The report will explore innovation in experiential retail, payments, shipping and cognitive commerce, with take-outs for retailers and brands alike.
“Consumer behaviour shifts related to brand expectations, combined with tech advances, are completely reshaping retail” Lucie Green, Worldwide Director of the J. Walter Thompson Innovation Group
Lucie Greene, Worldwide Director of the J. Walter Thompson Innovation Group, said: “We’re excited to deliver to the WWD audience a comprehensive look at the rapid technology-related shifts in retail and how they will impact everything from channel access to shipping and purchasing platforms. Style and fashion are only one part of the story when it comes to retail. Consumer behaviour shifts related to brand expectations and experiences, combined with tech advances, are completely reshaping retail. This report will provide a telling glimpse into the future.” Ed Nardoza, Editor-in-Chief of WWD, added: “These are the most transformative times we’ve seen in decades. As the industry’s primary forum for news and ideas, WWD is pleased to be working with J. Walter Thompson’s Innovation Group to bring clarity and definition to this fast-moving consumer and rapidly evolving marketplace.”
Greene will present the report’s key findings at the WWD Retail 20/20 Forum on June 14 in New York. A preview of the report will be available during WWD’s Footwear News Summit on June 6. The industry meeting, themed around “The Futurists: Leading in Challenging Times,” draws fashion and industry retail leaders from around the globe. The report examines the attitudes and behaviours of 3,000 adults, focusing on commerce, social networks and shopping. The Innovation Group leveraged data insights and visualisations from J. Walter Thompson’s proprietary SONAR global consumer survey data unit. WWD helped formulate some of the study questions in order to provide specific solutions for its audience.
