With the arrival of 2025, global consumer trends are shaping up to be a crucial factor for business strategies, especially at the point of sale. According to the report published by Euromonitor International, consumers are adopting increasingly complex behaviors, driven by technological advances, sustainability and personalized experiences. These trends not only redefine shoppers’ expectations, but also create new opportunities and challenges for retailers.
In this article, we will discuss how these trends directly impact the point of sale and how companies can adapt to capture the attention of consumers in this constantly evolving environment.
The importance of consumer trends at the point of sale
The point of sale remains a fundamental pillar in the interaction between brands and consumers, despite the rise of e-commerce. According to Euromonitor, by 2025, point-of-sale experiences will play a key role in building customer loyalty and differentiating against the competition.
Some highlights from the report include:
Personalization and technology: Consumers are expected to place a higher value on personalized experiences, from product recommendations to automated payments.
Sustainability: Global consumers prefer to shop at stores that demonstrate a real commitment to sustainable practices, such as eliminating plastic packaging or promoting local products.
Merging digital and physical: The concept of phygital (merging physical and digital) will continue to grow, consumers interacting with technologies such as livestreaming, touch screens, augmented reality or QR codes in stores.
Key global trends impacting the point of sale
1. The rise of the hyper-connected consumer
Euromonitor’s report highlights consumers use mobile devices while shopping in physical stores. This trend drives the need for points of sale that integrate digital experiences, such as apps that allow price comparisons, track promotions or even interact with products through augmented reality.
Point-of-Sale Implication:
Implement free and accessible Wi-Fi to encourage digital interaction.Offer loyalty apps that include exclusive discounts and real-time personalized notifications.
2. Sustainability as a decisive factor
The study highlights that consumers prioritize brands committed to sustainability, such as those that offer eco-certified products or promote recycling at the point of sale.
Practical example:
According to American Retail, stores in Colombia such as IKEA have integrated spaces in their points of sale for the collection of used products, aligning with the preference of conscious consumers. This strategy not only reinforces the sustainable commitment, but also increases the positive perception of the brand.
3. Immersive experiences at the point of sale
The report notes global consumers are looking for immersive experiences in physical stores. This includes the use of augmented reality to virtually test products, as well as the creation of environments that stimulate the senses, such as music, customized lighting and pleasant aromas.
Recommended strategies:
Incorporate interactive zones where customers can test products or experience their functionality hands-on.
Use augmented reality technology to offer simulations on products such as furniture, clothing or makeup.
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Integrating phygital commerce
Combining digital and physical will continue to be a priority. The phygital concept is designed to connect e-commerce with the in-store experience, providing the best of both worlds. According to Euromonitor:
Consumers expect physical stores to offer digital tools, such as tablets to check inventory or pay contactless.
Retail outlets that integrate click-and-collect services will growth in customer satisfaction.
Key facts for businesses
Some statistics from the report that highlight the importance of adapting to these trends include:
– Shoppers say the design and layout of the point of sale influences their purchase decision.
– Consumers plan to spend on experiences rather than material goods, highlighting the importance of providing engaging in-store environments.
How to apply these trends at the point of sale?
Physical space optimization:
Designing more open and flexible spaces to facilitate customer interaction with products and technology. The concept of livestreaming will gain a lot of momentum.
Promoting sustainable values:
Implement recycling programs or incentives for the use of reusable packaging.
Staff training:
Train employees to use digital tools and deliver personalized experiences.
Is your business ready to integrate these trends at the point of sale?
Global consumer trends in 2025, such as personalization, sustainability and phygital approach, will redefine the way brands interact with customers at the point of sale. To stay relevant, companies must adopt strategies that merge technology with meaningful and sustainable experiences.
How can you adapt your strategies to align with consumer expectations in 2025? Are you maximizing the opportunities offered by the phygital approach?
The key is to anticipate change and adopt solutions that position your point of sale as a benchmark in customer experience.