Annual Trends Report

A Look Back (From page 105)

it’s continued on.”

And speaking of the pandemic specifically, overall, retail responded to the pandemic in a variety of ways that continued throughout 2021. Some stores installed plastic barriers between check-out counters and customers, others created wider aisles, and shops selling edible goods eliminated food sampling. Toy stores removed toys left out for group play. Additionally, some stores provided personalized shopping experiences for customers using FaceTime and Zoom. The most lasting responses, however, have been an increased use of social media to promote items, and improved online ordering and merchandising overall.

Phillip No , owner of La Jolla Outpost in La Jolla, Calif., said his store will continue to conduct “more online promoting. We also use thirdparty sites like Groupon, and are our pushing our website more, trying to activate people to buy online. Those will continue.”

At The Old Flamingo in Salt Lake City, Utah, Coop Vendor Sharleigh Conti reported that social media was key to improving sales. Begun at the height of the pandemic “We really all had to turn to this when things shut down, to use Instagram, to use Venmo, to offer curbside pick-up,” all of which are continuing trends in retail.

Along with outside pick-up, some shops are using outside kiosks or stands to supplement indoor brick and mortar stores, particularly at venues such as zoos, aquariums, and other attractions. At Wildlife Safari in Winston, Ore., Gift Shop Supervisor Crystal Banks explained that “Our main change is the addition of that outside gift shop. It did so well for us last year and we are going to continue that with high hopes for the same outcome of added sales.”

The strongest 2021 take-away trends? Strong interest in locally made, unique, and handcrafted items across the board; and retail stores that continue to pay attention to online merchandising and social media. And while home décor and personal care products both spurred to popularity during the pandemic still remained a strong interest, outdoor items from active apparel to kid’s toys was a burgeoning market as well.