Policies & IssuesSep 17, 2026
Tariffs on India Could Increase as Russian Sanctions Bill Heads to Trump’s DeskThe bill has a provision that allows the president to raise tariffs on countries that import Russian oil and gas to as much as 100 percent.
SurveysMar 03, 2017
10 Retail Trends Expected to Dominate 2017
In its latest market brief, Synchrony Financial predicted that technology and convenience will drive the segment this year.
New York--Technology’s influence is so strong in today’s world that it is starting to drive trends rather than just being a response to them.
In retail, it’s playing an equally large part as many of the trends that are shaping the market seem to be a confluence between the consumer behavior and tech.
Here are the 10 trends that will drive retail according to Synchrony Financial and what they mean for retailers.
1. Interactive shopping experiences. There’s a lot of research that shows that not only do consumers value experiences over owning things, but they will pay a premium for the experiences they think are worth it. This spans all income groups and generations.
The most innovative retailers are leveraging this trend to get consumers into stores by transforming stores into experiences themselves. Think Williams Sonoma with its in-store cooking classes and REI with its rock climbing walls.
Offering these kinds of experiences entice the consumer to stay in the store longer, browse more and feel more connected to the brand.
2. Augmented and virtual reality. Brands in all consumer product categories are using virtual reality for advertising purposes, not only for 360-degree and 3-D videos, but also for content creation with immersive storytelling and product demonstrations to help consumers experience the products in a way they wouldn’t have before.
A great example of how a virtual reality app can create excitement and engagement is the über- popular Pokémon Go game.
3. Healthy living. Consumer spending on healthy living goods continues to grow.
The Organic Trade Association said consumer demand for organic food has grown by double digits almost every year since the 1990s. Meanwhile, the number of gyms, health clubs and fitness clubs has grown over the past five years while sales for products related to the segment have grown and athleisure has drastically expanded as an apparel category.
4. The “robot invasion.” While not something quite as dramatic as what you might see in the movies, robots have quietly been making their way into the retail segment, mainly in the areas of logistics and customer service.
Some retailers also have brought robots and artificial intelligence into the store, where they have been used to identify products, retrieve items in the warehouse for shoppers and instantly order products.
Target, for example, recently started testing Tally, a robot that travels through the aisles and takes inventory.
5. “Socializing” between brands and consumers.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
The two talk via social media, and this communication has become as natural as connecting with friends on the same networks.
In Synchrony’s 2016 Digital Study, the company found that about half of those surveyed said they have purchased a product as a result of social media, compared with only about a third in 2015. The content that makes an emotional connection to the brand, offering a break from sales posts, is the most successful.
6. The ship-to-store option. The concept of ordering an item online and having it shipped to a store benefits both consumers and retailers, Synchrony said.
It saves consumers on shipping charges and the time it takes to browse through aisles for the product they want while retailers are able to drive traffic into their store where customers are likely to pick up other items.
It also gives the retailer the opportunity to fulfill the order from store inventory when available, eliminating additional transportation costs.
7. A new purchase channel: “conversational” commerce. With the launch of the Amazon Echo, a new channel of interaction for consumers was opened--the voice channel. Consumers can order directly from it simply by speaking to Alexa, the “brain” behind the Echo.
Now Google is getting into the game with development of the Google Home software. Even though this technology still is cutting edge, more retailers might also develop voice-based functionality for purchases as it becomes more widely adopted.
8. Partnerships and pop-ups. New retail models have sprung up as retailers look to innovate in the form of shop-in-shops and pop-up shops. They have become ubiquitous in all segments of the market and offer the opportunity for greater reach and to attract new consumers at a lower cost.
For retailers who want to test it out with a low cost and quick concept, partnering with other retailers or setting up a pop-up shop might be the best way to do so.
9. The emergence of a cashless society. Cash is no longer king. The movement started with credit and debit cards and continues today as new technologies take hold.
Though mobile wallets (such as Apple Pay and Samsung Pay) have been around for a few years now, consumer awareness has just started skyrocketing within the past year or so--it’s up from 55 percent in 2015 to 81 percent last year. Regular use is expected to increase again in 2017 as more retailers adjust their point-of-sale systems to accept the tech.
The benefit of a cashless society is not only ease and convenience for consumers, Synchrony said, but also for retailers, offering not only a seamless point-of-sale experience that speeds up checkout but also customized promotions and personalized marketing.
10. The Internet of Things. What is the Internet of Things? It’s the network of physical objects, like devices, buildings, etc., that are embedded with electronics, software, sensors and network connectivity, enabling them to collect and exchange data.
The tech behind it allows consumers to buy whatever they want, whenever they want.
The benefit for merchants in the Internet of Things is that more data is collected in more places, which can provide great insights into consumer behaviors, market trends, buying pattern and engagement, allowing for more personal interactions and offers.
In Synchrony’s 2016 Digital Study, the company found that about half of those surveyed said they have purchased a product as a result of social media, compared with only about a third in 2015. The content that makes an emotional connection to the brand, offering a break from sales posts, is the most successful.
6. The ship-to-store option. The concept of ordering an item online and having it shipped to a store benefits both consumers and retailers, Synchrony said.
It saves consumers on shipping charges and the time it takes to browse through aisles for the product they want while retailers are able to drive traffic into their store where customers are likely to pick up other items.
It also gives the retailer the opportunity to fulfill the order from store inventory when available, eliminating additional transportation costs.
7. A new purchase channel: “conversational” commerce. With the launch of the Amazon Echo, a new channel of interaction for consumers was opened--the voice channel. Consumers can order directly from it simply by speaking to Alexa, the “brain” behind the Echo.
Now Google is getting into the game with development of the Google Home software. Even though this technology still is cutting edge, more retailers might also develop voice-based functionality for purchases as it becomes more widely adopted.
8. Partnerships and pop-ups. New retail models have sprung up as retailers look to innovate in the form of shop-in-shops and pop-up shops. They have become ubiquitous in all segments of the market and offer the opportunity for greater reach and to attract new consumers at a lower cost.
For retailers who want to test it out with a low cost and quick concept, partnering with other retailers or setting up a pop-up shop might be the best way to do so.
9. The emergence of a cashless society. Cash is no longer king. The movement started with credit and debit cards and continues today as new technologies take hold.
Though mobile wallets (such as Apple Pay and Samsung Pay) have been around for a few years now, consumer awareness has just started skyrocketing within the past year or so--it’s up from 55 percent in 2015 to 81 percent last year. Regular use is expected to increase again in 2017 as more retailers adjust their point-of-sale systems to accept the tech.
The benefit of a cashless society is not only ease and convenience for consumers, Synchrony said, but also for retailers, offering not only a seamless point-of-sale experience that speeds up checkout but also customized promotions and personalized marketing.
10. The Internet of Things. What is the Internet of Things? It’s the network of physical objects, like devices, buildings, etc., that are embedded with electronics, software, sensors and network connectivity, enabling them to collect and exchange data.
The tech behind it allows consumers to buy whatever they want, whenever they want.
The benefit for merchants in the Internet of Things is that more data is collected in more places, which can provide great insights into consumer behaviors, market trends, buying pattern and engagement, allowing for more personal interactions and offers.
More on Surveys
The Latest
Events & AwardsSep 17, 2026
This Is the Winner of the 2026 Robert M. Shipley AwardThe American Gem Society presented the annual award to a former president of its board.
CollectionsSep 17, 2026
Cynthia Erivo, Zoë Chicco’s Jewelry Collab Is an Ode to TransformationThe “Chrysalis” capsule centers butterfly motifs representing growth, transformation, and the unfolding of who you are.
Brought to you by
Meet Gemology’s Next Generation Microscope: GIA® Gemolite® NXT Professional EditionExperience gemstones with greater precision and comfort than ever before.
Events & AwardsSep 17, 2026
Louisiana Retailer Kevin Patton Wins Lifetime Achievement AwardJewelers of Louisiana presented Patton, the third-generation president of Pattons Fine Jewelry, with the award at its annual convention.
Weekly QuizSep 17, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
PodcastsSep 16, 2026
Episode 9: Remembering Cindy EdelsteinTwo special guests join the podcast to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the designer advocate, mentor, and author’s untimely passing.
CollectionsSep 16, 2026
Jessica McCormack, L’Objet Collab on Homewares CollectionMcCormack brings sea-inspired motifs from her “Beaches” collection to L’Objet’s tableware, vanity pieces, and first-ever cutlery set.
Brought to you by
Your Piece Could Be the One Editors Talk AboutSubmit your pieces for a chance to win in this year's competition.
CrimeSep 16, 2026
JSA Issues Warning to NJ Jewelers After Rash of Smash and GrabsNine New Jersey jewelers have been victims of smash-and-grab robberies this year, prompting JSA to circulate a list of recommendations.
IndependentsSep 16, 2026
Bromberg & Co. Names New PresidentMarlin “Brian” Hood, who has been with the store for 20 years, will succeed Ricky Bromberg, who died earlier this month.
MajorsSep 16, 2026
Midas Chain Releases ‘House of Midas’ Bridal CatalogThe new bridal catalog features the latest jewelry collections and designs from timeless classics to modern silhouettes.
EditorsSep 15, 2026
2026 Emmys Jewelry: An Either/Or Proposition Stars wore either a necklace or earrings at 78th Primetime Emmy Awards but rarely both, Natalie Francisco notes.
ColumnistsSep 15, 2026
The Levels Your Website Must Clear Before AI Recommends YouJennifer Shaheen compares this new era of AI-powered SEO to a video game: your website must clear one level before advancing to the next.
IndependentsSep 15, 2026
Armadani Launches Retail Support Program for Holiday SeasonThe program highlights “Made in Italy” fine jewelry with digital merchandising, sales education, and local marketing support.
EditorsSep 15, 2026
Q&A: Signet Jewelers’ Joan Hilson on Diamond Demand, the HolidaysHilson, Signet’s chief operating and financial officer, discussed Q2, resurgent natural diamond demand, and why Blue Nile is a standout.
ColumnistsSep 14, 2026
Sherry Smith: Stop Waiting for December to Save Your ChristmasThe stores that have a great December are the ones that made good decisions in August, September, and October, Sherry Smith writes.
AuctionsSep 14, 2026
22 Carats of ‘Sunshine’ Are Up for AuctionThe 22.09-carat fancy yellow “Pragnell Kimberley Sunshine Diamond” is part of the fall jewelry sale at Heritage Auctions.
IndependentsSep 14, 2026
Greenwich St. Jewelers to Unveil Photography Exhibition“Adornos: Jewelry, Memory & What We Pass Down” honors the jewelry’s importance to New York City’s Latine communities.
SourcingSep 14, 2026
Gemfields Sells All Lots at First Emerald Auction in 9 MonthsThe company’s managing director of sales said the results demonstrate “continued strong demand for commercial-quality emeralds.”
SourcingSep 14, 2026
Diamonds Do Good Pledges Support for Eye Care ProgramThe nonprofit awarded a grant to the Gift of Sight initiative spearheaded by South African musician Black Coffee.
CollectionsSep 11, 2026
A Sapphire ‘Stardust’ Ring From Greenwich St. Jewelers The Latine-owned New York jeweler is marking two milestones this year: its 50th anniversary and the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks.
MajorsSep 11, 2026
The Wishing Place by JTV OpensThe jewelry retail broadcast network has sponsored a new space for Make-A-Wish East Tennessee on its campus in Knoxville.
Events & AwardsSep 11, 2026
The Edge Awards Scholarships to 2 Young Jewelry ProfessionalsThe recipients were recognized at the 24 Karat Club of the Southeastern United States’ annual banquet.
MajorsSep 10, 2026
Lagos Founder Steven Lagos Steps Down as CEO Keith Rolfe, CFO and COO of Lagos, is now at the jewelry brand’s helm while Steven takes on the role of executive chairman.
CrimeSep 10, 2026
FBI Offers $50K Reward for ‘Most Wanted’ Fugitive in $1M Jewelry HeistAlberto Perez-Elias is one of four men charged in the armed robbery of a Cape Coral, Florida, jewelry store and remains at large.
AuctionsSep 10, 2026
Massive Matched Pair of Paraíba Tourmalines Head to Sotheby’sThe “Kat Florence Luminas” will be offered together as one lot and could fetch up to $637,000.
SourcingSep 10, 2026
AGTA Announces 4 Newly Elected DirectorsFour directors were elected to the AGTA board and will serve three-year terms beginning in February.
