Trend Taster: AI chores edition
In this week’s edition of the Trend Taster, we round up the snackable trends, stats and insights from around the world, including:
Selfridges x Snapchat experiential shoppers
Women’s Sports Growing Fanbase
Tech-powered shopping
Emails On The Menu
AI chores
Selfridges x Snapchat experiential shoppers
Selfridges, the iconic British department store, has partnered with social media platform Snapchat to introduce an augmented reality (AR) locker room experience at its flagship Oxford Street location in London. This innovative installation represents a growing trend in retail where brands are leveraging technology to create immersive, interactive shopping experiences.
The AR locker room allows visitors to virtually try on exclusive merchandise, interact with digital content, and share their experiences on social media. This blend of physical and digital retail environments, often referred to as "phygital" experiences, is becoming increasingly popular as retailers seek to attract and engage consumers, particularly younger demographics
Women’s Sports Growing Fanbase
Women's sports are having a major moment. With rising stars like Caitlin Clark and a growing Gen Z fanbase, it's clear this isn't just a trend. Women's sports fans are passionate, active, and eager for more. Unlike passive male fans, many women discovered sports as athletes themselves. This shift presents a huge opportunity for brands to connect with a dedicated audience.
Tech-powered shopping
Tech-powered shopping is on the rise, with social commerce, AR try-ons, and AI-driven recommendations leading the way. Yet, the latest EY Future Consumer Index shows that 57% of consumers in 30 countries still prefer to see, touch, and feel products before buying, while 32% value the personal service of in-store shopping. The key is balance: embrace technology, but keep human interaction at the heart of the experience.
Emails On The Menu
According to a study by SevenRooms, email is the preferred channel for receiving restaurant offers, favoured by 38% of millennials, 37% of Gen Z, and 44% of Baby Boomers. While 41% of Gen Z prefer texts, food service operators are focusing on automating both email and text communications. Automated emails can help keep guests engaged, with targeted emails driving higher open rates and revenue. Consumers are most interested in receiving full menus, specials, and dietary options in these communications.
AI chores
Since ChatGPT's launch nearly two years ago, the demand for outsourcing daily tasks to AI has skyrocketed. A recent Dentsu study shows that 49% of global consumers want an AI clone to handle shopping, admin, and communication by 2035, with this figure rising to 62% in APAC. McKinsey's research also highlights that Gen Z leads in AI adoption, using it for everything from home décor tips to travel planning.
