‘Retail design solutions have to tell richer stories, create bolder experiences'
Visual Merchandising and Retail Design|February 2021
As we gradually move past the uncertainties of 2020, it’s becoming more evident than ever that any brand not leveraging technology will be left behind. At the same time, consumer expectations are at their highest, which is forcing retailers to make operational changes quicker and make wiser, solutions-driven investments, based on lessons learnt in the past. In an exclusive interview with VM&RD, Akhil Jain, Executive Director, Madame, talks about some key takeaways for retail from 2020, their focus areas of investment for 2021, on how retail partners can meet new business expectations, and more.
Mohit Manghani
‘Retail design solutions have to tell richer stories, create bolder experiences'

What were some of your biggest retail/shopper-based takeaways from 2020?

2020 can best be described as the year of challenges & learnings. The main trend suggests that e-commerce has become a predominant part of the buying platform. Having said that, we at Madame have experienced a rise in offline sales post the lockdown relaxation. Our official website, Glamly, has also experienced a growth in orders from different parts of the country. Hygiene and safety have become the fundamentals of offline retail experience and we take the well-being of our customers very seriously. Our Loyalty Program has also experienced more enrollments in the last few months, so it’s a sign that consumers are willing to commit to a brand that they connect with.

Looking at the fashion category in general, what retail trends you think will shape 2021?

This story is from the February 2021 edition of Visual Merchandising and Retail Design.

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