Over the next three to five years, the luxury retail scene will be driven by a number of key trends aimed at satisfying consumer needs, fuelling spending and luring new clients. Staying ahead of the game implies plotting a series of points, from customising online purchases to exploring new markets, from tapping into the booming men‘s wear industry to riding the changing media system. For anyone involved in luxury retail, the following ten trends should be on their radar, according to integrated agency group Havas Media:

Trivergence of Retail

Retail will move in three different directions to service the needs of luxury consumers. The digital channel will drive research and stocking up on favourite products, while brick-and-mortar stores will reach out to their clients through customised offerings such as express counters, “top 10 product” style kiosks and assisted shopping services. Also, entertainment is key as experience, lifestyle and theatre drive the physical retail experience, while content will create pleasure in digital retail.

Hunt for New Customers

Given the ongoing softness in Europe and slowdowns in Russia and China, looking into new geographical areas such as Africa is rapidly becoming an alternative. While fashion brands including Zegna, MAC and Hugo Boss have recently opened stores in Lagos, Nigeria, the new luxury hotspot, online retailers are now shipping to Africa, and are starting to focus marketing efforts on this region.

Power of Travel

Especially in Europe, luxury brands are increasingly relying on international travel and tourism to fuel sales, primarily from China, Russia, the Middle East, USA and now Africa. Tourists purportedly account for 55% of luxury sales in the UK, 60% France and 50% in Italy.

Polarisation of Luxury

While in the past luxury brands attempted to offer multiple price-points, brand confusion and erosion of luxury credentials was often the outcome. Now, luxury is being pulled in two opposite directions, and brands will need to choose sides: accessible or ultra-luxe.

Editorial‘s Retail Reinvention

Media wise, magazines, newspapers and TV will become the new digital storefront reinventing themselves to allow customers to buy their favourite items, looks or beauty products straight off the editorial pages.

Menaissance

The menswear market is extremely bullish, growing at 1.5 times versus womenswear. While 35+ male consumers still dominate, the millennial generation drives retail spending through its modern aesthetic and digital knowledge. To which, many womenswear brands are either launching or revamping their menswear offering.

Personalised Storytelling

The openness of digital platforms dictates that to make luxury customers feel special, brands need to get personal. The rapid rise of Instagram, live streaming, and behind-the-scenes footage will leave consumers feeling like they‘ve already experienced everything. Brands are now challenged with creating truly personal, fresh, and meaningful experiences.

Branded Media

Luxury brands will increasingly become media channels, creating content that is far richer than today‘s aspirational blogs, videos and magazines. Retailers will offer multiple channels with high-quality and entertaining shoppable content, updated on an hourly basis.

Millenial Refresh

While those 35+ still command some 83% of luxury spend, the fresh aesthetic, playful approach and digital propensities of the Millennial generation are driving retail culture. Furthermore, Millennials are approaching their entry point into the 35+ luxury heartland.

Show I Know

Show I know, is growing old and the focus will turn away from the outward displ