Fashion, beauty brands, retailers, and med spas preparing for the upcoming holiday season can stay ahead of the competition by keeping an eye on the latest technology. That’s because tech is trending in 2024.
Without a doubt, e-commerce sales remain one of the driving forces behind this year’s focus on technology. A business owner may have a traditional storefront, such as a med spa, dermatologist office, or retail shop, but modern customers have new expectations. They are demanding tech solutions to assist their fashion and beauty decisions.
Of course, all professionals in the fashion and beauty industry, be it service or retail, understand how important the holiday season is for the bottom line. Last year, retail sales during the holidays exceeded $253 billion — and that’s just online sales, according to Statista. It can often be a “make or break” time for businesses of all sizes, meaning extra attention is needed for evolving retail trends
Experts have identified tech-focused holiday retail trends in 2024 that include:
- Tech-powered personalization
- Rise of smart retail everywhere
- Enhanced sustainability fueled by technology
- More personalized shopping experiences
- New marketing strategies that put tech first
Following these holiday trends allows business owners and managers to set up their companies for a strong end to 2024 and an even better new year.
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Tech-Powered Personalization in Beauty and Fashion
Artificial intelligence, or AI, is transforming many elements of society — including the fashion and beauty industry. Brands now use machine learning to deliver hyper-personalized recommendations for their consumers. AI tools, like PerfectCorp.’s many offerings, provide a level of personalization that directly benefits both brands and buyers.
For example, consumers now benefit from augmented and virtual reality experiences before and during the shopping experience. They can upload photos of themselves and see in real time how specific products can help them achieve their fashion and beauty goals. This modern and fun visualization moves customers through the sales funnel faster.
PerfectCorp.’s virtual makeup try-on, which lets customers see what colors and formulas look like on their face, is just the beginning. Tech tools such as AI Skin Analysis give power to customers looking for solutions to their skin’s unique concerns and characteristics.
The tech-powered personalization can continue thanks to PerfectCorp.’s new PerfectGPT™ AI assistant. This technology is like having an extra associate working directly with a customer or client to chat during virtual makeup try-ons. It offers makeup recommendations based on facial attributes, foundation suggestions tailored to skin tone, interactive makeup tutorials, and personalized product recommendations.
Rise of Smart Retail in Physical and Digital Spaces
While it may seem easier to imagine technology integrated into the digital space, consumers will expect it in traditional in-person sales settings this holiday season. In-store technology like contactless payments, smart mirrors, and AI-driven customer service robots can enhance the shopping experience.
Fashion and beauty brands must pivot to offer an omnichannel shopping experience if necessary. This means it’s vital to blend online and offline touchpoints for consumers. No matter where they discover a brand or service, modern shoppers expect a seamless transition between browsing online and buying in a store.
One way to accomplish this smart retail trend is through virtual shopping assistants. This technology personalizes the experience with the help of chatbots and AI-powered assistants like PerfectCorp.'s PerfectGPT™. Shoppers can get advice tailored to their needs and tastes.
Sustainability Meets Technology
Another way technology is trending this holiday season is through the rise of sustainability. Eco-friendly tech in beauty and fashion, from 3D-printed garments to personalized beauty refills and AR-powered virtual try-ons, make the purchasing process more environmentally friendly.
This is more than a marketing opportunity. Today’s consumers are savvy and demand ethical processes and sustainability. Technologies such as AI skin analysis and AR virtual try-on allow brands and retailers to match customers with the right products while minimizing waste and carbon footprint.
Why Personalized Shopping Will Drive the 2024 Holiday Season
This year’s holiday season will highlight just how much consumers expect personalization in the fashion and beauty industry. Individualized experiences that once were novel and entertaining have now become essential to better sales. This shift in customer preferences isn’t going away.
Think of this trend as actually returning to a time when there was an emotional connection to the shopping experience. Before the digital era, customers expected the connection of in-store assistants. Today, that expectation has shifted to the unique, personalized offers that AI can provide.
Thankfully, retailers can take the lead on these personalization opportunities by leveraging their data. Data-driven insights are what truly powers personalization. Business owners and managers can move in the best direction for personalization based on what they already know about their customers.
How Brands Are Preparing for Fall 2024
The first step for beauty and fashion brands and businesses for the holidays is to take inventory of their current tech strategies. This will make it easier to create a marketing strategy that could include influencer partnerships, targeted ads, and AI-driven content. Now is the time to start your business's holiday planning.
Business leaders must prepare for the omnichannel rush as they build their holiday 2024 commerce plans. Consumers will be ready to spend throughout the digital space and in stores. Scaling an e-commerce operation while also working to enhance the in-store experience may be necessary. Think through the customer journey for a seamless holiday shopping experience.
Retail's Holiday 2024 Trends All Point To Tech
This year, the holiday season will require retailers, brands, and service professionals to embrace technology like never before. Tech-powered personalization can provide opportunities to offer better service and better sales.
Customers do more than appreciate these individualized recommendations; they expect them. That’s simply the state of the beauty and skincare industry in 2024.
Integrating AI and machine learning into the customer journey will prepare fashion and beauty companies for a successful holiday season. But that’s just the beginning. Technology is sure to be integral to the trends for 2025, driving the future of retail forward.
Business leaders looking to stay innovative can start now to learn more about proven, effective beauty tech in 2024. Technology can help them stay current, competitive, and attractive to new and loyal customers.
Get expert advice from Perfect Corp. and be part of the beauty tech trends. Contact us for details on beauty tech solutions trusted by 600+ brands globally.