When fashion and technology collide - Merchandising Report
This report investigates the intersection of fashion and technology, focusing on how innovative technologies are transforming various roles within the fashion industry. It discusses the adoption of technologies at every step of merchandising, highlights new solutions, and anticipates future changes that will enhance creativity and efficiency in the industry.
Report extract
Download our report to discover the new paths and solutions for fashion design with creatives from the industry
Key Takeaways
Technology's Role in Merchandising
The report emphasizes that technology is now integral at every stage of merchandising, from creation to planning and optimization. Brands are leveraging AI and data analytics to enhance creativity and provide insights into market trends. Predictive analytics allows designers to align their creativity with consumer preferences, thus enabling them to stay ahead of market demands and actively experiment with new innovations.
On-demand Production and Supply Chain Optimization
On-demand production eliminates wasteful surplus while enhancing reliability and process quality. By digitizing the production line, brands can align their operations directly with consumer needs, significantly improving planning accuracy. This flexibility allows faster responses to market dynamics, ultimately supporting sustainability and reducing overstock.
Blockchain for Transparency and Authenticity
The implementation of blockchain technology fosters transparency in the fashion industry, providing a verified record of each garment’s journey from production to retail. This not only enhances consumer trust regarding sustainability claims but also combats counterfeiting by ensuring authenticity through unique digital identities tied to each product.
Innovations in Retail Experiences
The report highlights developments in retail experiences driven by augmented reality (AR) and virtual experiences. AR facilitates virtual try-ons that increase consumer engagement and reduce return rates, while digital showrooms and immersive environments allow brands to present collections without the need for physical samples — enriching the e-commerce experience.
Emerging Opportunities in the Metaverse
Although the role of fashion merchandising within the Metaverse remains uncertain, it presents exciting possibilities for brands to showcase collections and reinforce their identities in a virtual space. Engaging consumers through digital environments not only broadens the market reach but also enables new revenue streams via digital goods and NFTs, providing avenues for innovative brand storytelling.
For comprehensive insights and a deeper analysis, download the full report. Stay informed in the evolving landscape of the fashion industry by embracing the latest technological advancements.
Other useful resources on technology:
- Fashion digital transformation and trend forecasting
- Creativity technology - New Balance
- AI and sustainable fashion
What brands think about our report
"Thank you for the follow up and sending it to me! This was really interesting and insightful"
- Jessica Rhoads, Anthropologie
"I appreciated the diversity of themes, but how each theme had cohesion ("Blooming Nature" and "Sleek Futurism" were two I hadn't seen yet)"
- Charles Wilson, New Balance
