Do you remember when malls were packed and catalogs were placed in every mailbox? The way she shops has seen drastic changes, which means some once-popular trends are fading fast. As consumer habits shift and technology improves, certain shopping behaviors become relics of the past. Let’s take a look at some of the shopping trends that are disappearing fast and the trends that are replacing them.
Mall Shopping Sprees
Traditional shopping malls were once the epicenter of weekend family outings and teen hangouts, but they have shown a steep decline. Factors like the pandemic, a shift in consumer habits, and online shopping have accelerated the decline of traditional shopping sprees. Stores are now being replaced by the convenience of e-commerce, outlet experiences, and lifestyle centers that offer more than traditional mall stores. What used to be a day of socializing is being replaced by doorstep deliveries and one-click transactions.
Extreme Couponing
The rise of automatic discount apps and digital deals has all but replaced traditional coupons. Coupons were once the perfect way to stock up on loads of deals, but now extreme couponing is seen as impractical and time-consuming. Many retailers have also done away with the concept of deal-stacking, with many no longer issuing any paper coupons whatsoever. The shoppers of today rely more on loyalty programs, cashbacks, and flash sales to save a buck.
Black Friday Chaos
The once-iconic Black Friday opening stampedes for the newest tech, toys, and luxuries are now fading fast. In fact, many online sales now start days, if not weeks, before Black Friday, with many offering better discounts without the hassle of lines and car rides to different stores. Retailers have also started moving away from one large promotional event, breaking them up into smaller seasonal promotions like Cyber Monday.
Department Store Dominance
JCPenney, Sears, and Macy’s once ruled the shopping world. Unfortunately, their one-stop-shop model has been overshadowed by large online stores that offer more for less. They missed the e-commerce opportunity and the changing tastes of consumers, which hastened their inevitable decline. Many department stores have closed physical stores, while others have had to declare bankruptcy.
Home Shopping Networks
HSN and QVC were TV-based shopping market channels and pioneers of remote retail, although their approach has started to show its age. The advent of livestream shopping, social media influencers advertising clothing, and online shopping experiences is not only more dynamic but offers a more interactive, cheaper alternative to TV-shopping. There’s no more waiting for a segment to air, as instant access is given and quick checkouts are the new norm.
Cash-Only Sales
Digital payment platforms, credit cards, and mobile wallets have started to dominate the market, leaving many cash-only stores with no choice but to close. Even local vendors and small businesses that didn’t use to have cashless facilities now offer contactless payments. In this age, consumers prefer the security and speed of digital payments, while businesses prioritize it because of reduced theft and easier bookkeeping.
Weekly Print Ads
Say goodbye to thick Sunday newspapers filled with store circulars and sales. Today, shoppers get real-time notifications and emails from the stores they frequently visit. Digital advertising is not only more effective but also more cost-effective. Retailers can now engage with their customers, which is something traditional print was never able to accomplish.
Layaway Programs
Layaways were once a popular way for consumers to buy expensive items without needing credit, as they made small payments over time instead. However, with “buy now, pay later” apps like Afterpay and Klarna, layaway has faded into obscurity. These new services offer customers better payment plans and instant gratification, often with no additional interest, which makes it a more attractive option compared to layaways.
Personal Checks
Personal checks used to be a standard method of payment, but now they are seldom used in stores. Not only were personal checks slow, but they also required manual verification and posed a high risk of fraud if you weren’t vigilant. Some retailers have even started to refuse altogether any form of personal checks. In turn, digital payments, mobile banking apps, and debit cards have replaced the need to carry around a checkbook.
In-Store Only Sales
Retailers used to boost foot traffic by reserving their best deals as in-store only, but that has changed. Today, sales are accessible through apps and online, with many stores now featuring app-only sales. Most retailers have made these decisions because consumers have shifted towards convenience, making them less likely to limit deals to a physical location.
Plastic Loyalty Cards
Plastic loyalty cards fill your wallet faster than cash, which is why digital alternatives have started replacing them. Phone numbers and apps now track and reward your loyalty points seamlessly. These programs are not only easier for consumers to manage but also provide the retailer with data as they scroll, wishlist, and cart items they might want.
Dressing Room Try-Ons
Indoor fitting rooms used to be in every clothing store, but the pandemic has accelerated a shift away from in-store fitting rooms. Strangely enough, many shoppers have also left the fitting habit behind, with a lot of consumers preferring virtual try-on tools. With the evolution of return policies becoming more lenient and fast shipping being readily available, there’s no need to fit clothes in a fitting room anymore. Just buy it and try it at home instead.
Brick-and-Mortar Video Game Stores
GameStop, along with brick-and-mortar video game stores, has seen a rapid decline as cloud gaming and digital downloads have become the new norm. Players can now buy titles for their console or computer from leading platforms like Steam, making physical media more of a niche in today’s world. Not to mention the constant effort these digital marketplaces make with their sales that see games become up to 95% off, with certain titles even being granted for free.
Window Shopping Without Phones
Once, window shopping meant strolling leisurely through a store. But now most shoppers merely compare prices, scan barcodes, and read reviews online before coming to a decision. Consumer behavior has drastically changed the purpose of physical browsing, which has made many stores adapt to a new tech-savvy customer base that shops with all the information in the world at their fingertips.
Fast Fashion Hauls
Fast fashion hauls might still be popular, but they are becoming increasingly more scrutinized for their ethical and environmental impact. Millennials and Gen-Z are turning toward thrifting and other sustainable fashion trends. Not to mention the intense pressure from activist groups and the changing consumer values that push brands to create more eco-friendly lines for their brands.
