Gift Focus inc Attire Accessories - July/August 2020

12 OVER HALF OF UK SHOPPERS WILL NOW OFFER HIGH-STREET RETAILERS THEIR CONSUMER DATA IF THEY CAN SAVE MONEY Brand new industry research by mobile tech pioneers Ubamarket has revealed the changing tendencies of consumer behaviour in the physical retail arena, showcasing a considerable positive shift towards the adoption of technology and a willingness to share their consumer data. Last year represented one of the worst years ever faced by the traditional retail industry since records began in 1995, as one in three UK retailers posted profit warnings and December footfall figures dropped 3.5% across the board from 2018. However, there are some bricks and mortar retailers, particularly discounters such as Aldi, Lidl and Primark, who have prospered despite the poor conditions. In a time where shoppers can order and purchase a vast range of products, including every-day groceries and necessities online, it is essential that traditional retailers take heed of consumer behaviour and dramatically improve the in- store shopping experience to ensure continued prosperity. Now, new nationally representative research from retail tech pioneers Ubamarket sheds light on the ways in which British shopping habits have changed, and suggests how these statistics can be acted upon by struggling retailers: 52% of people in Britain (almost 24 million people) are happy for retailers to collect and use their consumer data if it means there are money saving opportunities attached to it (this figure increases to 60% for millennials). In today’s data-driven culture, investing in technology, particularly mobile apps which hyper-personalise the shopping experience for each consumer base, can help retailers to better target each individual customer. They can then better observe the shopping trends and continue to successfully make the in- store experience more appealing. The research suggests that a unique blend of deals and data could help save retail. If traditional retailers can implement technology which provides more insightful data on the shopping habits of their consumers, and allows consumers to enjoy a hyper- personalised shopping experience with easy access to money saving opportunities, there is more potential for long-term success and growth. Will Broome, CEO and Founder of retail shopping app Ubamarket, highlights how Britain’s retailers can use tech to revitalise and reclaim the high street: “When you look at the sales figures, 2019 was an unbelievably tough year for the retail industry, with widely reported store closures across the country and constant announcements of falling sales figures. However, I think the pessimistic view taken by many that the high street is dying, and traditional retail is outdated is simply not true. In my view, it all comes back to the experience. If the physical store does not offer an attractive experience and compelling money-saving opportunities, the customer can fall back on e-commerce. Therefore, bricks and mortar retailers can’t continue to replicate the same offerings that have been around for years. “Our research clearly shows that a huge portion of consumers see personalised shopping and easy access to offers and loyalty benefits as key elements of their shopping experience. Incorporating technology, such as in-app payments and personalised offers, can make the high street offering as convenient as possible and encourage more footfall into stores. Technology gives shoppers a reason to get up off the couch and feel excited to shop in-person again, and at Ubamarket, we are committed to providing this technology to help traditional retailers not only survive, but thrive.” TOY MANUFACTURER PLAYMOBIL DIVERSIFIES WITH LAUNCH OF REUSABLE NOSE AND MOUTH MASK Toy manufacturer Playmobil has used its plastics expertise to launche the first reusable “Playmobil Nose and Mouth Mask.” According to the company, the risk of infecting other people with a droplet infection can be reduced by wearing the mask. After initially supplying its employees worldwide with masks, it is now to be offered for sale via the Playmobil UK website. The mask is available in three sizes – small, medium and large, as well as in different colours. The mask will initially be offered for £4.99, with £1 from the sale of each mask going to support charities helping with the fight against COVID-19. The company said, “With medical masks and PPE stocks in high demand, the Playmobil Nose and Mouth Mask can make a positive contribution to protecting stocks of these products for keyworkers and those most in need.” Visit www.playmobil-mask.com WOW! STUFF EXPANDS MANAGEMENT TEAM Wow! Stuff has expanded its management team with the appointment of Leanne Royce as Senior National Account Manager and Matt Eckersley as Head of eCommerce. Dawn Lavalette, Commercial Director at Wow! Stuff said, “We agreed Leanne and Matt joining us pre-pandemic and ahead of the lockdown so most of our staff won’t yet have met their new colleagues in person. Video conferencing and our quiz evenings will be the first time to really test their metal!” Leanne’s history in toys started 18 years ago at Tomy, where she worked whilst completing her Law Degree in London. Contracted originally as short-term maternity cover in the holidays Leanne stayed for 10 years. This followed with a lengthy career at Flair where Leanne started as Key Account Manager and rose to Senior National Account Manager looking after premier retailers such as Smyths Toys, Tesco and The Entertainer. Matt is new to the toy industry but well versed with online retail having worked at a varied number of big brand consumer products manufacturers growing their online business. Matt successfully championed online opportunities and strategy, significantly growing sales for premium brands including Samsung, Tech21, Pure Radio and B&O. Dawn says, “As we‘ve grown our categories to now include pre-school and collectables with new exciting innovation, we need to ensure channel strategies are complimentary and disciplined. Leanne and Matt bolster our team and I think their personalities and attitude will make them perfect Wow! Stuff’ers.” Visit www.wowstuff.com