After a year of unpredictability and uncertainty, we chat with five retail executives about how they’re feeling about 2021, their plans for the year ahead and what consumer behaviour may be on the horizon. Gunjan Soni, CEO, Zalora What the year ahead looks like: “I think there are good reasons for a lot of us to feel optimistic, despite 2020 being a very hard year. As we walk into the new year from a business perspective, I definitely see significant opportunities ahead for especially
pecially the digital space but also broader retail. There will have to be a recalibration of business approaches, but as people fix some of the gaps in their business models which have become apparent in the crisis, I think there are huge opportunities for everyone. I’m very optimistic for Zalora.”
Tennealle O’Shannessy, CEO, Adore Beauty
On the beauty retailer’s priorities for the next 12 months:
“We believe that with our leadership position, Adore Beauty is really well placed to continue to take market share and to grow, supported by the acceleration of the transition to online shopping in the beauty categories.
We are focused on continuing to build an exceptional customer experience, through building out our brand and product portfolio including expanding into related categories. We will also focus on delivering a leading digital shopping experience, increasing the personalisation of all of our content, product and recommendations, as well as growing customer engagement and retention through initiatives like our mobile app and loyalty programs.”
Rolf Weber, CEO and co-founder, Marley Spoon
On what 2021 will bring to the retail sector:
“The accelerated shift to online commerce will continue and retailers will adopt new ways to reach their customers in omni-channel formats, serving customers wherever they are. We will see customers changing their expectations on physical retail to be an experience provider rather than a demand fulfilment service and the great retailers will pave the way for this shift.
Personalisation of products and services based on customer data will increasingly be demanded, while privacy will increase as a concern. Provenance and quality will move up the ranks in importance for a growing number of customers increasingly concerned with their personal impact on the planet.
Following the tumultuous year of 2020, customers will seek comfort and tranquility while open to try new things. Services that will foster safe socialising help customers engage safely with their community will be in high demand.”
Dean Jones, co-founder, Glam Corner
On how consumer habits will continue to change:
“We have a lot of faith in how many customers have taken stock of their consumption habits during 2020 and are looking for new ways to shop more consciously, ethically and sustainably. This is a huge and positive opportunity for pretty much every retailer big or small, and across all sectors to craft their offering to be more in-tune with this significant shift. So we get excited about what this will bring in 2021 and beyond.”
Arnna Johnstone, brand director, Reebok Pacific
On Reebok’s plans for the next 12 months:
“Following the global strategy, our product, brand campaigns and ambassadors will focus on
Being digital-firstWomen and inclusivityContinuing to launch exciting innovative productAs footwear dominates, we will be driving apparel even harderAnd finally, at the core, is our focus to continue to inspire an incredibly talented brand team.”
On personal and professional New Year’s resolutions:
“This year, in addition to navigating Covid, I’ve had two people dear to me have seriously challenged health. It has provided yet another blunt reminder to not waste any time. 2021 will be a year of adventure, laughter and a high focus on health and wellbeing.
Professionally, my focus remains unchanged – to get up every day and ask, ‘“How can I add value?” To achieve this, the team and I need to continue to push the boundaries, innovate and create.”