The retail marketing world is set to see some major changes in 2025, continuing some of the biggest 2024 trends and the new integration of 2025’s biggest tech changes. Driven by AI, sustainability, and community-driven content, retail marketing is set to undergo a big transformation. Why Media, a leading design and marketing agency specialising in the retail sector, has reviewed the biggest retail trends of 2024 and predicted what 2025 will bring. 

Technology

In 2025, retail marketing will centre on the increased use of CGI in campaigns, leveraging unique creativity to craft captivating and eye-catching consumer experiences. This shift builds upon 2024's heavy reliance on AI-driven personalisation, which enhanced customer engagement by analysing shopper behaviour and delivering personalised recommendations, targeted ads, and tailored promotions. Data has shown that  62% of marketers reported using AI in their digital marketing strategy. AI has made shoppers subconsciously purchase more and solidified its role as an indispensable tool in 2024, 2025 promises to elevate retail marketing with innovative visual storytelling through CGI.

Sustainability 

With global warming and overconsumption becoming pressing issues for the retail industry, marketing tools in 2025 are set to focus on eco-conscious practices. 2025 will see the continuation of brands aligning themselves with ethical practices, appealing to consumers’ growing awareness of environmental and social issues. 2025 will see the increased and unavoidable use of sustainable packaging, transparency about eco-friendly products, recycling initiatives, and an emphasis on reducing carbon emissions. 

Cost-Consciousness 

2024 saw economic and political uncertainty, and 2025 looks no different. Marketing trends will likely cater to these consumer spending habits in 2024. Retailers will emphasise competitive pricing and promotional strategies, including exclusive deals, flash sales, and loyalty programs to help attract cost-conscious shoppers. Retailers will focus on catering to the practical needs of their audience without compromising on quality, balancing promotional offers with their long-term brand positioning. 2024 saw big retailers adapting their marketing strategies to meet cost-consciousness, with John Lewis reintroducing their iconic ‘Never Knowingly Undersold’ campaign to emphasise affordability and value. 2025 will most likely see the development of schemes like this. 

Social Media 

Social media will continue to have a pivotal role in retail marketing but will likely see a shift away from traditional influencer marketing. As big influencers become increasingly out of touch with the everyday spender, brands will focus on creating communities and establishing deeper consumer trust and loyalty. We saw the beginnings of this in 2024, with beauty brands like REFY focusing their marketing efforts on building authentic relationships with their customers and even taking their community away on a brand trip. Retailers will continue tapping into more genuine engagement by moving away from influencer endorsements. 

2025 will also solidify the use of video content, which has proven highly effective, with studies showing a 17% increase in purchases for video compared to static ads. In particular, TikTok is revolutionising the way we shop. With 92% of users making purchases after discovering brands on the platform, it's become a must-have for marketers. As TikTokShop continues to grow, retailers are increasingly turning to social media platforms to drive sales. By embracing the power of video and utilising social commerce tools, businesses can tap into a new generation of consumers and achieve significant growth.

As we look toward 2025, these trends will likely expand and evolve further.  AI will continue to drive personalisation, with an even greater emphasis on emotional intelligence. Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) are expected to play a larger role in retail. From virtual try-ons to seeing how a product will look in your home before you even buy it, technology will continue to redefine how consumers shop. 

Stepping away from technology, brands will likely increase their sustainability efforts, expand their eco-friendly offerings and set up new recycling initiatives. Social media strategies will likely prioritise fostering meaningful relationships through customer-led content and collaborations, enabling brands to remain relatable and trustworthy in a competitive market. 

The retail marketing landscape in 2024 underscored the importance of adaptability and innovation in meeting evolving consumer expectations. With AI, sustainability, and community-driven marketing shaping the future, 2025 promises exciting advancements as retailers continue to navigate economic challenges and their customers' ever-changing preferences.

Why Media has provided high-quality design and marketing services to retailers across the UK for over a decade. Our expertise and experience have awarded us an excellent reputation for delivering meaningful and tangible results. 

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