Crafting the ultimate digital luxury online experience
Despite economic challenges like inflation and supply chain disruptions, the global luxury retail market has shown remarkable resilience. A recent study by Bain & Co. revealed that 95% of luxury brands experienced growth last year, with a projected 5% growth for the sector this year. It's clear that affluent shoppers continue to invest in luxury products and experiences.
However, this momentum should not lull luxury brands into complacency. To thrive in this digital age, they must elevate their digital experiences to cater to omnichannel shoppers’ desires. While an opulent brick-and-mortar experience remains a priority, targeting omnichannel customers is equally crucial. The line between online and in-store worlds is blurring into a “mono-brand,” demanding an omnichannel approach facilitated by cutting-edge technologies.
This omnichannel shift necessitates that luxury brands match their online presence, videos, and digital offerings with the grandeur of the in-store environment. Generative AI chatbots and immersive videos are tools to enhance the digital landscape. Offering a seamless experience across digital touchpoints is now mandatory to satisfy luxury shoppers.
Many luxury brands find it challenging to provide luxurious digital experiences to these digitally-focused customers, especially if their primary focus has been on in-store experiences. Repurposing images and messaging from in-store experiences for online platforms often falls short in engaging customers.
It's worth noting that 31% of luxury shoppers still visit physical stores at least once a month. For the remaining two-thirds who engage less frequently in-store, luxury brands must invest in rich digital experiences that captivate and eventually convert them.
Luxury brands need to shift their approach by prioritizing the total digital experience. They should consider how to reflect luxury online and then integrate technologies and engage consumers accordingly. The emphasis should be on delivering a 360-degree immersive experience and utilizing generative AI customization, with content coming second.
Traditionally, brands start with available content and work from a content management system (CMS) to shape the digital experience. However, for a true omnichannel luxury experience, the focus should be on creating the experience itself.