CURRENT eCOMMERCE TRENDS & THE BEST ONLINE HOMEWARE INTERIOR STORES TO SUIT EVERY BUDGET!
“Polls have shown some really powerful numbers in regards to AR too: 35% of people say that they would be shopping online more if they could virtually try on a product before buying it, and 22% would be less likely to visit a brick-and-mortar store if AR was available via their favorite e-commerce store. AR grants a person with the ability to not just see a 3D model of a product but lets a user see how it looks if they were actually wearing it. Some products and industries lend themself better to traditional shopping methods, but AR is going to shake things up sooner than later.”
*Source: 1DigitalAgency
Are you thinking about an interior or homeware purchase to revamp an existing interior space or thinking about changing from one interior design style to another for example modern to mid-century modern?.
It is no secret that online retail is booming, due to Covid19, and shoppers drastically changing their spending habits, we have compiled a comprehensive list of shops for you to browse, see savour and make those all-important interior purchases.
Just before we dive into the list we wanted to take a look at the current consumer spending habits in 2021.
As brands and retailers quickly began doing things a little differently, shoppers globally scrambled to adjust almost overnight. From wiping down groceries and buying in bulk to outfitting a Zoom wardrobe and building home offices, shoppers figured out what they needed and how to get it. Everything we endured in 2020 was a lesson for 2021.
THE 14 ECOMMERCE TRENDS DRIVING ONLINE SALES:
1. AR enhances the reality of online shopping.
2. There will be a growing volume of voice search.
3. AI helps shops learn about shoppers.
4. On-site personalisation uses those insights to create individualised experiences.
5. Big data plays a big part in creating personalised experiences.
6. Chat-bots improve the shopping experience.
7. Mobile shopping is still on the move.
8. More ways to pay.
9. Headless and API-driven eCommerce allow continued innovation.
10. Customers respond to video.
11. Subscriptions keep customers coming back.
12. Sustainability is becoming more important.
13. Businesses should optimise digital strategy for conversion.
14. B2B is growing...and changing.
*Source: BigCommerce
Augmented reality (AR) has been enhancing the reality of online shopping. AR has been a complete game-changer for eCommerce. This type of technology allows shoppers to truly see the item they're shopping for, which helps them make an informed buying decision. AR really changes the shopping experience in specific industries, such as fashion and home decor because the customer can get a better feel for the item without seeing it in person!
In 2019, Gartner predicted that 100 million consumers will shop using AR by 2020, so it will be interesting to see how this figure is represented by the end of 2021!
THE BEST ONLINE HOMEWARE AND INTERIOR STORES TO SUIT EVERY BUDGET
Founded in 2010, and quickly becoming the go-to for stylish sofas, vases and storage solutions to fit any space. The Hesta Coffee table pictured above (£199, made.com).
MADE regularly collaborates with designers, like Sebastian Cox, who makes ash and rattan furniture using traditionally coppiced timber, and Carys Briggs of Stoff Studios, a master at creating bold, screen-printed patterns for woven rugs and throws. In addition to the website, where you'll also find lighting, beds, linen, storage and garden furniture, MADE has showrooms across Europe where you can see products up close before you buy.
Amara stocks luxurious designer homeware and catering for every taste, budget and interior style from the likes of Orla Kiely, Tom Dixon and Missoni, as well as their very own A by Amara line. With over 300 leading brands on offer, as well as interior inspiration covering home trends, and new collections landing weekly – the site is must for a luxury interior lover. As well as furniture, lighting, and items for the bathroom, bedroom, home office and more, there are also exclusive pieces and limited edition designs to bag.
Founded in 1992 in Wayne, Pennsylvania, Anthropologie has grown into a one-of-a-kind destination for those seeking a curated mix of clothing, accessories, gifts and home décor to reflect their personal style and fuel their lives' passions. Taking inspiration from the worlds of fashion, art and entertaining, we are committed to offering our customers signature products and unmatched service; both online and in our stores throughout the UK and North America. One of our favourite product collaborations is with Maggie Stephenson, the botanical blooms ceramic side table collection (£178 Anthropologie).
Anthropologie are passionate about collaboration and are proud to nurture partnerships with both established and upcoming artists to bring our customers unique, covetable pieces to treasure. Their buyers and designers travel the world to uncover special products and to collaborate with talented artists. The result? A unique assortment that includes clothing, accessories, beauty, found objects, gifts and more, with influences ranging from vintage to global. Anthropologie teams have a commitment to creativity, passion, and entrepreneurship but hope our success lies at keeping the customer at the heart of everything they do.
Anthropologie is part of URBN, a portfolio of global consumer brands. Visit the URBN Investor Relations and Global Community Initiatives pages to learn more.
Lifestyle unique boutique Oliver Bonas has an excellent online interior offering, including furniture (think velvet love-seat sofas, drinks trolleys, and quirky decorative accessories) homeware (lighting, mirrors, photo frames). Many pieces come in vivid bright colours or metallic tones and have eye-catching designs that are sure to make a statement in every interior space! New designs arrive in-store and online every week, so there's always something exciting to discover and explore. We absolutely love the decorative watering glass globe for your plants, super stylish-inexpensive and functional!
Founded after Fiona Cox, a stylist and presenter on the BBC’s home makeover series Home Front, became inundated with home decor inquiries. Cox & Cox back launched in 2001 and 19 years on, the company still hand-picks eclectic, unique and timeless pieces for British homes from around the globe. Fans of timeless pieces who don't follow trends are sure to find perennial favourites from the distinctive range of furniture and lighting, to attractive storage and decorative hand-woven rattan and luxury material accents. We adore the brushed marble and brass table light (£150).
Rose and Grey offer quirky accessories like drinks trolley’s, as well as a selection of vintage-style furniture that has an exceptional standard of craftsmanship. Our favourite design piece at present is the stunning mango wood and brass cabinet (£815).
With a mix of design-led pieces and made-to-order furniture from the UK, Europe and beyond, this is the site to bookmark for getting ahead of the design curve when it comes to interiors trends, as many are stocked on here before they flow into the mainstream.
Rockett St George has an eclectic edge you will not find on any other online store! Launched by Jane Rockett and Lucy St George in 2007. A firm favourite with interior designers and its pieces are regularly featured in the top design magazines. This online emporium is a one-stop-shop of quirky treasures lighting, furniture, accessories and gifts. Just one Rockett St George piece will make an instant statement within your interior. Our favourite and most coveted product is the gold drip accent/side table (also available in black £215).
SPEAK are known for enriching spaces with an experiential tapestry of form, texture and modern glamour. Combined with a fusion of unique and rare design pieces that evoke and delight the senses. SPEAK also provide exclusive packages for HMO and Property investors.
Contact us to SPEAK about your interior design or property staging project requirements.