APAC retailers urged to embrace entertainment-led strategies

Retailers are encouraged to transform their physical stores into entertainment hubs.

Consumers across the Asia Pacific (APAC) are now shifting from conventional product sales toward immersive experiences, according to the WGSN-Asia Shopper Priorities 2024 report.

The report revealed that one-third of Gen Z individuals in Singapore are allocating their funds towards live entertainment whilst Festivals are also boosting music tourism across key markets including China, Singapore, Japan, and Australia.

In Thailand and Indonesia, two in five consumers have also reportedly actively engaged in local or overseas concerts within the past year.

The shift is further propelled by the growing trend of online TV viewing across the APAC region.

Retailers are encouraged to transform their physical stores into entertainment hubs, offering gaming, pop culture, and live performances to elevate the in-store experience and foster lasting loyalty among consumers.

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The report also advised retailers to realign their sale calendars around key entertainment events, offering package deals and VIP bundles to enhance customer engagement.

Moreover, it cited the importance of local and regional collaborations, highlighting the growing influence of borderless pop culture in shaping consumer preferences.

Retailers can also effectively bridge the gap between entertainment and retail by elevating film screenings as retail experiences and offering exclusive discounts.