
Ageas integrates strategic thinking with Trendtracker's trend detection
Problems
Our solution
Anticipate major shifts early
AI Analyst built for decisions
Foresight across markets and categories
Key benefits
Most strategists say they finally stopped drowning in reports. Imagine starting there.
Retail moves fast. With Trendtracker, you’ll always have foresight that keeps you ahead — clear, actionable, and ready to use from day one.
Retail is entering a new era shaped by technology, shifting consumer values, and fragile supply chains. Customers expect hyper-personalized experiences, sustainable choices, and seamless digital-physical journeys. At the same time, retailers must navigate inflation, labor shortages, and rising competition from digital-first platforms. The companies that thrive will blend resilience with reinvention, turning disruption into opportunity.
Consumers are demanding experiences that go beyond transactions. Retailers are investing in personalization, immersive shopping, and loyalty ecosystems to meet rising expectations. Technology is becoming the bridge between brand storytelling and customer engagement.
Today’s landscape
Retailers are using AI to analyze customer data and predict preferences. Personalized recommendations, promotions, and dynamic pricing are improving conversion rates.
The road ahead
Consumers will expect personalization at every touchpoint, from online browsing to in-store experiences. Privacy and trust will be central to adoption.
PESTLE: Technological, Social, Legal
Horizon: Near- to mid-term (0–5y)
Strategic action: Invest in explainable AI tools, secure customer consent, and integrate personalization across digital and physical channels.
Today’s landscape
Augmented reality, virtual try-ons, and experiential stores are reshaping how people shop. These tools are attracting younger, digital-native consumers.
The road ahead
Immersive experiences will evolve from novelty to expectation, especially in fashion, furniture, and beauty. Retailers who fail to offer them risk losing engagement.
PESTLE: Technological, Social, Economic
Horizon: Mid-term (3–7y)
Strategic action: Experiment with AR/VR pilots, partner with tech providers, and blend entertainment with commerce to drive loyalty.
Today’s landscape
Loyalty programs are expanding beyond discounts into ecosystems that integrate payments, services, and lifestyle perks. Super-apps in Asia are leading the way.
The road ahead
Expect loyalty ecosystems to become a battleground, as retailers, banks, and tech platforms compete for consumer attention.
PESTLE: Economic, Technological, Social
Horizon: Mid- to long-term (5–10y)
Strategic action: Design loyalty ecosystems that integrate payments, sustainability tracking, and cross-partner perks to lock in customer relationships.
Global shocks and rising consumer expectations are forcing retailers to rethink how products are sourced, moved, and priced. Transparency and sustainability are no longer optional — they are part of competitive positioning.
Today’s landscape
Retailers are reducing dependency on single regions by diversifying suppliers and reshoring production. This is helping mitigate geopolitical risk and delays.
The road ahead
Supply chain resilience will become a strategic differentiator. Companies that secure diverse, local, and sustainable sources will be less vulnerable to shocks.
PESTLE: Political/Legal, Economic, Environmental
Horizon: Near- to mid-term (0–7y)
Strategic action: Build supplier networks in multiple geographies, invest in local partnerships, and adopt scenario planning for disruptions.
Today’s landscape
Customers expect visibility into where and how products are made. Regulations in Europe and the US are raising disclosure standards.
The road ahead
Sustainability data will be table stakes for brand trust. Those who fail to provide it risk both reputational and regulatory consequences.
PESTLE: Social, Political/Legal, Environmental
Horizon: Near-term (0–3y)
Strategic action: Adopt traceability tools like blockchain, publish transparent sustainability reports, and engage suppliers to meet compliance requirements.
Today’s landscape
Resale, rental, and repair platforms are booming, driven by Gen Z’s preference for sustainable consumption. Major retailers are piloting secondhand marketplaces.
The road ahead
Circular models will move from niche to mainstream, influencing inventory strategies and revenue models.
PESTLE: Environmental, Social, Economic
Horizon: Mid-term (3–8y)
Strategic action: Integrate resale and rental into core business, develop take-back programs, and measure lifecycle impact for consumer transparency.
AI is moving from back-office optimization to core decision-making in retail. From forecasting to automation, it is transforming how retailers operate and how consumers interact with brands.
Today’s landscape
Retailers are using AI to analyze real-time sales, weather, and social trends to predict demand more accurately. This reduces waste and improves margins.
The road ahead
Forecasting will become predictive and autonomous, adjusting production and logistics in real time.
PESTLE: Technological, Economic, Environmental
Horizon: Near- to mid-term (0–5y)
Strategic action: Deploy AI forecasting tools across supply chains, train staff to act on insights, and integrate sustainability factors into demand models.
Today’s landscape
Robotics and AI are automating warehouses, checkout, and last-mile delivery. Leading retailers are already testing cashierless stores and drone deliveries.
The road ahead
Autonomous operations will scale rapidly, lowering costs but raising workforce and regulatory challenges.
PESTLE: Technological, Social, Political/Legal
Horizon: Mid- to long-term (5–10y)
Strategic action: Pilot automation in logistics and in-store operations, reskill workers, and engage policymakers on labor and safety frameworks.
Today’s landscape
AI chatbots are evolving into digital shopping assistants, helping customers find products, compare options, and complete purchases.
The road ahead
Generative AI will redefine customer support, blending personalized recommendations with transaction support. Trust and transparency will determine adoption.
PESTLE: Technological, Social, Legal
Horizon: Near- to mid-term (0–5y)
Strategic action: Deploy generative AI carefully, train it on brand values, and ensure human-in-the-loop oversight to maintain trust.