Innovation of the Week is a subscriber-only series highlighting retail initiatives that have caught the eye of our team. Every week, we will bring you new ideas and case studies that link to the trends in our Retail Horizon 2024 reports – across consumer, technology, sustainability, and economy, policy and industry.
What is it?
France’s national post office, La Poste, is trialling a new service for online click-and-collect shoppers. A Paris branch has installed a standalone changing room with chairs, a mirror and shelving to allow customers to try on their new purchases when collecting. This allows them to make an immediate on-the-spot return if needed.
There is also a facility to recycle packaging for people keeping their orders.
Why does it matter?
La Poste has introduced the concept to remove friction from the online shopping experience.
With more customers than ever shopping online for clothing and footwear, the new addition makes the process of returning items that do not fit quicker and easier for shoppers and retailers.
“The changing room is original, it’s an exclusive service that I am sure customers will love”
Semlali, commercial area manager, Paris Ecole Militaire post office
Strategic implications
Removing friction from the shopping experience is a priority for retailers and delivery providers. If successful, this is a concept that could be replicated in other countries such as the UK.
Winning strategies
- Elevated customer experience.
- Unified commerce for better CX.
Retail Horizon 2024 is Retail Week’s exclusive strategic toolkit for subscribers.
Across four in-depth reports, Retail Week research director Lisa Byfield-Green and our team of analysts explore the most significant trends that will shape the sector in the year ahead across consumer, technology, sustainability, and industry, economy and policy.
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