Visualsoft and Shopify power unified shopping experience as many consumers favour omnichannel
Visualsoft is partnering with Shopify on the release of research that reveals the growing urgency for truly connected retail experiences.
88% of the 2,000 UK shoppers surveyed for this already buy both online and in-store from the same retailers. A third would willingly pay more for a consistently seamless retail experience, and that willingness doubles among younger adults, rising to 61% 18-34 year olds.
74% feel more confident buying from brands that offer a joined up experience. 92% of 25-34 year olds want to be able to return an item bought online in-store, and 46% of all respondents said it would be useful to be able to check for stock online before visiting a shop.
Chris Fletcher, CEO at Visualsoft, says: “There’s a huge amount of pressure on retailers to deliver a unified experience, because whether they’re online or in-store, customers expect shopping to feel seamless as they move between channels.”
“That only happens when your tech actually joins everything up, but with Shopify's PoS platform and Visualsoft's expertise, retailers can bring their systems, data and loyalty into one view, spending less time wrestling with disjointed journeys and more time looking after customers.”
Matthias Kleven, Head of Northern Europe Partnerships at Shopify, says: “Commerce today is about removing barriers between channels and creating one connected consumer experience. Shoppers don’t distinguish between online and in-store, so retailers shouldn’t have to either.”
“Together with Visualsoft, we’re helping UK retailers use Shopify’s unified commerce platform to bring every part of their business together - from stock and payments to loyalty and service - so they can meet customers wherever they are and however they choose to shop.”
2025 RTIH INNOVATION AWARDS
Omnichannel retail was a key focus area at the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards.
We received a record number of entries and many fantastic examples of the continued resilience and dynamism of the retail space during hugely challenging times.
For a full rundown of all of the shortlisted entries, click here.
Our 2025 hall of fame entrants were revealed during a sold out event which took place at The HAC in Central London on 16th October and consisted of a drinks reception, three course meal, and awards ceremony presided over by award winning comedian, actress and writer Tiff Stevenson.
In his welcome speech, Scott Thompson, Founder and Editor, RTIH, said: “This is the awards’ fifth year as a physical event. We started off with just 30 people at the South Place Hotel not far from here, then moved to London Bridge Hotel, then The Barbican, and last year RIBA’s HQ in the West End.”
“But I’m conscious of the fact that, to quote the legend that is Taylor Swift, You’re only as hot as your last hit, baby. So, this year we’ve moved to our biggest venue yet, and also pulled in our largest number of entries to date and broken attendance records.”
He added: “This year’s submissions have without doubt been our best yet. To quote one of the judges: The examples of innovative developments across both traditional and digital retail spaces were truly remarkable.”
Congratulations to our winners, and a big thank you to our sponsors, judging panel, the legend that is Tiff Stevenson, and all those who attended our 2025 gathering.
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