How “Metail” is Changing the Future of the Retail Landscape

From creating custom garments to the innovation of Artificial Intelligence (AI) that delivers a personalised shopping journey, retail is becoming more personal, as shoppers want a more tailored experience.  

Today we look at how “metail” is going to change the future of retail, covering everything from personalised products to technology shaping the online experience.  

The personal touch 

Shopping for products, whether that be clothes or kitchen appliances, has become so readily available that brands have had to become more creative and more personal to continue catching the eye of the consumer.  

A quick search on Google for “personalised products” brings up everything from name-engraved pens to footballs you can print your name on. Hence the expression, “metail”.  

The days of settling for just items with a brand name on seem to be gone. In fact, the trend of personalisation has become so popular that the use of mass customisation is enabling the production of items on a large scale while satisfying a customer’s need for individuality.  

Back in 2015, it was estimated that £1 billion could be spent on personalised products. A consumer review from Deloitte in the same year showed that one in four people were willing to pay more to receive a personalised item or service. 

Fast forward to 2020 and the news that Notonthehighstreet—the online retailer that sells personalised gifts from over 5,000 small businesses—is eyeing a £200 million sale is proof that the surge has continued.  

The popularity of the website has even included customers such as the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, who bought Prince George a personalised dressing gown, worn when they met then-US President Barack Obama in 2016.  

New technology for the online boom 

Online shopping in the UK is becoming more common, with a high level of