Latest research blog posts.

Startle’s research into the retail experience reveals that 50.8% of shoppers think it is less relaxing than before, with three quarters of them (74%) not intending to go with the same frequency as before lockdown.

Startle’s research into the dining experience reveals that 37% of restaurant goers feel the atmosphere is less relaxing now, but conversely 27.5% think the opposite is true; it is more relaxing than pre-lockdown times.

Startle’s research into the dining experience reveals that 30.4% of restaurant goers feel the atmosphere would be better with the sound of people, with 26.5% thinking the opposite is true. Just over half (53.2%) think it is less sociable now too.

Startle’s research into the pub experience reveals that 36.6% of pub goers think the atmosphere would be better with the sound of people, as nearly two thirds of them (60.4%) also think the atmosphere was more sociable pre-lockdown.

Startle’s research into the retail experience reveals that 59.2% of shoppers think it is less sociable than before lockdown, but only a fifth of them (20%) miss the buzz and sound of people in-store.

Startle’s research into the retail experience reveals that 29.3% of shoppers think music can make the retail experience better, with over a third of them (38.7%) feeling the experience was better pre-lockdown.

Startle’s research into the retail experience reveals that 60.5% of retail shoppers are not enjoying it like pre-lockdown, and well over half do not intend to visit stores as regularly.

Startle’s research into the pub experience reveals 54.6% of pub-goers are having less fun than pre-lockdown. And there’s more, with the majority also not intending to go to the pub as much post-lockdown.

Launching Startle's Mind The Gap research; a new and completely free-to-access consumer behaviour research hub for the retail and hospitality sectors as they reopen post-lockdown.

Whatever their strategy, retailers need to be smart and willing to adapt in order for their stores to survive. The best of the best will demonstrate how providing customers with memorable experiences in their stores can equate to long-term loyalty. With a willingness to adapt to digital trends, the right use of technology, and confidence in the role of their physical stores, retailer brands remain in good stead for 2019.

Using technology, successful businesses are now employing loyalty schemes and targeting consumers at different stages of their journeys - when a booking is made, prior to their visit, once they have left a venue, etc. This not only allows them to build a relationship with the consumer, but also enables them to collect further data for future use, such as personalised advertising and messaging to specific groups and individuals.