New Zealand

Retail expert says adaption key

19:51 pm on 6 January 2014

A retail expert says New Zealand shop owners need to cater to overseas online buyers to keep up with emerging retail trends or get left behind.

Trends including 'showrooming', where shoppers examine a product in-store then buy it cheaper online, will be a major retail trend for 2014, retail marketing company IdeaWorks says.

Chairperson Jon Bird says some New Zealand retailers are responding well to the trend with the 'click and collect' option that allows shoppers to buy products online and pick them up in-store.

However, he says those who don't adapt will be left behind.

Mr Bird says it is time for stores to lift their game and realise they are now part of a global retail economy and they are not just catering to New Zealand shoppers.