Retail and eCommerce – Predictions 2013

Although it reads like the press release that it is and certainly is not lacking some self-interested conclusions for Wanderful, I tend to agree with most of the predictions made by Ben Smith in this article.

His start-up with its stellar team is one to watch by the way, especially if you’re interested in the future of circulars. You know, those huge bundles of paper shoved through your mailbox on a weekly basis, by some pimpled youth saving for an Xbox. Although seemingly outdated in the age of digital & mobile media consumption, the effectiveness of these coupon- and deal-distributing papers, remains impressive. Which is why companies such as ohh, Google are investing in ways to move these media into the digital age.

In stead of requiring a direct digital feed, Wanderful works with direct scanning of the printed circular. Although this may sound antiquated, it may actually appeal to the traditional audience that is used to reading these, often hideously formatted magazines. Much like one should not try to understand the primal appeal that a table cluttered with discounted clothes has over a neatly organized rack with nice tags.

But I digress, below is the entire article. The original piece on his blog also retains the helpful links to sources he used to back up his statements.