CI&T Releases Annual Connected Retail Report: Target Moves Up to #1 as More Retailers Improve Their Connected Retail Ecosystems

Rhea-AI Summary

CI&T Inc (NYSE: CINT) released its annual Connected Retail Report, ranking retailers on their omnichannel experiences. Target topped the list, surpassing Nordstrom. The report highlighted significant advancements in retail performance, noting that 68% of consumers prefer shopping with retailers offering omnichannel experiences. Furthermore, new entrants like Apple and DSW demonstrated strong user experience metrics. CI&T emphasizes the need for retailers to strategically develop connected retail to meet evolving consumer expectations.

Positive

• Target ranked first in CI&T's Connected Retail Report, showcasing effective omnichannel strategies.
• New entrants in the top rankings, such as Apple and DSW, indicated a positive trend in retail performance and consumer engagement.
• The report indicates a significant improvement in average scores for the top ten retailers, suggesting enhanced consumer experiences.

Negative

• None.

Consumers Demand Personalized and Streamlined Omnichannel Experiences with Mobile Apps Taking Center Stage

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- CI&T Inc ("CI&T") (NYSE: CINT), a leader in driving digital transformation for global brands, today announced the release of its annual Connected Retail Report. This report ranks leading physical retailers on their omnichannel shopping experiences, setting a benchmark for the year ahead.

Target replaced Nordstrom in the top position (up from second in 2020) with its perfect search, buy, fulfillment, and returns scores, combined with near-perfect relationship-building and cart scores. Target stood out for how strong each of its channels functions individually, as well as the ways they augment each other.

While 2020 was a monumental moment for omnichannel overall, 2021 presented an opportunity for a big shake-up, as reflected in the drastically different top ten rosters year over year. In addition to Target, Home Depot and Walmart were the only connected retailers to make it into the top ten for a second time, demonstrating how many retailers have caught up to and surpassed the original top ten. Further, the average total score across the top ten this year was significantly higher than the average total score across the top ten last year, showcasing how far retailers have come in just one year. Noteworthy, new to the top ten brands this year - Apple, Levi’s, and DSW deserve special honorary mention for their highly visual, enjoyable and customizable user experiences.

CI&T’s Connected Retailer Ranking:

1. Target
2. Apple Store
3. Sephora
4. Home Depot
5. DSW
6. Levi Strauss
7. Nike
8. Walmart
9. American Eagle
10. Ulta

“Last year we saw retailers rapidly implementing connected retail experiences in response to the pandemic altering shopping habits nearly overnight,” said Melissa Minkow, Director of Retail Strategy at CI&T and co-author of the report. “Now it is clear those changes are here to stay and retailers must use connected retail strategically to build deeper and lasting relationships with their consumers in order to stay relevant.”

From app flow and buy online pick up in store (BOPIS) to site search and ease of returns, overall retailers have improved on their connected retail experience after the onset of the pandemic first forced them to expand their offerings. According to the report, sixty-eight percent of consumers intentionally seek out retailers with omnichannel experiences, with apps being their preferred way to shop online. Consumers are taking a digital-first approach to shopping, and they expect retailers to facilitate this new normal.

Additional report highlights include:

• An analysis of consumer purchase behaviors and expectations.
• Extensive evaluations of the connected shopping experiences of major retail brands.
• Recommendations for retailers to improve their shopping customer experience to meet – and exceed – customer expectations going forward.

View the full report here.

About CI&T

CI&T (NYSE: CINT) is a global digital specialist, a partner in end-to-end digital transformation for 50+ Large Enterprises & Fast Growth Clients. As digital natives, we bring a 26-year track record of accelerating business impact through complete and scalable digital solutions. With a global presence in 8 countries with a nearshore delivery model, CI&T is the Employer of Choice for more than 5,500 professionals in strategy, data science, design and engineering, unlocking top-line growth, improving customer experience, and driving operational efficiency.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220118005187/en/

Stephanie Wheeler

Illume PR for CI&T

ciandt@illumepr.com

Source: CI&T Inc.

FAQ

What is the Connected Retail Report by CI&T?

The Connected Retail Report is an annual publication by CI&T that ranks retailers based on their omnichannel shopping experiences.

Who topped the CI&T Connected Retail Report in 2021?

Target topped the CI&T Connected Retail Report in 2021, overtaking Nordstrom.

What percentage of consumers prefer omnichannel experiences according to CI&T's report?

According to the report, 68% of consumers intentionally seek out retailers offering omnichannel experiences.

What new brands entered the top rankings in CI&T's report?

New entrants to the top rankings include Apple, Levi's, and DSW, who showcased strong user experiences.

How did the top ten retailers perform compared to the previous year?

The average total score of the top ten retailers significantly improved compared to the previous year's scores.