Pandemic is not over yet. But in 2021, we are far well-adjusted and understand the fact that we have to adapt to the ‘new normal’ while maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Amid this crisis, the human spirit to ‘Look Good and Feel Good’, the mantra of the Sunrise Industry is still alive. The Beauty, Health and Wellness industry is not shying away from adding more to keep itself alive with new trends. Let’s look at some of the key trends and forecast:
Beauty, Health and Wellness Industry: Key Trends
Digitization, Do It Yourself (DIY) and At-home services – Lots of retail stores were shut down, footfall in the ‘brick-and-mortar’ and ‘posh’ salons saw a downward trend. The digital/online mode for shopping and payments of beauty and personal care products became prevalent. DIY and At-home services rescued some businesses by being the only lifeline.
Traditional to Technology – Use of Artificial intelligence (AI), Virtual ‘try-on apps’ before buying any (beauty/skincare) product, self-check-ins, online payments and many such features eliminated the unnecessary touch interactions. AI-driven health apps to track health goals, connecting with the nutritionist and Virtual Reality (VR) experiences in spas made life simpler.
Skincare vs Colour Cosmetics – With work-from-home culture, social distancing and wearing masks in public reduced the need to purchase cosmetics. But, with an exception for the eye and skincare products that were bought online.
Virtual Training and At-home fitness – Fitness being a priority in today’s age and time made people set up home gyms with basic equipment. Many embraced yoga and meditation classes online
Personal Health Trackers – Use of wearables like smart watches, fit-bit and GOQii to track and monitor sleep, calories and steps.
Healthy Food Habits and Mindful Eating – Care and Medication to deal with the health issues arising due to sedentary lifestyles and frantic schedules. With covid-19, all have become more conscious and mindful of what they eat and in what quantity. The emergence of plant-based protein, use of plant-based foods, ginger, honey as home remedies in daily diets became popular.
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Beauty, Health and Wellness constitutes complete wellbeing - Wellbeing of the Body, Mind and Spirit.
Beauty, Health and Wellness Industry: Forecast
Continuance of Virtual fitness
Online mental health support
Virtual shopping/ ‘try-ons’ apps before buying any beauty product
Smart Air Purifiers are not new but we can expect the purifiers with smart connectivity technology in 2021 and beyond
Change in shopping experience with a concept of ‘Touchless beauty’ to ensure sales and hygienic in-store environment
Emergence of ‘Compostable Couture’ to mitigate global waste produced by the fashion industry
Focus on ‘Eat Fresh and Eat Local’ with a focus on the nutritional value of the product they shall be consuming
Expect more compact self-care product sets in the market and continuance of DIY
Evidence back approach to immune health products and supplements with metabolic health, microbiome and personalised nutrition
What’s in it for me?
The beauty, health and wellness industry will remain attractive and profitable as big brands have found way-outs to connect with the consumer and provide most of the services online. A significant shift to online services may result in a long term change to consumer behaviour and channel sales for personal care and beauty products as more customers continue to consume online.
The digitisation in the beauty, health and wellness industry has just enhanced the future business prospects for the e-commerce sector. Start-ups or small business owners looking out to take a plunge in the beauty, health and wellness sector shall take note of the prevailing key trends and future trends. And must create a plan that can be reviewed periodically. With a safe, reliable, good quality and unique product, you can take your business to the next level. Try variation in your products, identify and approach new target audiences.
Once you have an established business, your goodwill in the market will be the deciding factor and customer loyalty. Stay updated with the latest technology and product requirement in the market. Innovation in technology and research of better products and services in the sector will ensure business survival.
Good observation