Retail in Asia

In Trends

33 companies that are revolutionizing retail

The way people shop is changing every day.

Thanks to the proliferation of smartphones and innovations in delivery and data, the retail landscape is evolving like never before. And as retailers become more understanding of what consumers want, the way they choose to market their products changes, as well.

Here is some of the 33 companies selected — from an e-commerce behemoth to a top-notch fast fashion retailer, and more.

Zara has “the best business model in apparel.”

Why it’s revolutionary: Zara’s business model has been called “the best business model in apparel” by Bernstein analysts, according to The Wall Street Journal. The Spanish fast fashion company is quick, on-trend, and is constantly changing up inventory.

Under Armour is quickly catching up to Nike.

Why it’s revolutionary: The company, which put performance wear on the map, and in 2015, it surpassed Adidas to become the second-biggest sportswear brand in the US by sales. It continues to report impressive results.

Under Armour has been aggressively investing in high-profile endorsement deals with athletes like Stephen Curry and Muhammad Ali, while also building up its women’s business. Its deal with Stephen Curry has paid off tremendously.

Under Armour’s rapidly evolving technologically enhanced apparel proves that the company — which maintains its underdog ethos – is swiftly catching up to its top competitor, Nike.

Under Armour’s CEO Kevin Plank said that he aims for the company’s women’s division to be “at least as large if not larger than our men’s business,” which would make the company’s women’s business bigger than Lululemon.

Nike continues to innovate.

Why it’s revolutionary: Whether the company is debuting new cooling technology, self-lacing sneakers, or moisture-adaptable apparel — or showing off its exclusive gym — Nike is always up to something. It has maintained its reputation as the number one apparel retailer by continuing to innovate and impress consumers.

Amazon gets things to consumers faster than ever.

Why it’s revolutionary: Amazon Prime has changed the way many people operate on a daily basis, and with Prime Now, the company is taking things (like wine delivery) to a whole new level. The company continues to innovate and find ways to bring things to consumers quickly and without having to leave the house.

Lululemon has cultivated a community, making it a leader in the athleisure category.

Why it’s revolutionary: Lululemon was arguably the one of the first companies to offer women workout clothes they wanted to wear all the time. The athleisure trend has become so popular, it has been arguably eclipsing denim.

The company now counts Nike and Under Armour among its copycats. Lululemon is continuing to innovate — its “anti ball-crushing” pants have become hugely popular with men. It’s also expanding ivivva, its line for young girls.

The company’s new flagship model, which debuted in New York this fall, demonstrates that Lululemon is set on cementing a community among customers.

Modcloth has abandoned a word that has a large stigma in the fashion industry.

Why it’s revolutionary: ModCloth has been one of the e-tailers leading the way in the plus-size revolution. Not only does the company offer larger sizes, but it has banished the use of the phrase “plus size” on its website — it’s called “extended sizes” now.

Aerie has captured the hearts of young women by abandoning airbrushing

Why it’s revolutionary: Aerie has been leading the charge in the body positivity revolution with its unretouched models in its Aerie Real campaign. As a result, its sales have been soaring.