Global apparel revenue is projected to reach $2 trillion by 2029, with one-third of all sales occurring online by 2027, according to new research from Snapchat, Publicis Media, and NRG.
The study, which surveyed over 3,000 apparel shoppers across five markets, identifies four key trends transforming retail.
Technology Transforms Shopping Experience
AI-powered personalization, augmented reality (AR), and image search are reshaping consumer discovery and purchasing behavior. The research shows Snapchat users are particularly receptive to these technologies, with 65% agreeing that AI-powered styling guides help discover new outfit ideas—2.1 times higher than non-Snapchatters.
Additionally, 63% of Snapchatters agree AR Lenses reduce their need to visit physical stores, while 67% say AR virtual try-on simplifies online purchase decisions. Visual search technology is valued by 77% of Snapchat users for finding apparel items more efficiently, compared to 50% of non-users.
Social Platforms Replace Traditional Retail Spaces
Social media has supplanted department stores and fashion magazines as the primary venue for trend discovery and shopping inspiration. Over 80% of Snapchatters report using social platforms as their primary method for staying up-to-date with fashion trends, making a social presence essential at every stage of the purchase journey.
Peer Influence Drives Purchase Decisions
Word-of-mouth recommendations have gained significant power in the digital era. The study finds 82% of Snapchatters are more likely to notice brands used by friends and family, while 80% consult friends on social platforms about apparel brands. Post-purchase, 80% of users recommend products to their personal networks.
Creators Function as Retail Storefronts
The research reveals creators have become trusted fashion advisors, with 79% of Snapchatters trusting creator opinions as much as those from friends and family. Brands partnering with creators are perceived as more socially relevant (79%) and connected to cultural conversations (77%).
This aligns with broader industry shifts identified in a recent IMARC Group report, which projects the global fashion influencer marketing market to grow from $5 billion in 2023 to $86.1 billion by 2032—a compound annual growth rate of 35.7%.
Global apparel revenue is projected to reach $2 trillion by 2029, with one-third of all sales occurring online by 2027, according to new research from Snapchat, Publicis Media, and NRG.
The study, which surveyed over 3,000 apparel shoppers across five markets, identifies four key trends transforming retail.
Technology Transforms Shopping Experience
AI-powered personalization, augmented reality (AR), and image search are reshaping consumer discovery and purchasing behavior. The research shows Snapchat users are particularly receptive to these technologies, with 65% agreeing that AI-powered styling guides help discover new outfit ideas—2.1 times higher than non-Snapchatters.
Additionally, 63% of Snapchatters agree AR Lenses reduce their need to visit physical stores, while 67% say AR virtual try-on simplifies online purchase decisions. Visual search technology is valued by 77% of Snapchat users for finding apparel items more efficiently, compared to 50% of non-users.
Social Platforms Replace Traditional Retail Spaces
Social media has supplanted department stores and fashion magazines as the primary venue for trend discovery and shopping inspiration. Over 80% of Snapchatters report using social platforms as their primary method for staying up-to-date with fashion trends, making a social presence essential at every stage of the purchase journey.
Peer Influence Drives Purchase Decisions
Word-of-mouth recommendations have gained significant power in the digital era. The study finds 82% of Snapchatters are more likely to notice brands used by friends and family, while 80% consult friends on social platforms about apparel brands. Post-purchase, 80% of users recommend products to their personal networks.
Creators Function as Retail Storefronts
The research reveals creators have become trusted fashion advisors, with 79% of Snapchatters trusting creator opinions as much as those from friends and family. Brands partnering with creators are perceived as more socially relevant (79%) and connected to cultural conversations (77%).
This aligns with broader industry shifts identified in a recent IMARC Group report, which projects the global fashion influencer marketing market to grow from $5 billion in 2023 to $86.1 billion by 2032—a compound annual growth rate of 35.7%.
All images are credited to Snapchat.