In the new year, keep an eye out for some of the movements that are shaping our industry.
Retail
The revival of physical stores is offering unique, immersive in-store experiences.
SSA’s Community Tables and Marketplace concepts make the shopping experience a destination event
With discretionary spending decreasing, companies are finding it important to educate guests on where their dollars are going.
SSA is doing this through Your Purchase Matters, mission-driven products and supplying retail from local and small businesses.
Net Zero is a buying factor — guests are voting for sustainable goods with their wallets.
SSA’s sustainable custom apparel approach ensures at least 50% of our partners’ apparel programs are sustainably printed
Culinary
Healthy foods continue to drive purchases.
Including seafood alternatives, plant-based foods, healthier dessert options like chocolate-dipped bananas, and more.
Consumers continue to demand more than concessions – they want higher quality choices and Instagrammable moments.
Soda alternatives are driving revenue.
Including flavored sparkling water, kombucha and sparkling fermented teas.
Admissions
Cultural attractions are creating unique experiences to drive higher admissions.
AI is influencing dynamic ticket pricing, helping to mitigate peak attendance times and offering pricing that invites more guests to visit.
One-click ticket purchasing is driving increased attendance and promoting bundled offerings.
Digital
Digital POS is informing how guests process payments, with friction being removed with every tech innovation.
Companies are tasked with incorporating seamless digital integration without taking away from the in-person experience.
Generative AI is entering the scene, seen in places like waste reduction, storytelling and accessibility.
Climate Action
Global brands are looking for new ways to reduce waste
Mars has introduced compostable packaging for M&Ms, and Skittles has employed vending machines that eliminate packaging.
Businesses are going electric
At SSA, our Climate Action Plan is working to move kitchen to electric, with an estimated 15-60% savings in energy consumption costs.
We’re seeing more vertical and container farms
Increasingly, consumers want to know where their food is coming from. Container farms require a smaller footprint and ensure full transparency in product sourcing.
IDEA + Belonging
Cognitive Diversity is being incorporated into training and development
Cognitive Diversity is the inclusion of different problem-solving styles and perspectives.
Diversity initiatives are full steam ahead and requiring ACTION and DATA to prove impact
SSA partner Behavioral Essentials is leading the industry with comprehensive, data-based development and retention tools to cultivate a thriving workforce.
AI and ethical AI practices are becoming topics of discussion and implementation.
SSA is your partner in bundled services and beyond, creating guest-centric experiences that are poised for the future.