Top 10 Platforms for Retail Product Discovery in 2025

Retail product discovery helps customers find and explore products in an online store through personalised recommendations, curated collections, and search functions. It enhances visibility, streamlines searches, and drives consumer engagement.

The landscape of retail product discovery is rapidly evolving, driven by advances in technology and changing consumer expectations. In 2024, retailers face the challenge of navigating an increasingly digital marketplace where seamless, personalised experiences are no longer optional but essential. Traditional methods of product search are giving way to sophisticated platforms that leverage artificial intelligence, real-time data, and multi-channel integration to enhance how customers discover and engage with products.

In this article, we explore the top 10 platforms for retail product discovery in 2024, examining how these cutting-edge solutions are transforming the way retailers connect with their audience. By harnessing the power of technology, businesses can provide more relevant product recommendations, streamline the shopping journey, and ultimately drive higher conversion rates and customer satisfaction.

What is Retail Product Discovery?

Retail product discovery refers to the process of helping customers find relevant products seamlessly across multiple touchpoints—online stores, mobile apps, in-store, and more—through personalised recommendations, smart search, and advanced filters. Unlike traditional product search, which relies on users knowing what they are looking for, product discovery focuses on intuitive browsing, suggesting relevant products based on user behaviour, preferences, and trends.

The importance of seamless product discovery cannot be overstated for both retailers and customers. For customers, it creates a frictionless shopping experience, leading to more satisfaction and loyalty. For retailers, effective product discovery leads to higher conversion rates, increased retail sales, and stronger customer engagement by presenting the right products at the right time.

Why Retail Product Discovery is Crucial in 2024

In 2024, retail product discovery is more vital than ever due to the increasing demand for personalised shopping experiences. Modern customers expect instant, relevant product recommendations tailored to their preferences, driven by AI and machine learning. This shift towards personalised discovery enhances user experience and significantly boosts conversion rates and customer loyalty. When retailers provide seamless product discovery, they can cater to diverse customer needs, driving repeat purchases and increasing overall sales. As competition intensifies, optimising product discovery will be key to staying ahead in the retail landscape.

Top Features to Look for in a Product Discovery Platform

1. AI-powered Recommendations

Leverage AI to deliver personalised suggestions based on user behaviour and preferences, ensuring relevant products are always highlighted.

2. Real-time Inventory Updates and Availability

Ensure accurate stock levels are reflected, preventing disappointment from unavailable items and helping users make informed purchasing decisions.

3. Multi-channel Integration

Seamlessly integrates across online platforms, physical stores, and mobile apps to provide a consistent and unified shopping experience.

4. Advanced Filtering and Search Capabilities

Offer precise search options and customizable filters, allowing customers to quickly find products that match their needs.

5. Personalised Product Curation

Tailor product displays to individual customer behaviours and browsing patterns to enhance engagement and conversion.

Sekel Tech offers a unique edge in the realm of hyperlocal marketing. Watch this short video to learn about Sekel’s clear differentiator, showcasing how it powers localised product discovery and drives customer engagement in real-time.

Top 10 Platforms for Retail Product Discovery

#1 Retail Product Discovery Platform - Sekel Tech

Sekel Tech's hyperlocal product discovery platform empowers brands by automating organic lead generation and increasing foot traffic through real-time reporting and dynamic engagement.

a) Key Features

- Listing Management

Ensures accurate and consistent business information across platforms.

- Store Locator

Helps customers easily find physical store locations.

- Store Microsites

Automatically creates SEO-optimised mini-websites for every store.

- Product Catalogue

Displays detailed product information with a user-friendly interface.

- Review Management

Consolidates reviews across Google and Meta platforms.

- Content Optimization

Publishes and optimises content across multiple locations at scale.

b) Advantages of Sekel Tech

- Authenticity & Trust

Organic discovery builds genuine brand credibility.

- Sustainable Growth

Long-term cost-efficiency through organic content, boosting brand authority.

- Higher Engagement

Organic traffic leads to more meaningful user interaction and retention.

- Better SEO Visibility

Optimised content ranks higher, increasing visibility and conversions.

- Custom Solutions

Tailored to fit the specific needs of your business.

c) How It Stands Out

Sekel Tech differentiates itself from other platforms with its comprehensive feature set that combines hyperlocal discovery with advanced data integration and real-time analytics. Its focus on enhancing local visibility, innovative demand generation techniques, and cost-effective pricing positions Sekel Tech as a top choice for retailers looking to improve their product discovery and drive sales growth.

#2 Retail Product Discovery Platform - Syte

Syte specialises in visual search technology, allowing customers to find products by uploading images. Its AI-driven platform enhances product discovery through visual recognition, improving the shopping experience and driving higher engagement.

a) Key Features

- Visual Search

Allows users to upload images to find similar products, improving the search experience.

- AI-Driven Recommendations

Provides personalised product suggestions based on visual cues.

- In-Image Search

Enables users to search for products directly within images on retailer sites.

- Integration Capabilities

Seamlessly integrates with existing eCommerce platforms to enhance functionality.

#3 Retail Product Discovery Platform - RangeMe

RangeMe offers a platform for product discovery that connects retailers with new and emerging products. It features a robust marketplace for product submissions and a streamlined process for evaluating and sourcing new inventory.

a) Key Features

- Product Marketplace

A hub for discovering and sourcing new products from suppliers.

- Supplier Profiles

Detailed profiles of product suppliers, including reviews and ratings.

- Product Submission

Allows brands to submit their products for retailer consideration.

- Data Analytics

Provides insights into product trends and supplier performance.

#4 Retail Product Discovery Platform - Intelistyle

Intelistyle focuses on personalised shopping experiences through AI-driven style recommendations and virtual try-ons. Its platform enhances product discovery by matching products with individual customer preferences.

a) Key Features

- AI-Powered Style Recommendations

Provides personalised product suggestions based on customer preferences.

- Virtual Try-Ons

Allows customers to visualise how products will look on them using augmented reality.

- Personalization Engine

Tailors product discovery based on individual style and shopping behaviour.

- Integration with Retail Sites

Embeds seamlessly into retailer websites to enhance the shopping experience.

#5 Retail Product Discovery Platform - Klevu

Klevu provides a powerful search solution that leverages natural language processing to improve product discovery. Its intelligent search capabilities deliver relevant results and enhance user experience by understanding and processing customer queries.

a) Key Features

-Natural Language Processing (NLP)

Understands and processes customer queries to deliver relevant search results.

- Smart Search

Offers autocomplete suggestions and relevant product recommendations.

- Personalized Search Results

Customises search results based on user behaviour and preferences.

- Analytics Dashboard

Provides insights into search performance and user engagement.

#6 Retail Product Discovery Platform - Bloomreach

Bloomreach combines search, merchandising, and personalization to optimise product discovery. Its platform uses data-driven insights to deliver personalised experiences and improve customer engagement across various touchpoints.

a) Key Features

- Personalised Search

Uses data to deliver tailored search results and product recommendations.

- Merchandising Tools

Allows for dynamic product placement and promotions based on user behaviour.

- Content Management

Streamlines the creation and management of content across multiple channels.

- Analytics and Insights

Offers detailed performance metrics and insights into user behaviour.

#7 Retail Product Discovery Platform - Lucidworks

Lucidworks offers a comprehensive search and discovery platform with advanced AI and machine learning capabilities. It helps retailers enhance product discovery by providing relevant search results and personalised recommendations.

a) Key Features

- AI and Machine Learning

Enhances search relevance and personalization using AI algorithms.

- Faceted Search

Allows users to filter and narrow down search results based on various attributes.

- Advanced Analytics

Provides insights into search performance and user interaction.

- Integration Options

Easily integrates with existing eCommerce and CRM systems.

#8 Retail Product Discovery Platform - Oberlo

Oberlo specialises in product discovery for dropshipping businesses. It simplifies the process of finding and importing products from suppliers, making it easier for retailers to expand their inventory and reach new markets.

a) Key Features

- Product Sourcing

Provides access to a vast network of suppliers for easy product sourcing.

- Product Import

Allows for seamless importing of products into online stores.

- Order Management

Streamlines order processing and fulfilment.

- Supplier Ratings

Offers ratings and reviews of suppliers to help with decision-making.

#9 Retail Product Discovery Platform - Threekit

Threekit focuses on 3D and augmented reality product visualisation. Its platform allows customers to interact with products in a virtual environment, enhancing the product discovery process through immersive and interactive experiences.

a) Key Features

- 3D Product Configurators

Allows customers to customise and view products in 3D.

- Augmented Reality

Enables virtual try-ons and product visualisations in a real-world context.

- Interactive Product Visuals

Provides engaging and immersive product experiences.

- Integration with eCommerce Sites

Embeds 3D and AR experiences into online stores.

#10 Retail Product Discovery Platform - Gartner

Gartner provides research and advisory services that include insights into product discovery platforms. Its expertise helps businesses understand market trends and make informed decisions about technology investments for improved product discovery.

a) Key Features

- Research Reports

Provides in-depth analysis and reviews of retail product discovery technologies.

- Market Trends

Offers insights into emerging trends and innovations in the retail technology space.

- Advisory Services

Assists businesses in evaluating and selecting the right retail product discovery solutions.

- Vendor Comparisons

Includes comparisons of different platforms to aid in decision-making.

How to Choose the Right Platform for Your Business

1. Assessing Your Specific Needs and Goals

a) Define Objectives

Identify what you want to achieve, whether it's increasing foot traffic, enhancing online visibility, or improving customer engagement.

b) Evaluate Your Business Model

Consider if you need a platform tailored for multi-location businesses or a simpler solution for single-store operations.

c) Understand Your Audience

Analyse your target customers' preferences and behaviours to select a platform that effectively reaches and engages them.

2. Evaluating Features and Integration Capabilities

a) Core Features

Look for essential features such as listing management, product catalogues, and review management that align with your business needs.

b) Integration with Existing Systems

Ensure the platform integrates seamlessly with your current CRM, ePoS, and other business tools.

c) Customization Options

Choose a platform that allows for customization to fit your specific requirements and business processes.

3. Considering Scalability and Cost-Effectiveness

a) Scalability

Select a platform that can grow with your business, accommodating additional locations or increasing data needs.

b) Cost vs. Benefits

Weigh the cost of the platform against its benefits and ROI. Consider long-term costs and the potential for sustained growth.

c) Support and Training

Ensure the platform offers adequate support and educational resources to maximise its value.

Choosing the right product discovery platform often involves leveraging advanced retargeting capabilities. Here's why Sekel's contextual engagement solution stands out when it comes to personalised retargeting and enhancing customer journey touchpoints.

Future Trends in Retail Product Discovery

1. Innovations and Emerging Technologies

a) Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning

Enhanced personalization through AI-driven recommendations and predictive analytics.

b) Augmented Reality (AR)

Improved product visualisation and immersive shopping experiences.

c) Voice Search Optimization

Increased use of voice-activated search for more convenient and hands-free product discovery.

2. Predictions for the Next Evolution of Product Discovery Platforms

a) Increased Integration

More sophisticated platforms will offer seamless integration with a wider range of tools and technologies.

b) Greater Focus on Hyperlocal Targeting

Enhanced capabilities for hyperlocal marketing will drive more precise and effective customer engagement.

c) Sustainability and Ethical Practices

Platforms will incorporate features that support sustainable practices and ethical sourcing, reflecting growing consumer preferences.

The future of retail is closely linked with integrating online and offline experiences seamlessly. This video explores how Sekel Tech’s hyperlocal solution is helping businesses overcome challenges in the evolving landscape of online-to-offline retail.

Retail Product discovery is a critical component of the product management process, enabling businesses to understand and meet market needs. For a deeper dive into how market demands shape product discovery, check out this insightful article in The Economics Times.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What are the key techniques for product discovery?

Key product discovery techniques include personalised recommendations, optimised search and filters, and AI-driven predictive suggestions. These methods help retailers quickly match customers with relevant products.

2. How to improve product discoverability?

To enhance product discovery, optimise search features, implement personalised recommendations, and improve product categorization. Leveraging AI and machine learning can further boost discoverability by offering predictive suggestions tailored to customer preferences.

3. What is a product discovery?

Product discovery is the method by which customers identify and explore products that suit their needs, often through search functions, recommendations, or browsing. In retail, it focuses on enhancing visibility and accessibility of relevant products to improve the overall shopping experience.

4. How to do brand discovery?

Brand discovery focuses on boosting a brand’s visibility and awareness within its target market. This can be accomplished through targeted marketing, active social media presence, search engine optimization, and producing engaging content to draw and educate potential customers.

5. What is the difference between product search and product discovery?

Product search is when customers actively look for specific items. Product discovery is a broader approach that helps customers find and explore products they might not have initially considered, often through recommendations and tailored suggestions.

Conclusion

Choosing the right retail product discovery platform is crucial for enhancing your retail success in an increasingly competitive landscape. By carefully assessing your business needs, evaluating key features, and considering future trends, you can select a platform that not only meets your current requirements but also adapts to future developments. Leveraging advanced technology will help you stay ahead of the curve, drive better customer engagement, and achieve long-term growth.

Take the Advantages of Sekel Tech’s Retail Product Discovery Platform

Sekel Tech’s Retail Product Discovery Platform offers unparalleled advantages by combining hyperlocal discovery automation with advanced features designed to boost visibility and drive sales. Its robust suite includes accurate listing management, intuitive store locators, and SEO-optimised microsites, ensuring your brand stands out across digital channels. The platform excels in generating high-intent leads through real-time reporting and comprehensive review management, while its content optimization capabilities enhance engagement and build brand authority. With a focus on organic discovery, Sekel Tech delivers sustainable growth, cost-efficiency, and long-term ROI, making it an ideal choice for businesses looking to elevate their retail presence and connect more effectively with local customers.

Maximise your retail success with Sekel Tech's comprehensive retail product discovery platform! Get started today and enhance your product visibility and customer engagement.