Trends in Online Training for retail in 2025.
Trends in Online Training for retail: What to Expect in 2025.
In 2025, online training for retail will focus on personalised, data-driven learning experiences that leverage cutting-edge technologies like and mobile platforms.
Personalised learning paths powered by AI will cater to individual employee needs, while immersive tools such as augmented and virtual reality will offer hands-on, interactive simulations for skills development.
Microlearning will become more prevalent, delivering quick, digestible content that fits into employees' busy schedules.
Gamification and social learning will enhance engagement, making training more enjoyable and collaborative.
AI-driven analytics will ensure continuous improvement, while mobile-first platforms will enable flexible, anytime learning.
As sustainability and omnichannel strategies become priorities, training will also emphasize ESG practices and equip employees to navigate both physical and digital retail environments.
Specialised LMS for retail
As the retail industry evolves, the need for specialised Learning Management Systems (LMS) has become more apparent.
Traditional 360 LMS platforms no longer meet the unique demands of retail training, prompting businesses to shift towards systems that cater specifically to their industry.
These specialised LMS solutions not only offer tailored features but also provide a more personalised and efficient approach to upskilling employees in retail environments.
Key aspects of this shift include:
- With the decline of traditional 360 LMS platforms, retail businesses are increasingly seeking specialised LMS solutions tailored to their specific needs.
- These systems offer custom features designed specifically for retail training, moving away from generic, one-size-fits-all platforms.
- Retailers now require dedicated onboarding solutions that integrate unique training paths, from customer service skills to product knowledge, with options for custom development to meet brand-specific requirements.
- An effective specialised LMS provides access to a dedicated team that collaborates to design bespoke training journeys, incorporating workshops and practical, role-relevant content.
- Retail-first features, such as point-of-sale (POS) integration, mobile learning modules, and in-store simulations, are crucial for delivering practical, on-the-job training experiences that align with the fast-paced retail environment.
White Label and no-code LMS for a branded Learning Experience
White label and no-code LMS platforms are becoming essential for brands looking to offer a fully customised learning experience without the need for extensive technical expertise.
- These systems allow retailers to create a branded learning environment, where the platform’s interface, colours, logos, and content are all tailored to reflect the company’s identity, creating a seamless experience for employees.
- With no-code functionality, even non-technical teams can build and manage bespoke training modules, making it easier to create, modify, and deploy learning content quickly.
- This flexibility ensures that brands can design a cohesive learning journey that aligns with their unique values and goals, without being restricted by the limitations of generic LMS platforms.
- White label LMS solutions enhance brand consistency across all employee interactions, ensuring that training is not only effective but also reinforces the brand’s messaging and culture at every touchpoint.
Farewell SCORM: Embrace the Future with Agile Authoring Tools
As the digital learning landscape evolves, the limitations of SCORM (Sharable Content Object Reference Model) have become increasingly apparent.
SCORM, while once a standard in e-learning, no longer meets the needs of modern retail training environments, particularly in terms of flexibility, ease of updates, and mobile compatibility.
Enter authoring tools, which are quickly replacing SCORM as the go-to solution for creating engaging and dynamic learning content. These tools offer a wide range of benefits, including:
- Easy-to-design interfaces, allowing even non-technical users to create professional-quality learning content.
- Agile and flexible development processes, making it possible to adapt content quickly as training needs change.
- Effortless updates, ensuring training materials remain relevant without lengthy redeployment processes.
- Seamless video integration, offering richer, more engaging multimedia experiences for learners.
- Automatic translation features that allow for easy localisation of content for global teams.
- Access to branded templates that maintain brand consistency throughout the learning journey.
And much more, making authoring tools the modern, user-friendly alternative to SCORM, perfectly suited for today's fast-paced retail training needs.
Audio and Video Based Learning
Retail environment, training methods need to evolve to keep learners engaged and informed.
Audio and video-based learning has become a powerful tool in delivering more dynamic and effective training experiences. These formats not only cater to diverse learning preferences but also make complex concepts easier to understand and retain. With the increasing shift towards mobile learning, audio and video have become crucial elements in delivering content that is both engaging and accessible. Key benefits of this approach include:
- Improved engagement, as video and audio capture learners' attention more effectively than text-based materials.
- Enhanced retention, with visual and auditory content making it easier for employees to recall information in real-life scenarios.
- Flexibility for mobile learning, enabling employees to learn on-the-go via smartphones and tablets.
- Simplified explanations, with videos being ideal for demonstrating product usage, customer service techniques, or complex procedures.
- Audio options that allow employees to absorb learning content while multitasking, such as during commutes or on the shop floor.
- Increased accessibility, as videos can be subtitled and audios transcribed to support learners with different needs.
- Personalised and engaging content, bringing the learning journey to life through interactive and immersive multimedia experiences.
Personalised Learning Paths
As retail training becomes more sophisticated, the industry is moving towards personalised learning paths that cater to the individual needs of employees.
By combining manual curation with AI-powered solutions, retailers can deliver training that is both relevant and tailored to each worker’s role, skill level, and learning preferences. These advancements ensure that employees receive the most appropriate training, which accelerates their growth and proficiency in key areas. The key benefits of personalised learning paths include:
- Curated content based on employees’ specific roles, ensuring they learn what’s most relevant to their day-to-day tasks.
- AI-driven algorithms that adapt learning experiences in real-time, offering modules that align with individual progress and knowledge gaps.
- Improved efficiency, as employees only engage with training that is necessary for their development, reducing time spent on irrelevant topics.
- Enhanced employee growth, as targeted learning enables workers to build skills faster and become more effective in their roles.
- Increased motivation and engagement, with personalised content keeping learners interested and invested in their own development journey.
- Flexibility to support a variety of learning preferences, whether employees prefer videos, interactive tasks, or hands-on simulations.
Nano and Microlearning for Skill Development
In the fast-paced world of retail, employees require training that is not only effective but also easily integrated into their demanding schedules.
Nano and microlearning are set to become key strategies for skill development by 2025, offering bite-sized, focused training modules that can be accessed at any time. Delivered through mobile devices, these short, digestible sessions are perfect for busy retail environments, allowing employees to build skills without long interruptions to their workflow.
The key advantages of nano and microlearning include:
- Quick and accessible learning, with short sessions that fit into brief breaks or downtime, making it easy for employees to learn without leaving their posts for extended periods.
- Mobile delivery, allowing employees to access training on-the-go, from anywhere, using their smartphones or tablets.
- Focused, task-specific content, helping workers develop the exact skills they need for specific tasks, improving efficiency and reducing unnecessary learning.
- Improved retention, as the bite-sized nature of nano and microlearning helps employees retain information better by focusing on one topic at a time.
- Reduced time away from duties, enabling employees to upskill without sacrificing too much time from their primary responsibilities on the shop floor.
- Ongoing skill development, with continuous access to training modules that can be revisited and refreshed as needed.
Gamification and Engagement
As retail training evolves, gamification is becoming an increasingly effective way to boost engagement and motivation among employees.
By incorporating elements such as leaderboards, badges, and rewards, gamified learning makes the training process more interactive and enjoyable. These techniques not only encourage employees to complete their training but also foster healthy competition and collaboration.
In 2025, gamification will play a key role in reducing turnover and enhancing job satisfaction by making learning a rewarding and dynamic experience. The benefits of gamification in retail training include:
- Leaderboards that track progress and performance, encouraging friendly competition among employees and motivating them to improve.
- Badges and achievements that recognise milestones and skills, giving employees a sense of accomplishment as they complete their training.
- Rewards systems, where employees can earn points or unlock incentives, providing tangible motivation to complete modules and enhance their skills.
- Team-based challenges, fostering collaboration and a sense of community among employees, while encouraging them to work together towards shared goals.
- Increased engagement and retention, as gamification turns training into a fun, competitive activity, making employees more likely to stay invested in their development.
- Lower employee turnover, with a more enjoyable and rewarding training experience contributing to greater job satisfaction and loyalty to the company.
Social Learning and Collaboration Tools
In 2025, social learning and collaboration tools will play a pivotal role in retail training, transforming the way employees engage with online learning programs.
These tools will provide platforms that encourage employees to share insights, ask questions, and support each other’s development, creating a more collaborative and interactive learning environment.
By embedding peer-to-peer learning, discussions, and team-based projects into Learning Management Systems (LMS), retail businesses can foster a sense of community and collective growth among their workforce. Key benefits of social learning and collaboration tools include:
- Peer-to-peer learning, allowing employees to share knowledge and best practices with colleagues, enhancing the overall learning experience.
- Discussion forums and real-time messaging, where employees can ask questions, seek clarification, and exchange ideas in a supportive environment.
- Virtual team-based projects, promoting collaboration and teamwork, even when employees are learning remotely or across different locations.
- Increased engagement, as employees become active participants in their learning journey, contributing to discussions and learning from one another.
- Knowledge sharing, with insights from more experienced staff helping to upskill newer employees, fostering a culture of continuous learning.
- Enhanced problem-solving, as collaborative tools provide a platform for employees to collectively tackle challenges and find solutions, improving both learning outcomes and workplace efficiency.
Mobile-First and Anytime Learning
As the demand for flexibility in retail training grows, mobile-first and anytime learning is set to dominate the landscape.
In 2025, retailers will prioritise mobile learning platforms, allowing employees to access training content whenever and wherever it suits them.
This shift makes learning more accessible, seamlessly integrating it into employees' daily routines, whether they are on a break, commuting, or during downtime.
By investing in mobile-first platforms, retailers ensure that employees can upskill at their convenience, without disrupting their workday. The key benefits of mobile-first and anytime learning include:
- Learning on-the-go, enabling employees to access training modules via smartphones or tablets during their commute or while on breaks.
- Increased accessibility, as mobile-first platforms make it easier for employees to engage with learning materials outside of traditional work hours.
- Flexibility, allowing workers to complete training at their own pace, fitting learning around their busy schedules.
- Reduced downtime, as employees can make the most of free moments throughout their day to complete short training sessions.
- Improved engagement, with mobile platforms offering interactive and easily digestible content that encourages ongoing participation.
- Seamless integration, making learning part of employees’ daily routines, rather than a separate task that requires dedicated time away from their work.
Video Coaches and Mentors
In 2025, video coaches and mentors will play a significant role in enhancing retail training by providing employees with direct access to industry experts and valuable insights.
This approach gives a voice to experienced professionals, allowing them to share their knowledge and offer personalised guidance through engaging multimedia formats.
From pre-recorded videos to live discussions, these tools make learning more interactive and relevant. Retailers will leverage video content such as podcasts, expert interviews, and live Q&A sessions to deepen employees' understanding and keep them engaged. Key advantages of video coaches and mentors include:
- Video coaches delivering personalised training sessions, helping employees visualise and grasp key concepts in a more dynamic way.
- Giving a voice to the experts, allowing seasoned professionals to share their insights and real-world experiences, adding value to the training content.
- **Podcasts and interviews**, offering employees a flexible and convenient way to learn from thought leaders, even while multitasking.
- Live discussions with specialists, providing real-time interaction where employees can ask questions, clarify doubts, and gain deeper insights from industry experts.
- Interactive and engaging learning, making the training process more relatable and aligned with practical retail scenarios, boosting retention and performance.
Blended Learning Approaches
In the evolving retail training landscape, blended learning approaches will continue to gain traction as the optimal way to balance flexibility and interactivity.
While online training will dominate due to its convenience and accessibility, a hybrid model that combines e-learning with in-person sessions or virtual instructor-led training will remain crucial. This approach ensures that employees not only benefit from the self-paced nature of online modules but also engage in discussions, interact with trainers, and receive valuable real-time feedback.
The benefits of blended learning include:
- Flexibility provided by e-learning, allowing employees to access content anytime and complete modules at their own pace.
- In-person or virtual sessions, enabling employees to participate in live discussions, ask questions, and clarify doubts with trainers and peers.
- Real-time feedback, ensuring employees can immediately correct mistakes or misunderstandings, leading to more effective learning.
- Enhanced engagement, with the combination of digital and face-to-face interactions keeping the training experience dynamic and immersive.
- Deeper learning outcomes, as blended approaches often allow for more complex skills development through hands-on practice and direct support.
- Tailored learning experiences, providing the best of both worlds by mixing the autonomy of e-learning with the personalisation of instructor-led training.
Training Aligned with Omnichannel Strategies
As retailers increasingly embrace omnichannel strategies, the need for training that aligns with these multi-channel approaches is more important than ever.
To keep up with the shift towards integrating physical stores with digital platforms, online training programs will evolve to help employees become proficient with new technologies, such as e-commerce systems, mobile apps, and social media selling.
These programs will equip staff with the skills they need to deliver a seamless shopping experience, regardless of the platform. The benefits of omnichannel-aligned training include:
- Mastery of new technologies, with training focused on e-commerce systems, mobile apps, and digital tools that are essential for retail operations.
- Seamless integration of physical and digital experiences, helping employees navigate the complexities of both online and in-store interactions.
- Comprehensive knowledge of multiple channels, ensuring staff can manage customer interactions across websites, mobile apps, social media, and brick-and-mortar stores.
- Enhanced customer service, as employees are trained to provide a consistent and high-quality experience, no matter where the customer is engaging with the brand.
- Improved adaptability, enabling employees to switch easily between different retail channels, enhancing their versatility in an omnichannel environment.
- Future-proofing skills, as training prepares employees for ongoing changes in retail technology and consumer behaviour.