What's Happening?
A recent report highlights that many online retailers are using outdated and inefficient tools to manage their product information, leading to inconsistencies across sales channels. According to the State of Digital Content 2026 report by Canto, 88% of teams working with product content face challenges in maintaining consistency, which is crucial for building trust and driving sales. The report reveals that 78% of these teams rely on multiple solutions that often do not integrate well, resulting in cumbersome processes. Commonly used tools like spreadsheets are high-risk and prone to errors, especially when product details change frequently. While some larger retailers use Product Information Management (PIM) systems, these are often too complex
for smaller businesses and do not cater to creative content needs. Digital Asset Management (DAM) solutions are suggested as a more effective alternative, offering centralized management of digital content, although they may not fully meet the needs of product-focused retailers.
Why It's Important?
The inefficiency in managing product information can have significant repercussions for online retailers, affecting their ability to maintain a consistent brand image and meet customer expectations. Inconsistencies in product information can lead to customer dissatisfaction and lost sales, impacting the retailer's bottom line. The report suggests that integrating digital asset management with product information can enhance content ROI, as retailers with such integration are four times more likely to see improvements. This highlights the importance of adopting more sophisticated tools that can streamline operations, reduce errors, and improve customer experience. As the retail landscape becomes increasingly competitive, the ability to efficiently manage and present product information is crucial for success.
What's Next?
Retailers are likely to explore more integrated solutions that combine the benefits of PIM and DAM systems to better manage their product content. This could involve adopting new technologies that offer a balance between complexity and usability, tailored to the needs of retailers with varying inventory sizes. As the demand for seamless customer experiences grows, retailers may also invest in training and development to ensure their teams can effectively use these tools. The shift towards more integrated systems could also drive innovation in the digital asset management space, with providers developing solutions that cater specifically to the needs of product-focused retailers.
