Technology is evolving rapidly and it is present in all sectors. While some industries might have a lower tech adoption rate than others, this doesn’t mean that they can’t benefit from using tech products and solutions.
Retailers, especially brick and mortar stores, are starting to open their doors to technology and innovation.
In this article, we are going to take a look at how retail technology can help stores and brands. Also, we’ll check out the top technologies that can increase customer engagement and drive up sales.
Retail technologies
There are different types of retail technologies that can be used to improve processes and impress shoppers. For instance, augmented reality is used by fashion retailers to show customers how a certain outfit looks on them. Augmented reality mirrors are available in different retail stores and they increase the productivity of the employees and increase customer satisfaction.
Apart from augmented reality, retail robots are also appreciated by both retailers and shoppers. Some of these robots are used only for internal processes like stocking while others can be used for in-store marketing campaigns. Shopper marketing robots like Tokinomo can be used to amaze customers and engage with them. With the help of light, sound, and motion technology, this robot lets products talk to customers.
Virtual technology can also be used by retailers to offer an amazing customer experience. Imagine shopping with VR glasses and seeing how those products were manufactured.
Benefits of using retail technology
1. Increased productivity
When you are using technology in your retail processes (from KPI monitoring to stocking), productivity will increase. Also, employees will have more time to focus on shoppers, on offering them information, answering questions, and creating an overall great shopping experience.
2. Always available
Unlike humans, robots can work long hours and even work 24/7 without taking breaks. This will help you provide a non-stop retail solution. Customers could be able to come inside the store, shop, scan their products, and pay with the help of a checkout robot. The checkout system can be used even during working hours if shoppers like self-checkout. It’s easier and faster for both retailers and customers.
3. Monitor, improve, analyze
Technology is on your side and it can help you with the most difficult tasks. Unlike eCommerce platforms that can use different analytics tools, brick and mortar have a hard time monitoring everything. The lack of relevant data is another problem. However, now retailers can use analytic solutions and even robotic POP displays that offer data in real-time.
4. Omnichannel retail
The best thing about technology is that it can help you connect the offline environment with the online one. Customers want to have the full shopping experience and with the help of technology, you can provide that. BOPIS (buy online, pick up in-store) is a retail trend that is beneficial for both shoppers and retailers. People can select all of their products from the comfort of their home and then swing by the store to collect them. No need for checkouts, payments in-store, or long lines. Fast and efficient.
5. Increase customer satisfaction
It’s a known fact that shoppers love to see that retailers innovate. This is because it shows that they care about their customers and their needs. When shoppers see that you offer them the possibility of self check-out, contactless pay, or BOPIS, they will be satisfied.
Also, customer satisfaction increases when they can solve their problems faster and efficiently. A customer service robot inside the store can provide information about products and offer guidance anytime the customer needs it.
6. Offer an experience, not just products
Another way in which you can benefit from using technology is that you can offer your customers much more than what they expect. Instead of just selling, you should focus on shopper marketing which means putting the customer first. Products that speak for themselves, amazing displays, retail events, and demos increase customer engagement.
Customers expect more from brick and mortar retailers. This is why you should consider including various technologies in your day by day processes. As you can see, technology can help you increase customer satisfaction, increase productivity, and be able to monitor all of your in-store promotions.
Author Bio:
Nicoleta Niculescu is a Content Marketing Specialist at Tokinomo, the ultimate in-store marketing solution for retailers and consumer goods brands. Tokinomo advertising robots bring CPG products to life on the shelf and lift sales by an average of 200%.