If an operation didn’t already utilize e-commerce and contactless systems before the pandemic, they most likely added them during the shutdowns to better serve their customers. Customers have come to expect these options, so retailers should stay on top of contactless trends to better serve and retain customers. Retail Touch Points, an online publishing network for retail executives, recently shared 10 contactless trends to watch in 2022. We are sharing four of the contactless trends that home improvement retailers should keep an eye on as they head into the new year.
- Simplify the checkout process. For some retailers, simplifying may mean moving completely to self-checkout options or a combination of cashiers and self-checkout kiosks. For most, options like contactless payments and payment via a mobile app are more attainable. Greg Buzek, founder and president of IHL Group predicts that in 2022 contactless payments will increase 190 percent and payment via consumers’ mobile devices will jump 300 percent, so retailers should be prepared to offer these options.
- Implement electronic shelf labels. Electronic shelf labels (ESL) allow customers to see the price of an item on an electronic label while shopping. ESLs make it easy for retailers to perform dynamic pricing similar to what Amazon does online, as they can quickly change prices on items without having to reprint or write out new price labels.
- Adding pickup lockers. Buy online, pickup in store (BOPIS) gained tons of momentum during the pandemic with customers appreciating the convenience of being able to shop online and easily pick up in store. Adding pickup lockers to your stores can save both employees and customers time and offer a convenient option alongside curbside and in-store pickup.
- Optimizing inventory management. Retailers should work to improve existing inventory management systems to keep the products that customers want on the shelves. Radio frequency identification (RFID) systems and equipping employees with tablets to track inventory in real-time are a few options to keep shelves stocked.
Learn more about how consumer behaviors have influenced contactless commerce here and see how one retailer implemented e-commerce and contactless commerce in his operation before and during the pandemic here.
