Retail Technology Trends for 2019

Retail technology is constantly evolving, which is why we’re keeping an eye on these trends for 2019.

Technology can help brands produce more, reach more customers, increase sales, and improve efficiency. Plus, it is becoming an expected part of the customer experience.

Here is what is on the horizon for 2019.

  1. Mobile

60% of Google searches are done on a smartphone and 286% more products are browsed on apps vs. the Internet. But we’re just brushing up against the possibilities for mobile.

Nordstrom recently acquired two companies, BevyUp and MessageYes.

BevyUp is a platform that allows sales associates to communicate with each other on the back end. This feature is being added to a new Nordstrom app for employees.

It also encourages shoppers to share information with each other and browse items together online.

MessageYes offers brands the opportunity to text their customers, leveraging artificial intelligence and integrated payments.

Nordstrom will be able to send shoppers more personalized notifications, with their consent while they browse online. Customers can respond “Yes” to one of Nordstrom’s messages to instantly buy products from their phones.

  • Customer Personalization

Matching customer data with the customer experience for the personal touch. For instance, better identifying other products a buyer might like based on past purchases, or even stage of life. If a woman just had a baby, predictive buying analytics might know to start sending her information about toddler clothing and supplies after one-to-two years.

Another example is Knorr, which began offering recipe suggestions based on a customer’s Instagram feed.

Walmart filed a patent for tech that will detect the emotional state of shoppers as they walk around the store. Air New Zealand is using emotional data to make personalized travel recommendations to shoppers.

  • Omni Channel Retailing

Customers want more options to buy — this includes ecommerce, bricks and mortar, mobile, social networks, messaging apps, online communities, marketplaces, pop-up shops, and more.

If your brand is only selling in one location, that may be too few. Explore other avenues where your brand could have a presence and reach more customers.

Some examples might include:

  • E-commerce: selling online through a digital website.
  • M-commerce: selling through a mobile app, using mobile payments and mobile checkouts.
  • Advanced m-commerce: cross-selling through product suggestions and allowing shoppers to post their own ratings and reviews. Also, using mobile apps to become more functional and fully- featured, even offering digital gift cards.
  • True omnichannel: the complete integration of web, mobile and physical stores. This includes consistent inventory information and shopping basket availability across all channels and post-purchase support with features such as product recommendations or allowing product returns with digital receipts.
  • Magic Mirrors

“Magic mirrors” can help a customer know what products to buy.

For makeup brands, these mirrors will record a customer virtually applying makeup and then send the look to the shopper via email.

For clothing brands, smart mirrors can make product recommendations to complete an outfit when trying on clothes.

  • Artificial Reality

Brands like Lowe’s, IKEA, and WalMart are adding AR into their mobile apps to allow customers to project items into their home before ever buying them.

Some clothing brands are adding AR to allow shoppers to engage with clothing in 3D virtually.

  • Voice Technology

Customers are increasingly ordering by voice via Amazon’s Alexa, Google Home, Apple iPhone Siri, Microsoft’s Cortana, and more.

In-store, voice technology can also help staff communicate more effectively with “heads up and hands free” engagement when talking with customers. In the warehouse, voice picking can accelerate thoroughfare and productivity.

  • Point and Know

Imagine a totally shoppable physical environment. Like an item you see in a store? Just point your smartphone at it to find price comparisons. Want similar sneakers? Take a picture of your shoes for recommendations.

This technology is here, and it is quickly expanding.

  • Subscription eCommerce

Customers will be able to automatically subscribe for refills of common items, like razors, food, toiletries, and more.

This will create standing orders for stores, which will increase as services like Canadian grocery delivery are enhanced.

Want to incorporate the latest retail technology trends into your business? Marketsupport Canada can help.

Contact us today to learn more. Call 1-877-421-5081 or visit www.storesupport.ca.

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