“No Touch” retail is way forward

Retailers are facing incredible challenges during this unprecedented time. Consumers are looking for shopping options that offer reduced contact, while retailers are revamping their store operations to provide a safe and efficient shopping experience. Consequently, more retailers are considering more ‘’touchless” in-store shopping and checkout technology.

Touchless retail is about eliminating or making virtual all possible human touch points across the end-to-end customer journey from product selection to delivery at the doorstep;

·      Product discovery, evaluation and selection is completed on a smartphone.

·      The order to payment cycle is also completed on smartphone.

·      Least human intervention in order fulfillment and delivery with the use of robotics and automation.

This is about retailers offering their customers innovative online shopping experiences on interactive live streaming platforms and community-based group buying applications. Live streaming helps to bridge the omnichannel retail gap as consumers no longer need to visit a physical store to see a product, speak to a store attendant and fulfill the order.

In China, live streaming has become the primary medium for key opinion leaders (KOLs) to engage their audience in China, as fans can ask questions about the products, talk to the hosts and even send virtual gifts as a token of appreciation.

A fitness influencer that is filming a new workout routine can reference a certain piece of gym equipment or what they are wearing in stream. Or offer their video audience a discount code to purchase one of those items directly from the brand.

Conducting a live stream session is also a great way for sellers to gauge consumer interest in various products, and generate additional revenue. I feel the world is transitioning towards this technology at great pace..