Can brick-and-mortar retailers successfully achieve a balance between digital technology and human interaction in-store? 🤔 The answer lies in thorough analysis and strategic implementation. To unearth essential customer insights and provide an outstanding omnichannel experience, cutting-edge technologies such as AI, data science, and machine learning are crucial. However, it's worth considering to what extent technology can substitute human interaction in retail. Explore the carousel to learn more: https://www.thoughtprovokingconsulting.co.uk/post/store-experiences-balancing-tech-and-human-interaction #Retail #RetailTechnology #ConsumerInsights #RetailForecasting #DataScience #RetailSolutions #DemandForecasting #DigitalRetailing #OmnichannelRetail

1. Retailers are expected to meet customer demand for better deals
and seamless shopping experiences, despite a cost-of-living crisis.
To build stronger customer relationships, retailers must use AI
tools to provide these seamless shopping experiences, both online
and in-store. However, as more retailers adopt this technology,
questions arise about the potential for technology to replace
human interaction.
In-store experiences must be innovative and add value.
While technological capabilities are rapidly evolving (just look at
the rise of NFTs, Metaverse, and Artificial Intelligence), retailers
must appreciate the value of these experiences and create a
long-term strategy to better connect with their customers.
Let's explore what this looks like...
Store experiences: Balancing tech and
human interaction

2. AI-powered robots and smart delivery bots use touch screens to guide
customers to the correct department, making shopping more efficient
in large warehouse-style stores.
Customer Service Robots
Tech should enhance in-store processes for a smoother
shopping experience. How far can retailers push their
customers with innovation before it becomes disruptive:
Grocery stores offer "scan-as-you-go" options, allowing customers to
scan and pack items as they shop for faster and more convenient
checkout. These scanners also display the total price of all items
scanned, increasing awareness of spending.
Barcode scanners
RFID-powered self-service checkouts enable quick purchases without
the need to search for barcodes or remove security tags. Seconds after
placing items on the counter, a screen shows a list of the items and
instructions to pay via card.
Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID)

3. Virtual try-on software is available for customers to try on clothes
virtually. Customers can take a photo of themselves and input some
basic measurements and the software allows customers to see what
they might look like in items that aren’t in stock in that location.
Although visualising what you might look like in these clothes is
beneficial in an online space, in-store, customers prefer to try on the
clothes to get a better feel for them. For stores without fitting rooms,
this tech could provide some value, but it seems unlikely to be
adopted by retailers en masse.
Virtual try-on software
The grocery sector is moving towards self-checkout supermarkets.
Introducing technology to provide customers with a faster grocery
experience. Although the technology is impressive, it relies on
customers trusting the unfamiliar.
Checkout-free stores

4. The opportunity is to weld tech and human capabilities together, with
each supporting the other. We work with clients, establishing goals,
analysing customer journeys and team capabilities, to identify the
critical areas where technology and human interaction can work to
maximise impact.
Learn more @ www.thoughtprovokingconsulting.co.uk
Balancing the tech and human mix
Cutting-edge technologies like AI, data science, and machine learning
can fully transform customer insight and provide the means to
optimise omnichannel retailing. While e-commerce has advantages,
brick-and-mortar stores offer unique and valuable face-to-face
customer interaction. By balancing digital and human-driven
processes, retailers can leverage this tech to drive growth.