AGA Digital Magazine

iStock

iStock

“The pandemic has forced people and companies to try out these new fulfillment methods, in effect normalizing them.”

reported. One example is the Breakfast Club chain, which is using QR code on tables to direct people to its online menu. On another front, British cosmetics retailer Lush has introduced an app called Lush Lens, which customers use to scan products and read the packaging for information without having to touch the products. In the U.S. Moosejaw, an outdoor apparel retailer is giving tablets to store employees who scan QR codes on garments and then ask customers a few questions about their body type in order to get them the best fit without using changing rooms. This combines the demand for personalization with safety. And since April, Frasers Property at malls in Singapore has been using mobile robots that emit UV disinfecting light in order to insure shopper safety and to reduce the amount of labor needed for cleaning.

Disinfectants, air purifiers and touchless gadgets were also presented by appliance companies including Kohler and LG. The focus was also on home delivery and curb pickup of online purchases, both of which are likely to continue post pandemic, according to retailers like Corie Barry, ceo of Best Buy. Speaking at a CES session she noted: “The pandemic has forced people and companies to try out these new fulfillment methods, in effect normalizing them.” This may be the key to retail survival, according to a McKinsey & Co., survey which revealed that 67 percent of consumers are optimistic that businesses will recover if they implement sustainable long-term solutions. Although the question of when more people will return to physical shopping trips remains up in the air, it will involve technology that makes them feel safe. As such, many restaurants have introduced digital menus, enabling customers from touching things others have handled, Computer Weekly

which experienced a 42 percent drop in population, could lead to a new retail mix on suburban streets or in malls. This indicates a geographic shift among consumers, which could lead some retailers who cater primarily to city shoppers to follow them into suburban areas. Meantime, consumer habits data from Accenture indicate that ecommerce purchasing will increase an estimated 169 percent in the post-pandemic period not only due to health and safety issues but the fact that 86 percent of consumers surveyed plan to continue working from home. This was evident at this year’s virtual CES event where many products were geared to safety and comfort. For example, Targus introduced a number of products for disinfecting workstations. Dell introduced a monitor designed specifically for angled videoconferencing calls and Shure has a new microphone to enhance sound quality during zoom calls.

Continued on page 38 ▶

ALABAMA GROCER | 37