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Integration of online and offline channels, self-checkout, artificial intelligence, and personalized suggestions. It may seem like a random list, but these are just a few characteristics that supermarkets of the future present. In fact, this future is not very far away. Today, it is already possible to find smart establishments that use technology to promote a more complete and unique experience for the consumer. But what are these experiences and how do they work? Let's talk about that.
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What is the supermarket of the future?
It is not only in online retail that technology can be used. There are many essential tools and softwares for the development of physical establishments. Incorporating innovative features to promote a more personalized experience for the consumer is what defines "supermarkets of the future". In addition to the digitization of processes, something we have seen for many years, there are several technologies and learnings brought to these ventures. Its main objective becomes promoting an easier and more efficient purchase for the customer. And we are not talking about e-commerce. But rather about opportunities within physical retail.
Is physical retail still relevant?
This may be a common question among many people. With the growth of e-commerce in recent years, it's not strange to think that physical stores have lost their importance. According to the Abras 2022 Ranking, the supermarket sector generated about R$ 611 billion in 2021. This market represents about 7.03% of the national GDP and remains one of the pillars of the Brazilian economy. Even so, according to data released by McKinsey & Company, e-commerces have been attracting more and more customers from traditional supermarkets. However, there is still a considerable number of consumers who seek a differentiated experience in the physical store. That's where the "supermarket of the future" comes in.
Technologies of the future
Although we speak of the "future", this type of enterprise is already a reality in several countries. Albeit on a smaller scale, establishments of different sizes already use advanced technologies for their operations. Some of them are mentioned below: • Self-Checkout: have you ever thought about finalizing your purchase without having to go through a cashier? The idea of self-checkout is precisely to give the customer the power to pay for their purchases without an employee scanning the products at the checkout.
• Omnichannel shopping: offering customers the possibility to buy online and pick up in store can be a huge differentiator. Or even promoting the opposite path: choosing products in the physical store and receiving them at home.
• Smart shopping carts: deliver a complete experience to the customer, giving them the possibility to earn loyalty program points, self-checkout, or even weigh their products directly from the cart. In addition, of course, to having the possibility of gathering data on customer movement throughout the store.
Amazon Go: the supermarket of the future
A quick search on Google might lead you to the most famous case of supermarkets of the future. Amazon Go is Amazon's first physical store, fully automated and using various technologies to promote a shopping experience never seen before. The main feature of Amazon Go is that it does not require any cashier. With a system called "Just Walk Out," the entire store operates based on digital monitoring. There are several cameras installed throughout the environment, which record every action of the customer. Upon entering the store, the buyer installs the app and scans the QR Code at a turnstile. From there, their entire path is monitored. Every item the customer picks up is registered in their virtual basket. If they put it back on the shelf, it is removed from the cart. Finally, when finished shopping, the customer simply leaves the store and Amazon will automatically debit the total amount from the customer's account. Simple and amazing, isn't it? The trend is for technologies like this to be used more and more in the future, avoiding various problems and situations that are headaches for many customers.
The advantages of supermarkets of the future
In addition to the ease of shopping, the use of advanced technologies in commerce can bring several advantages. Whether for customers or owners, we can say that: • Increases customer satisfaction
• Optimizes operational costs
• Guarantees more agility in all processes
• Promotes a better shopping experience, potentially building customer loyalty
• Allows for collecting more assertive data on customer behavior and movement inside the store
• Reduces environmental impact and makes your brand more sustainable
These are just a few advantages, but the reality is that the use of technologies only tends to bring benefits and growth to any business. And your company, has it already adopted innovative technologies? With Pix Force you have products and services that will improve the security and productivity of your business. Visit our website and learn more details.
Fabio Caraça
Fábio Caraça is the Chief Growth Officer at Pix Force. He leads Pix Force's transformation into a scalable SaaS operation, combining strategic vision, culture, and high-impact execution.
