IoT technology will revolutionize the retail market according to a report from Zebra Technologies

The 2017 Retail Vision Study’ highlights how smart technology will allow stores to capture more data, achieve greater accuracy and customer information and, in this way, offer shoppers a more personalized shopping experience at the point of sale.

Near the 70% of those responsible for the sector are prepared to make changes and adopt the Internet of Things (IoT), while the 65% plans to invest in automation technology for inventory management in 2021.

These are some of the results that emerge from the report carried out by Zebra Technologies '2017 Retail Vision Study' and which analyzes the changes that occur in the retail sector as well as the technological trends that improve the shopping experience.

“Every part of the retail sector is changing, from warehouses to store shelves, and retailers drive change in a race to improve customer service. 2017 Retail Vision Study shows that retailers are ready to meet customer expectations with greater personalization, speed and ease. For this, Zebra is committed to enabling a one-channel strategy with more information and visibility into operations, partners, inventory and shipments, explica Mark Thomson, Retail and Hospitality director en EMEA de Zebra Technologies.

Retailers want to offer a good shopping experience, in fact the 78% have stated that the combination of e-commerce and experience at the point of sale is very important for their business. The continued rise of online shopping will be a challenge for businesses when it comes to building customer loyalty. In 2021, he 65% of retailers plan to provide different delivery services, how to deliver at work, at home and even in parked cars.

Microlocation technology will allow retailers to capture more data, achieve greater accuracy and customer information. In 2021, he 75% You can personalize the customer's visit to the store and the 79% you will be able to personalize the visit.

In order to speed up payment lines, They are planning to invest in mobile devices, kiosks and tablets and thus increase payment options. He 87% of respondents will implement mobile devices at the point of sale (MPOS) in 2021, allowing them to scan and accept credit and debit payments anywhere in the establishment.

He 73% considers big data important or critical to its operations. In 2021, at least the 75% plans to invest in analytical software for loss prevention and price optimization, also in video analytical cameras for operational purposes and improvement of customer experience.

He 57% believes that automation will shape the sector in 2021, helping retailers pack and ship orders, track inventory, check inventory levels in the store and help customers find items.

At the moment, he 36% of retailers in Europe know when a given customer is in the store, but that number is expected to double in 2021.

To carry out this study, the company Research Now and Qualtrics has interviewed in 2016 almost 1.700 responsible for North America, Latin America, Asia Pacific, Europe and the Middle East of all segments of the retail market, including specialty stores, department store, supermarkets, electronic stores, of home, clothing and drugstores.