Speed Security and control are some of the new key traits of retail
Recently I stumbled upon some insights from Italy about the new consumption habits since the outbreak of the pandemic. The data actually demonstrates the acceleration of the adoption of technologic tools on a large scale. The info was sent to me by Custom a company specialized in solutions for data printing, scanning and reading, that actually noticed that acceleration in the different markets where the company operates.
Digital acceleration
Based on figures from GFK, it is remarkable to note that during the months of lockdown, 75% of online purchases was made by people who had never shopped in digital marketplaces before. Additionally, when visiting stores nowadays, 73% of people look for safety and hygiene measures, and 35% prefer the staff not to touch the goods on sale.
So, it is all logical that we can monitor the rise of self-service solutions designed for public services automation in Retail, large-scale distribution and Healthcare sectors. To name a few examples we can mention the fact we notice more items such as lockers, unmanned distribution warehouses, queue management kiosks, click&collect systems for product ordering and collection, cash kiosks for automatic payments without operator and more.
Alessandro Mastropasqua, Head of Corporate Marketing & Press Communication at Custom commented these recent findings: «All business solutions and technologies that avoid proximity between people, provide delivery services, manage and/or prevent queue formation and help shop assistants, are fundamental to re-start in the best way. At Custom, we have always and carefully listened to the market, with the aim of supporting our customers and partners with innovative and easy to use solutions. Social distancing and the greatest attention to hygiene are the two fundamental aspects underlying retail world. New solutions provide Kiosks, lockers and queue management systems, making the best combination of E-COMMERCE solutions and spaces outside the stores that can be equipped with order, payment and pick-up functionalities in full self-service modality».
To illustrate even more these trends, Custom shared with me some extra insights from the Retail Institute Italy and I am quite confident that these trends are also present in other European countries. According to the research, small shops and neighborhood stores are becoming the consumers favorite outlets, appreciated by 29% of those surveyed as part of the GCIS 2020 study. But the recent crisis has also led to a strong increase in the use of technology by Italian consumers. 66% of consumers make greater use of video chat apps, 61% of TV and 58% of social media. In detail, 89% of young Italians make most of their purchases in store and the most relevant features to improve their shopping experience are related to technology: payment ease and speed are key factors for 45% of respondents.
So basically, here is another confirmation that the pandemic has altered consumer habits and helped with the acceleration of retail digitalization.
Custom InsightsCorona CovidTendances