The Future of Shopping Is Tech for Shoppers Who Are ‘Really Into Themselves’ | Global News Avenue

Retailers want their next sales pitch to be designed just for you.

Merchants want to empower their stores and store associates to deliver the same curated sales approach that algorithms enable in e-commerce. A bevy of tech companies are eager to accelerate the shift: They tout body scanners that can create digital doubles of shoppers, as well as tools for customizing everything from the content of drive-thru menus to what you get coupons for at the supermarket.

Retail experts say this happens with the help of consumers who are willing to hand over their information. Stores are using cameras to identify visitors and encourage them to open apps in store aisles as a way to collect the data they need, said Kelly Pedersen, head of retail at consultancy PwC. Help store staff understand what shoppers have purchased previously and what they purchased. Paying attention now.

“The possibilities are endless,” Pederson said. “They might have something for you in the locker room. They could send a personalized offer to your phone.”

Today’s shoppers are more willing to share data

Evolving cultural norms have helped “personalization” become one of the buzzwords in retail. Pedersen said that for many years, about 60% of consumers surveyed said they were willing to share personal experience information in exchange for a more customized shopping experience, but recently this number has exceeded 90%.

Young Americans are particularly comfortable with companies building profiles on them, experts say, especially because they’re used to online merchants using their data to tailor products. Many people even expect customized experiences that rely on data tracking, said Rachel Hardy, director of consumer products marketing at Pinterest.password).

Tech companies see AI products as key to personalizing the consumer experience – whether it’s the messages used in marketing or the items included in promotions.

in a Retail conference this weekSales representatives described how iBody scanners can quickly collect consumers’ body measurements to guide product design and recommendations. One signage company says it can help drive-thrus plan menus for different diners. One company discussed how supermarkets could use its “smart” devices to measure what people put in their shopping carts and then show them more relevant discounts and ads.

Mobile-speaking shoppers are “very keen on curation”

This could even impact M&A and spending priorities in the retail industry. Pedersen says some brands are so keen on personalizing their sales strategies that they may bring in-house technology teams dedicated to doing just that.

“Companies are looking beyond ‘retailer acquiring retailer.’ They are looking at ‘How do I acquire a technology company?’ “How do I speed up some of these things?” he said.

About 40% of Pinterest’s monthly active users are Gen Z, Hardy said, with many using the platform to find shopping ideas.

Users have “increasing expectations for personalization because they grew up on smartphones,” Hardy said. “They’re really passionate about curating; they’re really into themselves.”