The grocery industry is undergoing a rapid transformation as retailers adopt new technologies to enhance the shopping experience, optimize operations and improve profitability. From self-checkout to smart refrigeration, here are some of the latest trends in in-store technology that are shaping the future of grocery in 2023.
Self-checkout solutions offer convenience and efficiency
One of the most visible and popular technologies in grocery stores is self-checkout, which allows customers to scan and pay for their items without the assistance of a cashier. According to a report by Research and Markets, the global self-checkout market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.3% from 2021 to 2026, reaching $7.8 billion by 2026.
Self-checkout solutions offer several benefits for both customers and retailers, such as reducing wait times, increasing customer satisfaction, saving labor costs and preventing theft. Some of the leading vendors in this space include Diebold Nixdorf, Toshiba, NCR and Zebra Technologies, which offer various features such as artificial intelligence (AI), produce recognition, biometric authentication and theft detection.
Smart refrigeration systems enhance product quality and sustainability
Another emerging technology in grocery stores is smart refrigeration, which uses sensors, software and cloud computing to monitor and control the temperature, humidity and energy consumption of refrigerated units. Smart refrigeration systems can help retailers improve product quality, reduce food waste, lower energy costs and comply with environmental regulations.
For example, Hussmann, a leading manufacturer of refrigeration equipment, offers a range of smart solutions for grocery stores, such as electronic signs that display product information and attract customers, self-service lockers that keep products cold for pickup customers and remote monitoring and diagnostics that alert store managers of any issues.
Digital shelf labels provide dynamic pricing and promotions
Digital shelf labels (DSLs) are another innovative technology that can enhance the in-store experience for both customers and retailers. DSLs are electronic displays that replace traditional paper labels on shelves, showing product prices, information and promotions. DSLs can be updated remotely and instantly, allowing retailers to adjust prices according to demand, inventory and competition.
DSLs can also provide interactive features for customers, such as scanning QR codes, watching videos or accessing product reviews. Some of the leading providers of DSLs include SES-imagotag, Pricer, Displaydata and SoluM.
Frictionless checkout eliminates the need for scanning and paying
Frictionless checkout is a cutting-edge technology that aims to provide the ultimate convenience for customers by eliminating the need for scanning and paying at checkout. Frictionless checkout uses cameras, sensors and AI to track what customers pick up from shelves and charge them automatically when they leave the store.
Frictionless checkout is still in its early stages of development and adoption, but it has the potential to revolutionize the grocery industry by offering a seamless and fast shopping experience. Some of the pioneers in this field include Amazon Go, Standard Cognition, Grabango and Zippin.
