Though still in the early stages of rollout, 5G technology could bring about positive changes to the retail industry, as retailers seek to maintain their digital transformation efforts and bring consumers safely back into stores in 2021. Retailers will use their IT investments in 5G to enhance the customer experience, both in-store and online.

The rollout of Amazon Go, the cashierless convenience store concept featuring its patented Just Walk Out technology, is well underway. Now Amazon Fresh grocery stores, which feature “Dash Carts” that automatically scan and charge items placed in the shopping cart, are popping up near big cities like Los Angeles and Chicago.

Consumers are constantly in search of convenience, particularly in the form of timesaving. In the past 12 months, numerous direct-to-consumer (D2C) meal plan services have emerged, offering consumers an alternative solution to home cooking without paying a dreaded visit to the grocery store—or spending time trying to figure out a recipe.

Baby boomers already know how to go to a brick-and-mortar store and buy things. So unless there’s an obvious benefit of convenience or better prices, they’re not rushing to master newer, more tech-heavy shopping methods.

Consumers’ desire for affordability and convenience has bolstered demand for online grocery. And as heavy hitters continue to roll out offerings—like Walmart's buy online pick up in-store (BOPUS) and "InHome Delivery" options, as well as Amazon's "Key for Garage" and same-day shipping—their respective double-digit growth speaks for itself.

Last year, 81.4% of global consumers reported ordering items online for in-store pickup (up nearly 30% from the year prior) as more consumers are drawn to the service’s convenience and speed.

In the case of grocery stores, money is lost whenever products aren’t replenished on the shelves. Grocers and convenience store operators including Schnuck Markets and Giant Eagle are using autonomous robotic systems from Simbe Robotics to monitor product placement and availability.

As convenience becomes an increasing driver of consumer behavior, we explore how friction-reducing technology advancements are helping retailers generate more sales.

The retail industry is transforming at both physical stores and in digital. This report examines 10 trends that will most shape retail in the year ahead.

It all comes down to convenience. Take something as simple as booking an appointment online. When booking an appointment with Burberry, you can select a themed fitting room that is tailored to your taste. And Burberry offers buy online, pick up in-store options, which many brands are beginning to do.

During the pandemic, the scarcity of newspaper points of sale (including shuttered newsstands and convenience stores) and distribution network challenges will accelerate the decline of print. The tactile nature of newspapers and magazines, which have the potential to be a surface for virus transmission, could lead some to forego handling of print altogether.

“There isn’t a ‘one-size-fits-all’ for our work with influencers,” said Pat McLean, CMO at the pharmacy and convenience store. “We’ve engaged influencers for both performance and brand marketing objectives.”.