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.

From 1-hour delivery to drive-thru grocery pickup to offering myriad payment methods, convenience rules for the modern shopper. But when it comes to actual convenience stores, one of the only things going for them is being in the right place at the right time.

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.

In the latest episode of "Behind the Numbers," eMarketer analyst Andrew Lipsman talks about Amazon's recent efforts to transform grocery shopping, including the launch of its second cashierless convenience store.

Amazon recently unveiled its first Amazon Go convenience store outside of its home market of Seattle, putting down brick and mortar roots in Chicago. eMarketer's principal retail analyst, Andrew Lipsman, took a spin through the aisles of the new store and reports back on the experience in the latest episode of "Behind the Numbers."

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.

What once sounded fantastical—stores where shoppers could walk out with purchases without waiting in line—is becoming a reality for more than a select few.

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.

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

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.

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.