HTEC Retail Roundups examine retail technology trends, digital retail innovations, and disruptive products.
Warehouse automation surging amid e-commerce boom
The rise of warehouse automation has been a key factor in the growth of e-commerce. With the global pandemic accelerating the need for more e-commerce transactions, the widespread adoption of automation was bound to follow suit. Logistics Manager dives deep into how different automation techniques are shaping the present and future of retail.
AI’s explosive growth confirmed by analysts and investors
Forrester predicts that the global AI software market will grow to $37 billion by 2025. This estimate is not as optimistic as other analysts and investors have predicted, but still represents a clear indicator of how AI will continue to shape and evolve the tech industry in the years to come.
‘Live commerce’ emerges as hottest trend in online shopping
As in-store shopping has taken a huge hit during the pandemic, opportunistic retailers are trying to incorporate the live experience component into online shopping. The result? “Live commerce”, which combines live video streaming with instant purchases.
Read more about what live commerce is and why many predict it will play a bigger role in post-pandemic retail.
2020 holiday consumers are choosing comfort over experience
The pandemic has had a dramatic impact on retailers, but also on the consumer. This holiday season has revealed just how much the global shutdown has affected consumer choices and Retail Dive details the dramatic shift in shopping habits compared to holiday seasons of yore.
IoT devices now have federal requirements
As the Internet of Things (IoT) continues to play a greater role in our everyday lives, countries around the world are trying to regulate this area to make it both more secure and more standardized. According to the Retail & Consumer Products Law Observer Blog, the recent signing of the Internet of Things Cybersecurity Improvement Act attempts to regulate the standards for procuring IoT devices by the US government, adding a federal level to the growing pool of state-imposed requirements
Kmart opens in-store ‘quiet spaces’ for noise-sensitive shoppers
Turn down the noise! Australia-based retail chain Kmart has launched a “quiet space” low-sensory program aiming to provide a less loud and stress-free shopping experience. The program allocates two pre-scheduled weekly hours during which the store will dim lights, lower volumes, and eliminate PA announcements.
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