The Covid-19 pandemic has accelerated a cashless society. Customers have readily embraced card and mobile payment methods over cash to prioritise safety, hygiene and complete ease. 82% of customers view contactless as the more hygienic way to pay, and it’s expected to remain, as 74% will continue to use contactless post-pandemic (Mastercard, 2020).
With a growing desire for contactless experiences, retailers are leveraging new AI-based technology to create an enhanced ‘touchless’ shopping experience that starts before checkout. Through these new formats, brands are aiming to alleviate safety concerns and maximise convenience in a bid to incentivise engagement, deepen trust and forge long-term loyalty.
American Express has launched its first check-out free store at the Barclay Center arena in Brooklyn, New York. The store is exclusively for cardholders as members must tap their credit card to enter. Sensors track F&B products selected from the shelves, and members are charged for items once they leave the store.
Continente, the largest food retailer in Portugal has opened its first autonomous store in partnership with retail tech company Sensei. Customers must scan a QR code via the Contienente app to enter. Items collected from shelves are tracked by cameras and customers are automatically charged to their account once they leave the store.
Retail
American Express has launched its first check-out free store at the Barclay Center arena in Brooklyn, New York
Continente, the largest food retailer in Portugal has opened its first autonomous store in partnership with retail tech company Sensei
Poundland launches new local, convenience store format in the UK
Sustainable clothing brand Asket opens its first store in Stockholm
Lifestyle brand Restoration Hardware opens a new store in Dallas, US
Hospitality
BümoWork launches a combined coworking and child care centre in the Westfield Century City Mall, LA
NoMad transforms a London Magistrates’ Court into a new luxury hotel
Campaigns
Nike launches new campaign to encourage people to play sports, regardless of how good they are
Initiatives
Gucci launches virtual exhibition on the gaming platform Roblox to celebrate its fashion collections
Amazon will acquire media company MGM
IKEA launches a buy-now-pay-later financing option for its furniture
Image courtesy of Barclays Center
