As we close out 2021 and begin 2022, we see a retail landscape that’s very different than it was two years ago. The global COVID pandemic served as a catalyst for the evolution of how consumers prefer to shop. For example, Accenture predicts an increase of 169% in online purchases from new and low-frequency users. This is just one example of how consumers have pushed toward the convenience of digital services to fulfil their shopping needs.
Imagine you are watching a basketball game at a sports stadium. During the break, you go to the concession stand to buy some snacks and beverages for your kids. You walk up to the counter, pick the stuff you need want and simply walk away without waiting in any lines – your payment is automatically deducted from your credit card! Examples of what I just described already exist with use cases from Amazon Go stores or the TD Garden concession store in Boston. Making payments frictionless is not some marketing gimmick, instead, it is about making payments easier and seamless for the customers; who doesn’t want to skip the long lines?!
The holiday season has always been exciting for retailers and shoppers alike. While retailers offer enticing deals to attract more customers, shoppers look to get the most out of their spending as they buy gifts for their loved ones. But things are a little different this year. The COVID-19 pandemic has forced people to stay indoors and not visit crowded places for their safety and that of others. As a result, foot traffic to retail stores has slowed down and most shoppers must look at other options to buy gifts this holiday season.
The key to running a successful retail business is by consistently engaging customers - but how do you accomplish that? With major advances in technology, many retailers are turning their attention to digitizing the checkout. While it can enhance the customer experience by making payment easier and integrating loyalty, simply digitizing the checkout isn’t enough to stand out from competitors - and getting customers coming back for more.
Mobile wallet adoption in the U.S. is steadily growing, but it is lagging in comparison to some Asian and European countries. China specifically is reported to have very high consumer adoption for mobile wallets, while in the U.S., less than one-third of smartphone users are on board with the trend.
