When talking about Android for payments, most people think of a smart POS using the Android Operating System (OS). The devices themselves are a central piece of the puzzle but there is so much more to the Android platform than meets the eye. Understanding the Android Platform and its many components is critical to getting the most out of Android for payments.
In 2020, retail shopping changed dramatically – from increased social distancing norms to a preference for buying online. Terms like buy online pick up in-store (BOPIS), Click & Collect, curbside pickup, etc. made more frequent appearances than before. More consumers are showing preference to shop at stores that offered these options. Especially in 2020, the onset of the pandemic drove strict social distancing guidelines in the U.S. and pushed shoppers to purchase essential items such as groceries, etc online. According to data from eMarketer, Click and Collect increased from a 5.8% share of all retail eCommerce sales to a 9.1% share. Also, total buyers went from 127.4 million people to 143.8 million people with a 12.9% growth rate as many consumers looked for new paths to purchase.
The COVID-19 vaccination rollouts are successfully progressing in the US, and it finally seems like the dust of pandemic disruption may be settling. Last year we saw many technology trends and use cases crop up in the restaurant industry. From curbside pick-up to contactless payment acceptance, restaurants quickly adapted to better serve customers in dynamic circumstances. With over a year of customers getting used to these conveniences, restaurant businesses need to rethink the best ways to prepare for the post-COVID world.
More than any other retail establishment, the Food and Drug merchants are at the heartbeat of our culture. These grocery stores and pharmacies play an important role in shaping what we do with our time and how we interact with others around meals, events, celebrations, etc. Whether it is people buying produce to cook a meal for their family & friends or picking up prescription medication for their needs, these retail stores are essential to our lives.
I recently watched Zack Snyder’s Justice League which, despite the long runtime, seemed to fly by and was thoroughly enjoyable. I then reflected on a presentation I did a couple of years ago comparing how well planned the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) was compared to DC and their set of movies. One has clear stories, plans that follow a long-term vision to delight moviegoers and satisfy the fans while the other seems to be trying to cram everything into each movie.
