Shifting Consumer Shopping Trends Fueling Contactless Payment, AI-Driven Stores

With the fear of contracting the coronavirus pervading most aspects of daily life, consumers are embracing contactless systems for transactions and spurring the growth of artificial intelligence-driven smart stores. Ecommerce had been growing steadily before the pandemic hit, and the contagion only accelerated the trend away from brick-and-mortar operations. Total online sales reached $73.2 billion in June, up 76.2% from one year ago, Adobe Analytics reported. Coresight Research said the pandemic has forced retailers to innovate, leveraging technology to create a more efficient supply chain and generate growth. At the same time, it has become necessary to reduce contact between employees and consumers, forcing retailers to embrace curbside pickup, cashier-less stores, contactless payment and vending machines.