There are now over 1 million retail stores operating in the United States, according to the National Retail Federation (NRF). Whether you live on the East Coast, the West Coast or elsewhere, there are probably a myriad of retail stores near your location. Unbeknownst to many shoppers, though, retail stores have been investing heavily in touchscreen technology over the past few years. In this post, you’ll learn more about the use of touchscreen technology in the retail industry, including how it’s helping to improve the shopping experience for consumers.
Search for Discounts While Shopping
Savvy retailers know that many consumers use their smartphones to search for discounts and coupons while shopping. Prior to purchasing a product, a consumer may search for either it or the retail store online in hopes of finding a discount or coupon. As a result, many retailers publish discounts and coupons online, ensuring they are mobile friendly and, thus, can be accessed from a touchscreen device like a smartphone or tablet computer.
In-Store Touchscreens to Find Products
Some retailers have even installed touchscreen devices in their stores to help consumers find the products for which they are looking. According to a 2020 APAC Shopper Study, in fact, nearly two-thirds of consumers say they want to use in-store touchscreen devices to find products while shopping. In-store touchscreen devices typically consist of wall-mounted, as well as portable, tablet computers. While shopping, consumers can use these in-store touchscreen devices to find specific products.
Facilitate Checkouts
Touchscreen devices are even used to facilitate checkouts in the retail industry. All retail stores have at least one point-of-sale (POS) system, which is the device or equipment used to process customers’ transactions. Rather than using a traditional cash register, however, some retailers use touchscreen devices. Touchscreen POS systems offer a faster and more convenient way for retailers to process transactions, which in turn speeds up the checkout process for consumers.
Virtual Changing Room
Retail apparel stores use touchscreen devices to provide consumers with a virtual changing room. What does this mean exactly? Normally, consumers must physically try on clothes in a changing room. With a touchscreen device, though, they can see what a garment will look like using the device. Virtual changing rooms typically show the consumer wearing the garment.
These are just a few ways that touchscreen technology is changing the retail experience. In the coming years, you can expect to see new retail-based applications for touchscreen technology.
