The supermarket sector in the UK is facing disruptive change; convenience has become a key goal among the majority of stores. Technology has developed and changed the methods of service provision in the physical stores. The disruptive change has seen the introduction of in stores and online stores.
An example of the revolution is that Amazon recently made a purchase of the whole foods— they changed from a physical to an online store that even provides grocery services!
The E-commerce sector in the UK is expected to expand its annual value in the future, which is even faced by a greater challenge of offering personalised shopping preference. This will be the ‘recommended for you’ sector. There will also be a great trigger on the quality standards. The following are trends expected to shape the future in the supermarket.
- The blockchain technology
In an aim to ensure quality, the block chain has been set in place in retailers such as Auchan and Carrefour.
The block-chain involves monitoring the process of a product from the breeding process, feeding habits, care, and its arrival at the stores. The trace is meant to ensure the products are monitored with regards to the necessary health standards. Access to the products’ data helps the buyer to evaluate nutrition and taste. In the future, the middle class will want to eat healthier foodstuffs so the proof of nutritional value will play a major role in healthier food choice. The technology is also set to provide food pairings and recipe suggestions.
- Personalised shopping programs
Moving from a traditional strategy to a personalised relationship with customers, this approach will be much more challenging as retailers will be required to create personalised programs. The programs should be able to meet the customer’s preferences. Artificial Intelligence (AI) could play a role in the monitoring of shopping habits, collecting data, and offering products accordingly. Such features will make sampling and coupons more effective.
- Introduction of digital stores
Consumer-facing type of technology is set to be implemented in the future in the UK mostly in the form of applications. The aisle in physical supermarkets in the UK could be overtaken by these events; the expectation is the movement of physical stores to digital platforms. A major advantage of this move is that information regarding customers’ preferences will be readily available. Stores could also plan to introduce sensors and devices mounted on the shopping carts.
- Social commerce
A radical change in the way of buying and selling is expected in the UK. Virtual shopping cart introduction will make instant purchase a possibility. This means one does not need to be on the specific online store to shop. Technology will facilitate the process of adding products to the shopping cart from your online window. Easy jet has made this a reality via Instagram. When watching video or viewing pictures, you can make a purchase by a simple click. Users can book a travel destination using this feature.
The supermarket stores are going to experience radical change. They will be expected to improve their service provision in order to meet the standards set by the online stores. Meeting consumers’ preference is expected to be among their greatest challenge, but the main benefit of the change is improved quality in products and customer care services.
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