Shopping never really changes: You browse, you select, you pay.
And occasionally, if it doesnt work out, you return.
But dig into the details of how you do any of those tasks today, andeverythingabout shopping is changing.
Although many developments in retail are aimed at younger generations, they affect us all.
The pros are more personalization and convenience; the big con (pun intended!)
is ourloss of privacy from data collectionthat drives many of these innovations.
The COVID-19 pandemic took the shift to even greater levels.
As sales have surged, so has convenience.
Amazon offers delivery in some cases within an hour or two, or even sooner, for many items.
Other benefits include instant returns and not having to worry about porch pirates.
According to the International Council of Shopping Centers, more than half of U.S. shoppers use BOPIS.
Voice ordering (via Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant) and text-to-shop programs make shopping quick and stress-free.
In the mood for something sweet from your grocer?
My tips
Convenience often comes at a price.
Delivery costs can add up fast, especially when ordering groceries.
Also, it can encourage impulsive purchases.
When shopping online, always compare prices.
you’ve got the option to add them to your order with a click.
Data collection doesnt stop there.
Dont give away your data unless youget something you consider valuablein return.
Another reason to be selective about sharing personal information: Many retailers have experienced data breaches.
Machines are replacing people
Anyone whos been at a store lately can see thatself-checkout kiosksare spreading.
A study by Zebra Technologies shows that more than half of shoppers actually prefer them to human cashiers.
Some speedy systems add up your cart without barcode scanners.
Soon, customer service will be fully automated.
Many websites have chatbots instead of humans to answer questions.
In stores, your phone can stand in for clerks to help you find what youre looking for.
Some have maps that can give you turn-by-turn directions to an item.
An app might tell you if that item is in stock and give you product details and user reviews.
In addition, many retailer apps can alert you to sales and special offers.
