5G Transforming Retail Stores

The pandemic has brought a lot of changes to a typical retail therapy in Indonesia. Shopping online by placing items to cart is the new adrenalin rush and unboxing packages is the new endorphin upper. Despite the unbeatable advantages of shopping in stores like being able to explore, try out, and get items immediately, less and less people find the urgency to shop in physical stores. The question then becomes, how can Indonesian retail stores bring back customers to their shops?

Our answer, by bringing new shopping experiences and increasing operational efficiency for better business agility. This comes hand in hand with the coming of 5G connectivity to Indonesia which allows for more innovative use of IoT solutions.

Here are some of the ways 5G IoT can transform retail stores:

1. Enhance Brand-Customer Interaction With Augmented Reality

Immersive interactive experiences like augmented reality demand a considerable processing power and data. 5G can support this requirement having a big data processing capacity and speed at 10 gigabits per second or more than 100 times faster than 4G. Therefore, fashion retailers can use augmented reality like a magic mirror or virtual fitting room to help prospective buyers experiment with different styles of clothes, sizes and colors. When connected to the customer’s social media, it can shoot a quick poll to friends when deciding which item to buy. A VR fashion expert can also show the customer of ways to mix and match their items. An all around fun.

2. Integrated IoT Solutions For Operational Efficiency

Computer vision cameras that have facial and object recognition can provide retailers with their customers’ age group, selection of items, and sentiment analysis of the experience in store. IoT delivery trackers can help monitor the location of assets in delivery, report delays, and shipping conditions. Smart CCTV can send real-time alerts of shoplifters, suspicious behaviors, or accidents. IoT asset trackers can also be used to remotely check the inventories of warehouses and shops to ensure stock availability, quality, and efficient chain supply. These solutions will be very useful for supermarkets and other food retailers that sell perishable items which are time and condition sensitive

3. Seamless Buying Experience At Cashier-Less Stores

People don’t spend a lot of time in mini markets. It’s a grab and go type of place with one hold up; the wait for the cashier. So, why not completely eliminate the queue and get rid of the cashier? Customers with a digital wallet connected to their phone or wearables can just grab an item as recorded by sensors or computer vision cameras and leave the store through a door that scans for their digital wallet. Yes, 5G’s responsiveness can enable this seamless retail experience in all of your neighbourhood mini markets.

When paired with the right IoT solution, 5G’s processing capacity, speed, and responsiveness enable retail stores to tailor an exciting and innovative shopping experience. Beyond that, the data gathered by 5G IoT can supply business with analytics of trends, operations, supply chain bottlenecks, and more. The data can prompt you to make smarter business decisions that will accelerate growth and open up new market opportunities.

Have you made plans to connect your retail business with 5G technology?

For more information on 5G and the right IoT solutions for your retail business, contact IoT experts or check out our website for our latest solutions.