In-store Payments: What Are the Trends That Could Reinvent the Customer Experience in the Coming Years?
By 2025, the in-store customer experience will be transformed by technological innovations and increasing expectations for personalization. As major retailers look to reinvent their physical spaces and customer journeys, what technological and payment solutions will disrupt our habits?
With major shopping events approaching (Black Friday, Christmas...), let’s take a closer look at the emerging trends that will shape the in-store experience in the coming years!
1. Connected Stores and IoT (Internet of Things)
The connected stores of the future will be smart spaces thanks to the Internet of Things (IoT). Sensors, RFID tags, and geolocation technologies will allow retailers to better understand customer behavior. For example, a customer might receive personalized recommendations on their smartphone as soon as they enter the store, based on their previous purchases. This won’t be limited to targeted promotions but will also offer a tailor-made shopping experience, making each visit unique. On the IoT side, according to Gartner, 20% of IoT devices will be linked to connected cars, while 40% will be related to consumer electronics. The convergence of the Internet of Things (IoT) and payments (IoP – Internet of Payment) is now becoming a clear reality. The connected world naturally integrates the payment process, embedding it into a seamless and uninterrupted shopping experience.
2. Automated Checkout and Frictionless Payments
The trend towards fast, frictionless payments will continue to grow. In-store payment solutions, such as Market Pay's SoftPOS , reduce queues and allow for mobile or contactless payments. This creates a smooth and enjoyable experience for customers, especially during busy shopping periods.
3. Immersive Experiences and Augmented Reality (AR)
Augmented Reality (AR) will play a major role in how customers interact with products. Imagine trying on clothing via a smart mirror or visualizing furniture in your home before purchasing it. Stores that adopt these technologies will offer memorable immersive experiences, allowing customers to make more informed purchasing decisions. The integration of payments into a metaverse store will soon be more relevant than ever!
4. Real-time Personalization
In the coming years, real-time personalization will become the norm. Through data analysis technologies, retailers will be able to offer hyper-personalized experiences. A regular customer, for example, could receive specific recommendations based on their purchasing habits, thereby increasing customer loyalty and overall satisfaction. This could include geo-targeted notifications for loyalty program members when they are near or inside a store.
5. AI-Assisted Customer Experience
AI-powered virtual assistants and robots will become commonplace in stores. They will guide customers to desired products, answer questions, and enhance the overall experience. This automation will allow staff to focus on more complex tasks. Payments will be quickly integrated into these assistants as AI becomes more prevalent in our environments.
6. Experiential Spaces
Stores will become true experiential spaces. Instead of being mere points of sale, they will offer interactive zones where customers can test products, participate in workshops, or attend exclusive events. For instance, a sports store might provide the opportunity to test running shoes on a connected treadmill. Mobile and easy-to-use payment terminals, such as Market Pay's PayWish technology, will play a key role in these spaces.
7. Micro-Stores and Flexible Formats
Micro-stores and other flexible formats will gain popularity. These small, often temporary, retail spaces allow brands to quickly establish a presence in strategic locations and respond to specific local needs. This flexibility will enable retailers to experiment with new strategies and reach a broader audience, highlighting the importance of knowing the right payment solutions to use during pop-up sales.
In conclusion :
In the coming years, the in-store customer experience will be shaped by technological innovation, the evolution of payment methods, and a strong commitment to personalization and sustainability. Retailers who embrace these trends will be well-positioned to offer memorable experiences and strengthen their competitiveness. Whether through systems like Pay On Site or SoftPOS, the future of brick-and-mortar retail is promising for those who can reinvent themselves and make payments almost... invisible!
