For years, robots have been behind-the-scenes fulfilling orders in Amazon's warehouses. But in the future, robots could replace sales assistants in stores.
Source: Bloomberg Intelligence
Lowe's is currently testing Oshbots, robots that can locate merchandise and speak to customers in English or Spanish.
The Oshbots also display promotional information and advertisements on their screens, offering retailers another perk.
The smart machines are also entering fitting rooms. A company called Hointer has developed technology that allows shoppers to make a list of items to try on via mobile app. Robots then fetch the items and bring them to the fitting room in seconds.
Hointer says this system triples the number of items shoppers try on.
Retailers are also using advanced data and technology to tailor the customer experience more than ever, according to analysts at Bloomberg Intelligence.
Lowe's "Holoroom 3D AR Virtual Room" technology lets customers see different paint, tile, and floor colors they way they would look in a home. This essentially replaces samples and paint swatches.
Retailers are also using beacon technology to get you to buy more products, something that will intensify in the future. Beacons are $5 hardware devices that use Bluetooth technology to send shoppers relevant information.
An example of beacon technology would be a store sending a customer a "welcome" message when they visit through a mobile app.
Many stores of the future will have free WiFi, according to design firm King Retail Services. The brand just built a futuristic store for Space Age Fuel, a regional convenience store chain in Oregon.
Offering WiFi will also come into play when it comes to the cash register, as mobile payments take over. Apple and Android pay help enhance loyalty programs and provide better data to retailers.
And many stores might also offer places to charge your phone, a measure Starbucks has already implemented through Powermat wireless technology.
Stores are also increasingly becoming distribution centers for goods and services ordered online. Target just partnered with Instacart, a grocery delivery service, for a test in Minneapolis. Instacart delivers groceries within an hour.
Bloomberg Intelligence says that Amazon's same-day delivery is forcing major retailers to overhaul operations and offer speedy delivery.
New technologies are making it easier than ever to shop in a customized environment.
