10 April 2008, 12:45 PM
  • According to research from Visa Europe, retailers of the future will combine bricks-and-mortar stores with online shopping facilities.

The Store of the Future 2012-2015 report by the Centre for Retail Research predicts internet sales will account for almost 20% of turnover by 2012-15. It also predicts a rise in automated self-scanning, product tracking for inventory using RFID (radio-frequency identification) and targeted promotions delivered directly to consumers while they shop. Stores are also likely to have access to PC/web based facilities in-store, giving immediate access to product and customer reviews.

More than a quarter of retailers (28.7%) are expecting a drop in store numbers, while 70% expect to introduce new formats and more information services by 2012-2015. Customers will be able to order on the website and pick up items in stores, while smaller stores may focus on services and information, rather than holding large inventories.

• Some 22% of retailers expect to commence automated self-scanning.

• RFID tags are likely to be introduced by 34% of retailers to help them make better use of product inventory management and in the future used to offer customer promotions.

• Almost 50% of retailers expect to use technology to send customer-targeted promotions using demographics and loyalty card information via email and texts.

The researchers interviewed 300 retailers across seven European countries: France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden and the UK.