Why retailers could turn to tech post-Coronavirus

Many British retailers are preparing to re-open following the announcement of eased lockdown restrictions. But with the post-COVID-19 era of retail set to bring its own challenges, retailers may need to keep an open mind and consider modernising their business in order to thrive in the future.

From 1st June, non-essential stores across the country will be allowed to reopen, many of which have been closed or operating reduced hours and services for the past two months. But the retail landscape has shifted throughout lockdown, making it essential for businesses to be more flexible than ever.

That’s according to Will Broome, the founder and CEO of retail tech pioneers Ubamarket, who believes that businesses that are willing to adapt their operations and services in line with new trends are more likely to not only survive but thrive in the new retail arena.

“Without doubt, the biggest problems brought about by Coronavirus have been stock control, managing customer flow (incorporating social distancing) and staff safety,” Will told us.

“Even at the height of this crisis, roughly 80% of all retail is still happening in physical stores, because in food retail and the grocery sector, in-store shopping is far more convenient.”

By implementing retail technology, businesses can support new shopping habits whilst also safeguarding themselves against future cases of irregular consumer behaviour, Will explains. “Retail tech offers an all-encompassing solution; in Ubamarket’s case in the form of a simple app, which can put consumers in control, doing away with the need for time-consuming queues, unhygienic checkouts, and confusion about where products are and whether they are in stock.

“We believe that if retailers can use technology to remove pinch-points and friction in-store, then basket sizes, loyalty and store visits will increase exponentially.

“This goes not only for larger franchises and supermarkets, but for local convenience stores and independent food and drink retailers, too. As a result, the Ubamarket app has been designed as a white-label, end-to-end solution that can easily integrate with the existing systems of any retailer, no matter the size.