What will physical shops look like post-pandemic?

When the pandemic first hit, digital signage failed to be leveraged successfully. Despite having the technology available, wayfinding, health and well-being information were all being communicated through paper posters and floor stickers. Digital signage displays were utilised for advertising and product spotlights instead.

However, it quickly became clear that COVID-19 was here to stay and the retail industry would have to adapt.

“During a crisis situation, things accelerate, and they accelerate at such a speed that people catch-up very quickly.”

Paul Crosbie-Smith, UK Sales Manager, BrightSign.

As the technology already existed, it didn’t take long for the retail industry to adapt. The mobile phone, in particular, has become more necessary than ever. It enabled us to pick up our food shopping, view the menu at a restaurant and check-in using the NHS Track and Trace app with a QR code.

“Literally overnight, QR codes became our best friend”

Paul Crosbie-Smith, UK Sales Manager, BrightSign.

The QR code has been so successful because it’s universally simple and easy to use. QR codes will likely continue to be used post-pandemic to keep staff and consumers safe and to give businesses the autonomy to create and update their content in real-time. During a crisis situation, things accelerate, and they accelerate at such a speed that people catch up very quickly

Paul Crosbie-Smith, UK Sales Manager, BrightSign.

Paul Crosbie-Smith, UK Sales Manager, BrightSign. “ What will the future of retail technology look like?

Touch screens are often thought of as the primary way for consumers to enjoy interactive experiences. As COVID-19 has temporarily halted touch displays as an option, interactive experiences had to adapt with hands-free interactive experiences like gesture and motion sensors.

In the future we may see digital signage displays replaced with voice-activated technology. We are already seeing voice-activated display solutions come to market, like BrightVoice which can control the shopping experience, deliver tailor-made conversation and engagement with consumers.

Touch interactions will likely return post-covid so incorporating technology that prevents those applications from becoming dispensable is vital. BrightLink is an innovative example of this, allowing consumers to scan a QR code and mirror the interactive screen on their phone, using it in the same way but removing any fear of communal touch.

In this day and age, consumers value convenience. Digital transformation enables consumers to have the same experience in-store as they would online. By utilising immersive technologies like QR codes and further with AR, AI and facial recognition, retailers can present a cohesive and customisable shopping experience.

When it comes to digital signage displays in store, they will offer consumers an engaging digital experience, giving them access to real-time information on products, wayfinding and the latest health and safety guidelines.

Midwich Live is aired on the last Friday of every month and is streamed on YouTube, LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitch, Twitter and Periscope. To get involved and join the community, search for Midwich Live.