Health and Convenience Are Key Drivers Shifting India Consumer Preferences in Favor of Unmanned Stores?

In India, consumers were less inclined to visit or shop at physical stores in the post-pandemic era. This applies to all types of stores, including luxury fashion boutiques, supermarkets, convenience stores, shopping malls, department stores, high-end restaurants, pharmacies, and grocery stores.

Also, Indian consumers’ intention to shop at physical stores in the new normal has dropped by 12 percent compared to the pre-pandemic era. A significant majority of respondents (79 percent) indicated that they are more likely to visit unmanned stores – physical stores with few to no staff. This suggests that consumers today may perceive unmanned stores as safer to visit, provided social distancing and contactless protocols are integrated into operational processes. 

“Consumer preferences towards health, safety, and convenience are driving the rapid adoption of contactless experiences and are likely to form the new brick and mortar retail reality. As retailers pivot to meet consumer needs, we foresee an increased rollout of unmanned stores across India in line with national initiatives such as Digital India and Smart Cities Mission” said Sudhindra Holla, Director, India, and SAARC at Axis. 

“Whether fully or partially unmanned, these stores rely on various technologies and automation such as artificial intelligence (AI), QR code authentication, and intelligent video cameras to function. These technologies will be essential to support key functions of unmanned stores such as self-checkout, movement tracking, and security in order to deliver safe customer retail experiences,” Holla stated. 

Axis video surveillance solutions were developed in line with the changing retail landscape and its implications, which calls for intelligent and practical approaches to enhancing operational efficiency, shopper safety, and customer experiences and contribute to ongoing profitability. Axis solutions can help to deter theft and shrinkage in-store, protect your store with active alerts, keep your customers informed and ensure a positive shopping atmosphere, while also accumulating data for long-term planning and informed decision-making. 

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