1. SHOPPING WITH AR/VR

•  Several retailers are leveraging augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) technology to provide a "next-gen shopping experience". According to a report by Gartner, a shopping experience that leverages augmented reality is expected to engage nearly 100 million consumers.

• Large brands like Target, Amazon, and Lowes use AR technology allowing customers to visualize furniture in their homes. Ikea also uses an ARKit-based app that allows shoppers to picture new furniture in a room in real-time by moving their phone cameras. Shopify has also introduced Shopify (AR) to make this innovative retail technology accessible to small retailers.

•  American Apparel, Lacoste, and Uniqlo have launched "virtual showrooms and fitting rooms for customers to try products in virtual spaces."

• Several other major brands including Sephora, L'Oreal, and Macy's are using AR/VR technology to

2. CASHIERLESS/AUTOMATED CHECKOUTS

•  Automated/self-checkout is another trending tech innovation in the retail sector. This trend is inspired by the cashier-less convenience stores of Amazon Go but now several retailers are enabling automated checkouts, mobile checkouts, or other forms of expedited self-checkouts.

•  Standard Cognition is also working on deploying automated checkout technology in "thousands of stores" by the end of 2019. Initially, the technology will be implemented in pharmacies and convenience and grocery stores.

ADDITIONAL TRENDS

•  Omnichannel retail for a seamless shopping experience 

•  Voice-enabled shopping or voice commerce

•  Product Customization 

PROPRIETARY RESEARCH AVAILABLE