Answer to Question #190535 in Management for Andrew-John Bock

Question

                 

Please follow a link to access the case study and then answer the question below:

https://www.mytotalretail.com/article/get-ready-for-contactless-retail-with-self-scanning-and-scan-and-go/

Questions

A. The time has come when most consumer purchases are made with self-scanners. Do you believe that one day Namibia will join the rest of the world? In Namibian context, discuss 7 (seven) ways the retail spaces may be shaped and advise accordingly the retail industry on what they can expect tomorrow’s physical retail will look like.   (10 marks

Answer 1

1) Do you believe one day Namibia will join the rest of the world?

I believe Namibia will one day join the rest of the world since Covid-19 pandemic has caused unprecedented disruptions and a new trend and retail shops are likely to emerge such as use of self scanning in retail shops to make payments.

2) In Namibian context, 7 Ways the retail space may be shaped.

a) Online shopping- Online shopping enables the customers to order their products online hence maintaining social distancing therefore enabling the business to minimize human interactions as a measure to prevent the spread of Covid-19.

b) Visual merchandising- the customers are able to see the products from inside and outside the shop how it appeals without touching the product as measure to prevent covid-19 from spreading through touch.

c) Partnership between retail outlets and Tech logistics companies- the customers would be able to stay at home to avoid exposure to infection from covid-19 as their ordered products will be delivered at home through the tech logistics companies.

d) Use of biometrics as standard form of payment- the use of biometrics reduces the waiting time in long line at retail shops hence minimal contact with other customers as a measure to deal with covid-19.

e) Use of light fixtures to launch new products hence minimal interactions between the clerks and the customers on information regarding the new products.

f) Use of smartphone apps by the employees to perform their daily tasks hence contactless retail therefore, maintaining social distancing.

g) Use of label fixtures regarding any important information in a retail shop hence minimal interactions as a measure to prevent the spread of Covid-19.

3) Advice to the retail industry on what they expect tomorrow's physical retail work to look like.

a) Most retail sales will be done online through the scan and go or the use of smartphones to make payments.

b) Digital devices would replace the store clerks hence enabling the customers to try out products virtually and algorithms would make personalized recommendations based on purchase history.

c) Physical retail shops will transform into showrooms with touchscreen interfaces and holographic mirrors.

d) The center aisle in the retail grocery would be dead with customers shifting focusing towards healthy and fresh options.

e) Biometrics will be the standard form of payment in retail shops.

f) Customers will make purchases via voice on their in- home countertop device.

g) Customers who are socially aware will be ordering personalized, custom-made products produced on-site and that are aided by 3D printing technology and body scanners.