AWS: Smart Store Technologies Can Transform Retail Customer Experience

Amazon Web Services (AWS) has released guidance for retailers focused on how "smart store technologies" can be utilized to improve the customer experience in physical stores. The information notes that customers expect a seamless transition between digital and physical shopping channels and desire similar conveniences as they find online.

AWS identifies common pain points customers face in stores, including long checkout lines, out-of-stock items, difficulty locating products, lack of assistance, and insufficient product information. These issues stand in contrast to the online shopping experience, where search engines simplify product discovery and details are readily available.

The company references a survey indicating that 91% of consumers prefer brands that recognize them and offer relevant promotions and recommendations. This highlights the importance of a personalized shopping journey extending to brick-and-mortar environments.

AWS suggests that technology can be employed to address these challenges. While specific technologies are not detailed here, the emphasis is on using customer feedback and data to personalize and streamline the shopping journey. Retailers failing to elevate their in-store experience risk losing customers to competitors investing in technology.