What does the future of in-store payments look like?

Technology within retail stores is experiencing some interesting developments as it tries to keep up with changing customer demands in terms of ease, personalization, gratification and experience.

One of the key technological advancements major brands are focusing on at the moment is scan-and-go, which allows customers to avoid the hassle of long queues via mobile checkout. Although this does raise security issues and some customers will still need store staff in order to remove security tags and check receipts.

Another level up from this is the walk-out option, where AI and facial recognition is the new form of paying, so customers don't even need their phones to pay. However a lot of cameras would be required and this could be difficult for companies to retrofit into their stores. Currently only Amazon Go and Standard Cognition are exploring this option.

Beyond these two options is the possibility of upgrading AI and facial recognition from just a form of paying to a way of further personalising a shoppers experience. For example store associates could be fed information on a customer such as their name and preferred purchases and can then approach the shopper by name and make similar suggestions in line with what they have previously bought.

With all these possibilities retailers will only be limited by their imagination and available funds for further technological improvement of the customer's experience.

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