4. Cleanliness
This one might seem like a no-brainer, but its effects may be more long-term than you initially thought. Germ avoidance is of course extremely important, especially during the peak of the pandemic. However, even as the worries of COVID-19 eventually fade, the desire to avoid touching other people’s germs is likely to stay. Things that we used to touch regularly without a second thought, like door handles, now have us feeling some hesitation. Flu season is an example of a recurring scenario in which people will likely be a lot more cautious about germs than before the pandemic.
Businesses can ease these worries by installing the right solutions. Most retailers probably already have a plexiglass sneeze guard installed at checkout counters, but something they may not have yet are antimicrobial covers. These peel-and-stick covers can be applied to door handles, checkout counters, elevator buttons, and more. With an easy application process and a lifespan of up to six months, they’re a great way to consumers’ ongoing need to stay safe and healthy.
5. Self-Service
Whether you’re ordering your meal at a restaurant or checking in to your doctor’s office, self-service kiosks are growing in popularity across several markets – and for good reason. Kiosks help minimize the risk of spreading germs via face-to-face contact, they can help with line-busting (especially during the current labor shortage), and they provide a prime opportunity for upselling and brandingThese benefits are expected to remain present during the pandemic and beyond; according to Infiniti Research Limited, during 2021-2025 the self-service kiosk market is expected to grow by $2.97bn, at a CAGR of almost 6%.
Retail Rebound: The “Here and Now” is Here to Stay
Retail has changed for good. The unprecedented pandemic brought on a slew of challenges seemingly overnight, and the solutions the market has created to adapt to those challenges are likely here to stay as they provide ongoing safety, convenience, and security to shoppers worldwide. Now is the time for retailers to assess and optimize their operations.
Always leading, and always innovating, Star is proud to offer a range of retail POS hardware solutions to accompany the ever-evolving retail market trends.
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