POS Trends to Expect in the Second Half of 2021

As we reach the midway point of 2021, one thing is certain: this year is monumental to the point of sale (POS) industry as the economy rushes into recovery. Read on to explore some of the top POS trends to expect in the second half of the year and beyond.

POS Trend #1: Ongoing Online Ordering Boom

In the return to normalcy, and in many regions, restaurants are reopening, and brick-and-mortar retailers are trying to resume their activities as close as possible to their pre-pandemic levels. But no matter where businesses are on their recovery journey, online ordering is here to stay, and not just because of it being the primary method available to consumers during the pandemic. In fact, consumers worldwide have discovered the convenience and benefits of online ordering and have decided to stick with that method of purchasing, even as physical businesses reopen.

Interestingly, businesses have also found additional benefits in using online ordering platforms. Advantages include an additional revenue stream flowing into their businesses, as well as the opportunity to utilize more robust loyalty programs in a less intrusive, nearly seamless way. This improved loyalty strategy can improve the customer experience and in turn create sticky customers.

Most of the initial challenges many online ordering systems and digital transactions faced have been mitigated, making them an even more appealing option for businesses everywhere. For example, new security measures like multi-factor authentication are becoming standard, allowing a business to offer promotions, discounts, and payments that are less susceptible to fraud.

POS Trend #2: Faster Technology Adoption

Complete solutions and intuitive user experiences (UX) have become essential, and although price will most definitely always be an important consideration in any technological deployment, now value and having the right solution have risen to the top of the priority list.

In a rapidly changing market, solution integrators have no time to spare to try new things that they are not sure will work or test products from uncertain vendors. Instead, they are opting to go directly to what is already working in the market and are selecting the brands with the technologies that are being adopted massively by market leaders.

POS Trend #3: An Emphasis on Health and Safety

Even after the COVID-19 pandemic passes, health and safety will remain a priority to people worldwide. To put employees and customers at ease, a new POS trend has accelerated and retail and hospitality businesses that are reopening must offer a tangible sense of safety to their customers.

Popular health and safety POS products include sneeze guards placed at the point of sale, antimicrobial covers which reduce germ transfer on high-touch surfaces, and tamper-proof labels to securely seal delivery and takeout orders.