Intelligent Retail Solutions: Navigating Pandemic Challenges this Holiday Season

As December unfolds, the holiday shopping season has arrived. Amid ongoing pandemic uncertainties and the emergence of the Omicron strain, physical retailers are faced with the challenge of offering a pleasant shopping experience while adhering to health and safety regulations. Fortunately, the integration of intelligent retail solutions can aid in achieving this balance.

The COVID-19 pandemic has dramatically impacted the retail industry, particularly in-store retailers. Compliance with mandatory masking, social distancing, and maximum capacity rules remains essential during this season, given the ongoing threat posed by the new Omicron variant that has affected various parts of the globe.

Johann Kraus, Global Account Manager for Retail at Qognify, observes, “The emergence of the Omicron variant may lead to reinstated measures in upcoming months. The UK, for instance, has renewed the mandate for face coverings in retail spaces and public transportation.”

Several countries have retained strict COVID-related precautions even after reopening. “In the UAE, for example, strict mask-wearing and distancing in retail environments continue to be enforced,” explains Joon Jun, President of Global Business Division at IDIS. “Similarly, South Korea’s cautious ‘Living with COVID-19’ plan remains susceptible to possible setbacks due to increasing ICU admissions.”

There’s also been a noticeable shift in consumer behavior. “In the UK, this year’s holiday shopping season may defy expectations,” says Marianne Slamich, VP of Marketing at Pointr. “People’s shopping patterns have evolved since the pandemic. There is less browsing and more purpose-driven, online shopping, a trend likely to be reinforced by the resurgence of mask mandates due to the Omicron threat.”

Enforcing these rules has proven challenging. “Initially, retailers relied on frontline staff for enforcement, exposing them to unreasonable risks and tasks beyond their job description,” Jun noted. The employment of security officers also led to significant costs, increased risk of confrontations, and alarming COVID death rates among them in the UK.

Smart retail technologies can alleviate these issues by detecting non-compliance with safety rules, reducing human intervention. These solutions include:

Analytics: These have evolved from tools that enhance business intelligence to tools that promote health and safety. “Video analytics now provide accurate occupancy data and monitor adherence to face-covering rules,” Kraus said, cautioning retailers to assess the long-term investment justification.

AI Box and People Counting Sensors: More affordable than edge-deployed AI cameras, these appliances can connect to existing cameras. “IDIS’s AI COVID Solution provides a simple, cost-effective approach that connects up to 32 existing network cameras,” Jun explained, emphasizing the availability of privacy-protected options.

Location-Based Solutions: These can guide customers to desired items and assist retailers in making data-driven decisions. Slamich elaborates, “Location analytics can facilitate the placement of sanitation stations, occupancy control notifications, and shopper guidance through busier sections.”

The integration of these smart solutions represents a strategic approach for retailers to navigate the complex landscape of the ongoing pandemic, ensuring safety and satisfaction for both customers and staff during this critical shopping season.