01.12.22
Jabil Inc. announced the results of a North American survey of omnichannel retail decision makers, which identified top trends, opportunities and obstacles in the development and deployment of innovative edge-retail solutions.
These solutions encompass self-serve, smart kiosks and automated boutiques that create growing opportunities for more personalized, frictionless shopping experiences and closer direct-to-customer brand relationships.
“Edge retail is gaining momentum as brands invest in innovative strategies to extend their digital reach amid dramatic shifts in consumer behavior resulting from the pandemic and lingering labor shortages,” said Fred McCoy, president, Enterprise and Retail Technology Solutions, Jabil. “The findings from our latest retail survey reinforce the need to elevate customer experiences with tailored solutions for putting highly relevant merchandise in the direct path of targeted consumers while ensuring seamless shopping across every retail channel.”
Jabil commissioned SIS Research International to conduct the Edge Retail Survey between August and October 2021, polling more than 200 participants from leading retail and DTC brands in the US, encompassing apparel, cosmetics, eyewear, jewelry, as well as pet food and accessories, among other segments.
More than eight in 10 retailers polled report they have major digital transformations underway to improve operations, customer service and shopping experiences. Nearly half (47%) of the respondents are investing in online and in-store technology as part of integrated, omnichannel solutions.
Growing Investments and Opportunities at the Edge
Jabil’s latest survey underscores retail’s continued investment in edge-retail solutions, including self-serve kiosks and intelligent vending machines. According to those polled, 22% already have implemented some form of edge retail while 33% plan to deploy the technology in 2022. Eyewear, cosmetics and apparel retailers ranked highest in rating edge retail’s relevance to their businesses.
Overall, respondents were split in their opinions about using edge retail as part of an existing omnichannel strategy or as a new channel opportunity altogether. Either way, edge retail solutions, such as automated boutiques in unique or non-store locations, represent a low-risk, low-cost market entry point.
Most Important Edge-Retail Features
In ranking the top-three most important attributes or features to consider for an edge-retail device, respondents cited utilization of IoT, AI and machine learning (61%); the ability to generate and analyze data about traffic, sales and trends (57%); as well as the installation and maintenance of inventory/supply chain logistics (44%).
Other important attributes identified include the ability to tailor messages displayed on the kiosk (38%), the need for a cost-effective solution (26%), integration of channel messages (23%) and ease of customization in kiosk design and build (21%).
These solutions encompass self-serve, smart kiosks and automated boutiques that create growing opportunities for more personalized, frictionless shopping experiences and closer direct-to-customer brand relationships.
“Edge retail is gaining momentum as brands invest in innovative strategies to extend their digital reach amid dramatic shifts in consumer behavior resulting from the pandemic and lingering labor shortages,” said Fred McCoy, president, Enterprise and Retail Technology Solutions, Jabil. “The findings from our latest retail survey reinforce the need to elevate customer experiences with tailored solutions for putting highly relevant merchandise in the direct path of targeted consumers while ensuring seamless shopping across every retail channel.”
Jabil commissioned SIS Research International to conduct the Edge Retail Survey between August and October 2021, polling more than 200 participants from leading retail and DTC brands in the US, encompassing apparel, cosmetics, eyewear, jewelry, as well as pet food and accessories, among other segments.
More than eight in 10 retailers polled report they have major digital transformations underway to improve operations, customer service and shopping experiences. Nearly half (47%) of the respondents are investing in online and in-store technology as part of integrated, omnichannel solutions.
Growing Investments and Opportunities at the Edge
Jabil’s latest survey underscores retail’s continued investment in edge-retail solutions, including self-serve kiosks and intelligent vending machines. According to those polled, 22% already have implemented some form of edge retail while 33% plan to deploy the technology in 2022. Eyewear, cosmetics and apparel retailers ranked highest in rating edge retail’s relevance to their businesses.
Overall, respondents were split in their opinions about using edge retail as part of an existing omnichannel strategy or as a new channel opportunity altogether. Either way, edge retail solutions, such as automated boutiques in unique or non-store locations, represent a low-risk, low-cost market entry point.
Most Important Edge-Retail Features
In ranking the top-three most important attributes or features to consider for an edge-retail device, respondents cited utilization of IoT, AI and machine learning (61%); the ability to generate and analyze data about traffic, sales and trends (57%); as well as the installation and maintenance of inventory/supply chain logistics (44%).
Other important attributes identified include the ability to tailor messages displayed on the kiosk (38%), the need for a cost-effective solution (26%), integration of channel messages (23%) and ease of customization in kiosk design and build (21%).