The retail landscape is undergoing a rapid digital transformation, accelerated by recent global events. The shift in consumer behavior, where shoppers prioritize convenience, safety, and efficiency, is driving how retail is adapting to changing consumer needs. This move toward technology-driven shopping presents a significant opportunity for fabricators to be part of the solution. Learn how Tru Vue products are helping fabricators and designers meet these demands.
Retail Trends That Are Here to Stay
The shift toward a more streamlined, “get in, get out” shopping culture highlights several key trends that will persist long after the pandemic subsides:
Intent to Purchase: Shoppers are entering stores with a clear mission, solidifying the need for efficient store layouts and comprehensive digital wayfinding systems to help them find items quickly.
Contactless & Self-Service: There is an accelerating move toward contactless payment and self-service options. This reduces touch points and caters to consumers who prefer minimal interaction, driving the self-service market to an estimated $68.01 billion by 2025.
Augmented & Virtual Reality (AR/VR): Retailers are leveraging AR to enhance the buying process—from virtually trying on jewelry to taking virtual store tours—making the customer journey quick and painless.
Store Restructuring for Safety: Stores are implementing physical changes, including:
Restructuring layouts with more mobile smart shelving.
Installing digital way-signs to manage foot traffic.
Minimizing touch points, such as through specialized refrigerating cases.
The Rise of Digital Wayfinding Systems
Digital signage, which captures 400% more attention than static displays, is becoming an absolute necessity. The global digital signage market is expected to hit $29.8 billion by 2024.
Key Benefits of Digital Signage
Brand Consistency: Seamlessly connects a customer’s online research to their in-store experience.
Advertising Hub: Provides a clean, dynamic platform for promotions, membership clubs, and events, eliminating physical clutter.
Consumer Self-Sufficiency: Offers product information and guidance, empowering shoppers who prefer to avoid unnecessary staff interaction.
Small-Format Grocers & The Refrigeration Challenge
Smaller, more personalized grocery stores face unique challenges, especially in urban environments where limited space and installation logistics are key concerns. Fabricators must be ready to address:
Space-Saving Solutions: Designing or altering refrigeration units to fit tighter spaces while accommodating social distancing.
Self-Contained Systems: Utilizing self-contained refrigeration cases—where the condensing unit is integrated—offers flexibility and eliminates the need for complex, long piping lines.
Minimizing Touch Points: Using superior glass on display cases to enhance product visibility and reduce the impulse for customers to open doors.
A Fabricator's Role in the New Retail Ecosystem
Retailers are actively considering new layouts, digital displays, and innovative refrigeration. As a fabricator, you are integral to these solutions:
Be a Partner: Engage your retail customers now to understand their pain points—whether it’s maximizing visibility, reducing touch points, or designing space-efficient systems.
Offer Quality Materials: Solutions like Tru-AR Technical Glass offer the clarity, durability, and resistance needed for both digital wayfinding screens (outdoor drive-thru menus) and indoor displays (refrigeration systems). Its properties help ensure optimal visibility, which can reduce door opening for refrigeration units, leading to better temperature uniformity and energy efficiency.
Tru-AR Technical Glass Puts Products in a Good Light
Tru-AR Technical Glass is the best quality non-conductive wideband coated glass for product showcases of various kinds, whether for outdoor drive thru menus, indoor refrigeration systems, or large scale lighting projects. Tru-AR Technical Glass provides impeccable clarity, has 15 years of proven durability in the outside elements, is impact resistant, and made in the USA.
To learn more about our technical glass solutions, find a distributor near you or get in touch with our team.