From contactless checkout systems to virtual fittings, the July 2020 retail trends reveal that stores are quickly adapting to the new normal brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic.
One of the biggest challenges that retailers face in stemming the spread of COVID-19 is reducing the number of touches involved in the checkout process. To address this problem, Walmart is testing a new cashier-less store that features a conveyor belt checkout system.
Another challenge facing retailers is how to help consumers find what they need without the need to interact closely with staff. As the July 2020 retail trends, several companies have come up with clever solutions to this problem. For instance, the eyewear retailer Clearly has added QR codes to each pair of glasses in its stores, which can be scanned with a mobile device to virtually try out the frames. Lowe's has taken a different approach by launching an AR video chat tool for client consultations.
Top 50 Retail Ideas in July
From Virtual Eyewear Try-Ons to Contactless Retail Consultations:
Katherine Pendrill — Aug 18, 2020 — Business

50
Antimicrobial Shopping Cart Handles
Bact-Off's Snap-On Plastic Handle Defends Against Germs

49
Touchless Beauty Testers
Meiyume's Motion-Activated Packs Release Fragrances & Liquids
48
Online Shopping Cities
Dubai Commercity is a Free Trade Zone Dedicated to eCommerce
47
Virus-Safe Fitness Centers
Oxygen Yoga and Fitness Reopens Implementing Protective Shields
46
Convenience Furniture Shops
IKEA Harajuku Contains the World's First IKEA Convenience Store
45
In-Store Virtual Eyewear Try-Ons
Clearly's Reopening Strategy Fuses QR Codes & Virtual Tech
44
Live Luxury Shopping Services
Gucci Live is for Personalized Online Luxury Shopping
43
Protective Equipment Vending Machines
The RapidPPE2go Vending Machine Will Sell PPE
42
Immersive Beauty Pop-Ups
The Chanel Chance Studio in Singapore is a Post-COVID Retail Space
41
Virtual Storefront Platforms
Streetify Gives Consumers Access to Virtual Storefronts
40
Contactless Shop-In-Shops
Azbuka Vkusa Converted an Aisle into a Checkout-Free Zone
39
In-Apartment Self-Service Shops
Impulsify is Adding Grab-and-Go Solutions to Communal Spaces
38
At-Home Retail Fitness Brands
Walmart Entered into a Partnership for a GoZone Line of Products
37
Distancing Grocery Pop-Ups
Pop Up Grocer Introduced Private Appointments for Solo Shopping
36
Contact-Free Drink Dispenser Devices
The L-Guard System from Lancer Worldwide Enhances Cleanliness
35
Virtual Shopping Malls
New Zealand Company, EPIC, Recently Launched a Virtual Mall
34
In-Store Sanitizing Billboards
Terraboost's Billboards Share Advertiser Messages & Sanitizer
33
Retail-Focused Safety Shields
Peregrine Will Install Plexiglass Shields as Stores Re-Open
32
Food-as-Medicine Delivery Services
KAIGO is a Health-Focused Personalized Meal Delivery Service
31
Branded Consciously-Made Retailers
American Eagle Outfitters Launched 'Unsubscribed' Retailer
30
Fully Automated Canadian Restaurants
Box'd By Paramount is Set to Open This Summer in Toronto
29
Single-Use Self-Serve Sleeve Covers
'Tap-Kins' Prevent Direct Contact with Self-Serve Equipment
28
Department Store Reopening Plans
Marks & Spencer Stores Launch Extensive Reopening Guidelines
27
Retail Store Re-Opening Standards
Nordstrom Prepares to Open Its Stores with Safety Precautions
26
QSR Pandemic Reopenings
Starbucks Canada Reopens Stores with Consumer Safety in Mind
25
D2C Snack Deliveries
Nestlé Has Partnered with Deliveroo in the UK for a Snack Delivery Service
24
Post-Pandemic Gym Reopenings
Brickhouse Gym is Preparing to Launch With New Regulations
23
Livestreamed Shopping Festivals
Tmall is Hosting a Large Shopping Event on Taobao Live
22
Virtual Whisky Boutiques
The Macallan Created a Whisky E-Boutique Ahead of Father's Day
21
Same-Day Retail Delivery Services
Big Lots Partnered with Instacart on a New Delivery Service
20
Direct-to-Consumer Burger Shops
Impossible Foods Has Launched a Direct-to-Consumer Online Store
19
Purchase-Scanning Retail Systems
This AI Scanner Concept Accommodates Bakeries without Employees
18
Fast Mobile Retail Deliveries
Staples and Instacart Launched a Same-Day Delivery Service
17
Virtual Restaurant Storefronts
DoorDash Storefront Helps Restaurants Create Online Stores
16
Cashier-Free Retail Stores
Walmart is Testing a Cashierless Store in Response to COVID-19
15
Cryptocurrency-Exclusive Biohacking Cafes
Parallel Polis Offers a Variety of Biohacking Products
14
Live Streamed Shopping
Livescale is an eCommerce Platform That Displays Live Streaming Videos
13
Safety-Focused Tech Stores
The Apple Store is Reopening Locations with COVID-19 Safety Measures
12
In-House QSR Delivery Services
Panda Express Has Rolled Out Its Own Panda Express Delivery Service
11
Apparel Installment Pay Options
Dynamite Unveils 'Shop Now Pay Later' Partnership with PayBright
10
Fine Jewelry Store Re-Openings
Birks is Re-Opening its Retail Locations with New Safety Measures
9
Rare Snack Shops
Vancouver's Dank Mart Shares Hard-to-Find Treats & Limited-Edition Flavors
8
Branded Business-Supporting Shopping Apps
Cadillac Fairview Debuted the LiVE by CF Shopping App
7
Contactless Retail Consultations
Lowe's Launched an AR Video Chat Tool for Homeowners or Clients
6
Virtual Reality Shopping Malls
Alliance Studio Debuted a 3D Virtual Shopping Mall
5
Safe Return Systems
Checkpoint Systems' Inventory Quarantine Temporarily Isolates Returned Items
4
Touchless Mobile Payments
PayPal Launched QR Code Payments in Canada via Its App
3
Meal Delivery Vouchers
Uber Eats’ New Vouchers Let Employers Purchase Meals for Staff & Attendees
2
ID-Authenticating Retail Solutions
The IDentiFake Plus from TokenWorks Pinpoints Authenticity
1
Mobile Retail Delivery Partnerships
CVS Partnered with DoorDash on a Same-Day Delivery Service
Related Ideas
Rimless Smart Eyewear
Eddie Bauer Smart Eyewear Includes Voice Access to ChatGPT
Technology-Driven Retail Spaces
ARK Visual Unveils Future Stores as an Immersive Retail Identity
Next-Gen Sneaker Stores
Foot Locker's Store of the Future Concept is Bolder and Easier to Shop
AR Retail Kiosks
BIG Digital and DeepAR Bring Mobile & Desktop Try-Ons to Store Settings
GenAI Eyewear Shows
Innovative Eyewear Launched the First Generative AI Fashion Show for Eyewear
Immersive 3D Fashion Exhibits
Portal:M x Virtual Fashion Exhibition Host a Phygital Experience
AI-Powered Shopping Experiences
SOOT Introduced Moodboard-Inspired Shopping
Gen Alpha-Focused Eyewear Collabs
Zenni Partnered with FreshCut to Market to Roblox Users
GenAI Shopping Assistants
Shopping Muse Supports Michael Kors US Website Visitors
Retail Store Revamps
H&M Updates Shopping Experience with Luxe, Tech-Savvy Store in London
Immersive Spatial DIY Apps
Lowe's Companies, Inc. Debuts Lowe's Style Studio for Apple Vision Pro
Mixed-Reality Makeup Studios
Kosé Corporation Debuted a Beauty-Tech Innovation at CES 2025
Instant Virtual Fitting Tools
HeyBeauty AI Try-On Copilot Let's You Try on Clothes With a Click
Wearable AI Retail Assistants
Augmodo Unveils a New Pilot Affecting Four Warehouse Locations
Cost-Conscious Cashierless Microstores
Fainders.AI Launched a Prefab MicroStore Within a Gym
5g-Enabled Retail Showcases
Singtel is Surpassing Consumer Expectations with 5G Retail
Efficiency-Driven AI Retail Models
Google Cloud's New Retail Solutions Seek to Optimize Workflow
Engaging Shelf Displays
Netvisual is Elevating In-Store Advertising with its Shelf Edge Displays
Interactive VR Styling Apps
'J.Crew' Launched a Closet Management and Shopping App for Vision Pro
Athletic Apparel Interactive Billboards
Gymshark Unveils the Shoplift Campaign Ahead of Sale
Virtual Holiday Shopping Experiences
Amazon Introduces a New Holiday Shop with 3D Technology
AR-Enhanced Hair Dye Boxes
L’Oréal & Snapchat Brought an AR Packaging Experience to Walmart
AI-Enabled Smart Glasses Demonstrations
Vuzix® Will Lead Interactive Demonstrations at CES 2024
Multi-Sensory Flagship Stores
KATE Shibuya Offers Immersive Digital and Physical Experiences
Phygital Beauty Store Experiences
Sephora's Store of the Future Locations are Immersive
AR Locker Rooms
Snapchat and Selfridges Created a Pop-Up for Virtually Trying on Sports Kits
Transformative AI Shopping Experiences
Omoda and Google Cloud Partner for Generative-AI Shopping
Digital Try-On Solutions
Bariano Uses Try with Mirra Technology for its New Virtual Fitting Rooms
Interactive In-Store Ads
Visibubble Brings Mobile Messaging Capabilities to Store Shelves
Gen Z-Centric Campaigns
Urban Outfitters' Shift Happens Campaign Has Three Phases
GenAI Retail Chatbots
Target's Store Companion Supports Team Members
Personalized Customer Service Tools
Walmart Launched 'Wallaby' Powered by Generative AI
Healthcare Management Retailer Apps
The CVS Health App Puts More Control in the Customer's Hands
Accessible Mindful Shopping Initiatives
Style DNA Brings Sustainability to Black Friday Shopping
Interactive AR Storefronts
Spotselfie AR Meta Stores Tie Real-World Places to Virtual Storefronts
AI Virtual Try-On Tools
Outfit Changer AI Represents the Future of the Fashion Industry
GenAI Virtual Shoppers
Cindy by Imaginuity Boots Online and In-Store Foot Traffic
AI Beauty Shopping Experiences
Revieve x Google Cloud Launch the Next Gen AI Advisor Series
Shoe Retailer AI Apps
SuperStep Partnered with 'IMSHOP' to Create a Convenient Mobile App
AR Retailer Haircare Experiences
Walmart Beauty Virtual Try-On Now Includes Hair Color Products
Branded Low-Cost eCommerce Stores
Amazon Haul Offers Low-Cost Products to Attract Shoppers
AI-Augmented Retail Checkouts
This Checkout Solution Helps Prevent Theft and Scanning Errors
AI Retail Wearables
Augmodo SmartBadges Track Tasks and Inventory in Real Time
Physical Metaverse Merchandise Stores
Roblox will Sell Physical Goods with Shopify
Record-Breaking Autonomous Supermarkets
Sensei Debuted a Groundbreaking Supermarket at NRF 2025
Digital Travel Retail Experiences
Clarins Debuted an Initiative at the Airport in Hainan, China
AR Shopping Malls
American Express' Door to Shop Small Highlights 10 Small Businesses
Jewelry Retail Expansions
Mejuri Opens 40th Location at Major Canadian Shopping Center
Virtual Beauty Speakeasies
e.l.f. Cosmetics' Virtual Luxe Lounge Offers an Exclusive Experience
AR-Powered Try-On Rooms
Snapchat Unveils a New AR Locker Room at Selfridges Oxford Street London
Computer-Vision Self-Service Kiosks
Toshiba's Vision Kiosk Identifies Items Without Barcodes
Luxury Department Store Takeovers
Burberry and Harrods Offer an Immersive Shopping Experience
Magazine-Integrated QR Features
ARCADE Launches the ELLE x Clarks Shoe Visualiser and Experience
Y2K-Inspired Fashion Collections
The Bench Revival Collection Boasts a Range of Nostalgic Styles
Live Shopping Flagships
Outlandish's Santa Monica Location Supports Live Social Media Shopping
Phygital Gen Z Fashion
Walmart is Relaunching the No Boundaries Brand on Roblox
AI-Enhanced Shopping Experiences
Coveo’s Collaboration with Shopify Seeks to Streamline Shopping
AI-Enhanced Grocery Apps
Instacart Unveiled a Suite of AI Features Coming to its Mobile App
Mixed-Reality Makeup Apps
e.l.f. Cosmetics Launches a New Shopping App for the Apple Vision Pro
Refreshed Retail Initiatives
Target is Improving its Customer Experience Journey in 2024
Virtual Interactive Shopping Experiences
Appy Pie Endpoint Launches Suite of Virtual Try-On APIs
Conscious-Focused Retail Stores
ATLAS Opens its Doors in Westfield Century City
Interactive Cosmetics Retail Stores
Watsons Upgrades its Stores for Gen Z and Gen Alpha Consumers
Interactive Shoppable High-Fashion Films
The Saint Laurent Summer 2024 Collection is Chic
Immersive VR Shopping Apps
Mytheresa Worked with Obsess on New Apple Vision Pro App
Localized Retail Experiences
UNIQLO Sherway Blends Japanese Tradition with Toronto Culture
Attention-Grabbing Retail Displays
Auo's Smart Shelf Displays Enhance the Customer Experience
Advanced Adaptive Retail Experiences
Walmart Unveiled New Retail Technologies at CES 2024
AI-Driven Fashion Platforms
HeyBeauty Offers a Virtual Fitting Room Where Users Can Try on Clothes
Mixed-Reality Shopping Apps
StockX Launched an Immersive Way to Shop with the Apple Vision Pro
Barcode-Less Product Scanners
SeeChange Taps Diebold Nixdorf to Create AI Checkout Tools
Anthropomorphic Store Campaigns
IKEA's Short Social Films Promote Its Click-and-Collect Service
Customizable Retail Mobile Apps
Lightspeed Promotes On-the-Go Sales with its 'Lightspeed Scanner'
Immersive Virtual Pop-Ups
Benefit Launches Virtual 'Benemart' Concept for Holiday Shopping
AI Thrifting Assistants
ThredUp Debuts New AI Features to Enhance Consumers' Shopping Journeys
Size-Replicating Try-On Technologies
Google Shopping Debuts Virtual Dress Try-Ons in the U.S.
Curated Online Shopping Events
Walmart+ is Offering an Online-Only Shopping Event for Members
Inventive Retail Strategies
H&M is Working to Localize Its Shopping Experience
Collaborative Cosmetic Concept Shops
Hourglass and Barneys New York Partnered for a Concept Store
Approachable Retailer Branding Updates
The Latest Walmart Brand Refresh Reflects its Legacy
Influencer-Led Virtual Shops
Walmart Launches the New Walmart Realm Digital E-Commerce Experience
AI-Powered Clothing Shopping Partnerships
True Fit and Shopify are Working Together for Sizing
AI-Assisted Cooking Partnerships
Unilever and Be My Eyes Partnered to Support Shoppers
In-Store Audience Engagement Solutions
Social Shelf® Has a Novel Approach to Customer Engagement
AR Watch Try-Ons
Perfect Corp. and TIMEZ Created a Digital Experience for Luxury Watch Shopping
Accessible Fashion Tours
The Walmart Style Tour Shares Personalized Color Analysis & Styling Tips
Product Exploration Retailer Tools
These New Instacart Discovery Tools Connect Brands to Retailers
Wellness-Focused Retailer Ranges
Target is Welcoming More Than 1,000 Wellness Products
Immersive Virtual Television Experiences
Television for Apple Vision Shapes the Future of TV
Try-On E-Commerce Solutions
Zero10 Launches the New AI-Enabled Try-On Tools for E-Commerce
Loneliness-Combatting Grocery Shopping Experiences
Oma's Soep Debuted a Shopping Basket Initiative
Shoppable Luxury Fashion Films
Tom Ford Allows Consumers to Seamlessly Shop Its Spring 2024 RTW
3D Beauty Shopping Experiences
Benefit Cosmetics and Obsess Team Up on a 3D Shopping Experience
Retail Body Camera Pilots
Walmart is Protecting its Workers with a New Body Camera Pilot Program
Social Shopping Networks
Stage TEN Empowers Creators to Build Their Own Live Shopping Channel
Imaginative Shopping Platforms
Walmart Realm Shares Influencer-Curated Shopping Environments
Gamified Shopping Carts
Instacart Unveils New Updates to its Smart Shopping Carts
Autonomous Retail Solutions
Simbe Robotics Debuts a New Tool to Remotely Monitor Store Shelves
Shoppable Luxury Fashion Films
Louis Vuitton Delivers Resort 2024 with an Interactive Experience
Retail Body Cam Initiatives
Pret a Manger Employees are Testing Out Body Cams for Personal Safety
Expanded Technology Marketplaces
Best Buy Has Plans to Launch a New Third-Party Marketplace
AI Fashion Tools
Virtualfit Lets Users Try on New Looks Instantly in a Digital Space
Wasteful Fashion Campaigns
Vestiaire Collective Reminded People to Shop Mindfully on Black Friday
Geo-Targeting Store Advertisements
Tesco Recommends Ads Based on a Shopper's Location in a Store
Small-Format Retailers
Nordstrom’s Small-Format Strategy 'Closer to You' is Expanding Until 2025
Automated Retail Receipt Checkers
Sam’s Club Receipt Verification Was Announced at CES 2024
Accessible Online Retail Initiatives
Instacart and Walgreens Partnered to Accept SNAP/EBT Online
QR Code Shopping Assistants
Nintendo Implemented Icecat Tech to Enhance In-Store Shopping
Omnichannel Retail Initiatives
J. Jill is Aiming to Provide Women More Positive Retail Experiences
Efficient On-the-Go Stores
Parfetts Shop & Go Store Concept Responds to Consumer Demand
Retail Crop Yield Programs
Walmart is Working with Agritask to Combat Climate Change
Post-Holiday Retail Promotions
The One Stop Big Brands Low Prices Campaign is Packed with Savings
Self-Guided Cannabis Retail Experiences
BLAZE ECOM Revolutionizes In-Store Cannabis Retail
Loss Prevention AI Checkouts
Vynamic Smart Vision Shrink Reduction Addresses Self-Checkout Issues
Checkout-Free Grocery Stores
ALDI Launches the Innovative 'ALDIgo' Checkout-Free Grocery Store
Asian Retail Automation Technologies
Ikea South Korea is Using Automation for Online Ordering
AI-Powered Retail Payments
Focalpay's New AI Features Streamline Retail and E-Commerce Operations
Personal Shopping Assistants
Klarna Debuts a More Personalized Shopping Feature Dubbed Ask Klarna
Digital Retail Mapping Solutions
Living Map Installs Screens at Metrocentre Shopping Centre
AI-Powered Checkout Models
Amazon's Just Walk Out Technology Supports Seamless Checkouts
Affordable Eco-Conscious Eyewear
Walmart Introduces a New Sustainable Eyewear Brand Called Karün
Checkout-Free Convenience Systems
7-Eleven Australia Integrates a Checkout-Free Shopping System
Advanced Retail Campaign Kiosks
Freeosk and Place Exchange Partnered for Integrated Campaigns
Gamified Shopping Experiences
Browse Booster Rewards Coupons for Product Views
Immersive Store Screens
Hays Travel Introduces Immersive Technology to Transform Holiday Planning
Taiwan-Based AI Shopping Carts
Innolux Debuts a Smart Shopping Cart at FamiSuper Stores
Virtual Outfitting Tools
StyleScan Has Launched Stylescan Studio as a New Shopify App
Flashlight Experience Stores
Olight Combines In-Store Shopping Experience with Digital Tools
AI-Powered Search Features
Shop Premium Outlets Enhances its Online Shopping with AI-Powered Tools
Visual Merchandising Planning
Visulon Inc.'s is a Cloud-Based Enterprise Solutions Platform
Third-Party Coupon Providers
Instacart Taps Ibotta to Provide Customers with Digital Coupons
App-Supported Seamless Checkouts
Sam’s Club Introduces a Checkout-Free Shopping Centre
Virtual Retail Solutions
Simbe's Store Intelligence™ Solutions Provide Results on a Global Scale
Retailer-Backed Holiday Experiences
J. Crew Launches a New AI-Powered Holiday Experience
Video Call Shopping Services
Apple's Specialist over Video Service Enhances Personalization
Curated Autumnal Retailer Collections
ALDI Finds for September Help Shoppers Kick Off Fall
AR Merchandising Tools
Instore Activation Enhances Trade Marketing With Real-Time AR Solutions
Parental Guidance Shopping Apps
The 'Auggie' App Connects Experienced Parents to New Ones
Digitized Hair Consultations
Sally Beauty Debuts the Free Virtual Hair Coloring Consultations
Revamped Gen Z Fashion
Walmart Refreshes its Gen Z-Focused 'No Boundaries' Collection