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
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
Technology-Driven Retail Spaces
ARK Visual Unveils Future Stores as an Immersive Retail Identity
GenAI Shopping Assistants
Shopping Muse Supports Michael Kors US Website Visitors
Grocer-Inspired Beauty Retail Pop-Ups
The Benefit Benemart Holiday Concept Shop is at Selfridges
Immersive Spatial DIY Apps
Lowe's Companies, Inc. Debuts Lowe's Style Studio for Apple Vision Pro
5g-Enabled Retail Showcases
Singtel is Surpassing Consumer Expectations with 5G Retail
Instant Virtual Fitting Tools
HeyBeauty AI Try-On Copilot Let's You Try on Clothes With a Click
Cost-Conscious Cashierless Microstores
Fainders.AI Launched a Prefab MicroStore Within a Gym
Discount Retailer Mobile Apps
Family Dollar Debuted a New Mobile Shopping App for Customers
Virtual Holiday Shopping Experiences
Amazon Introduces a New Holiday Shop with 3D Technology
Personalized Customer Service Tools
Walmart Launched 'Wallaby' Powered by Generative AI
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
AR-Enhanced Hair Dye Boxes
L’Oréal & Snapchat Brought an AR Packaging Experience to Walmart
Branded Low-Cost eCommerce Stores
Amazon Haul Offers Low-Cost Products to Attract Shoppers
In-Store Beauty Sampling Kiosks
Ulta Beauty and SOS are Partnering to Promote Product Discovery
AR Locker Rooms
Snapchat and Selfridges Created a Pop-Up for Virtually Trying on Sports Kits
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
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
AI-Powered Virtual Closets
Stylitics' Products Support Next-Gen Personalized Shopping
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
AI-Augmented Retail Checkouts
This Checkout Solution Helps Prevent Theft and Scanning Errors
Co-Browsing Shopping Platforms
buywith's Next Gen Co-Browsing Patent Helps Customers Shop Together
Physical Metaverse Merchandise Stores
Roblox will Sell Physical Goods with Shopify
AI Retail Wearables
Augmodo SmartBadges Track Tasks and Inventory in Real Time
AR Shopping Malls
American Express' Door to Shop Small Highlights 10 Small Businesses
AR-Powered Try-On Rooms
Snapchat Unveils a New AR Locker Room at Selfridges Oxford Street London
Augmented Reality Stores
Zero10 is Debuting Its AR Store Prototype at Viva Technology in Paris
Computer-Vision Self-Service Kiosks
Toshiba's Vision Kiosk Identifies Items Without Barcodes
Magazine-Integrated QR Features
ARCADE Launches the ELLE x Clarks Shoe Visualiser and Experience
Luxury Department Store Takeovers
Burberry and Harrods Offer an Immersive Shopping Experience
Phygital Gen Z Fashion
Walmart is Relaunching the No Boundaries Brand on Roblox
Localized Retail Experiences
UNIQLO Sherway Blends Japanese Tradition with Toronto Culture
Sustainable Fashion Stores
Cos Unveils Two Stores in Stockholm and Mexico City
Digital Grocery Screens
Kroger Launches the New Digital Smart Screens Across 500 Store Locations
AI-Enhanced Shopping Experiences
Coveo’s Collaboration with Shopify Seeks to Streamline Shopping
Historic Fashion Try-Ons
The Design Museum's London Fashion Exhibition Integrates AR Mirrors
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
AI-Powered Retail Tools
Walmart is Introducing a New Series of AI Tools for Customer Experience
Circular Fashion Pop-Ups
The Coachtopia Pop-Up Brings Luxury Circular Fashion to Gen Z
Interactive Cosmetics Retail Stores
Watsons Upgrades its Stores for Gen Z and Gen Alpha Consumers
Digital Travel Retail Experiences
Clarins Debuted an Initiative at the Airport in Hainan, China
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
Attention-Grabbing Retail Displays
Auo's Smart Shelf Displays Enhance the Customer Experience
Jewelry Retail Expansions
Mejuri Opens 40th Location at Major Canadian Shopping Center
Advanced Adaptive Retail Experiences
Walmart Unveiled New Retail Technologies at CES 2024
Augmented Outerwear Mirrors
Ugg's Flagship Highlights Cold Weather Apparel with a Zero10 Mirror
Mixed-Reality Shopping Apps
StockX Launched an Immersive Way to Shop with the Apple Vision Pro
AI-Driven Fashion Platforms
HeyBeauty Offers a Virtual Fitting Room Where Users Can Try on Clothes
Barcode-Less Product Scanners
SeeChange Taps Diebold Nixdorf to Create AI Checkout Tools
Immersive Virtual Pop-Ups
Benefit Launches Virtual 'Benemart' Concept for Holiday Shopping
Anthropomorphic Store Campaigns
IKEA's Short Social Films Promote Its Click-and-Collect Service
Tech-Driven In-Store Events
Dyson Launches an Interactive Event at Harrods Department Store
AI Thrifting Assistants
ThredUp Debuts New AI Features to Enhance Consumers' Shopping Journeys
Leisure Activity Grocery Stores
The FreshTake Concept Grocery Store Blends Experiences
Virtual Tanner Try-Ons
Bondi Sands' Virtual Try-On Experience Finds Perfect Self-Tan Shades
Size-Replicating Try-On Technologies
Google Shopping Debuts Virtual Dress Try-Ons in the U.S.
Inventive Retail Strategies
H&M is Working to Localize Its Shopping Experience
Gamified Eyecare Campaigns
LensCrafters Debuts Blinky's Eye Odyssey with Adventure & Eye Care
Collaborative Cosmetic Concept Shops
Hourglass and Barneys New York Partnered for a Concept Store
Phygital Fashion Retail Experiences
Macy's mstylelab Digital Shopping Platform is Immersive
Influencer-Led Virtual Shops
Walmart Launches the New Walmart Realm Digital E-Commerce Experience
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
AI-Powered Supermarkets
Green Picks Market Autonomous Grocery Store is Frictionless
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
Record-Breaking AR Mirrors
Maybelline New York & FFFACE.ME Debuted a Large Interactive Experience
Shoppable Virtual Beach Houses
The J.Crew Virtual Beach House Shares Interactive Content & Games
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
3D Beauty Shopping Experiences
Benefit Cosmetics and Obsess Team Up on a 3D Shopping Experience
2D-to-3D Jewelry Try-Ons
Perfect Corp.'s Newest Virtual Try-On Technology Empowers Jewelry Brands
Try-On E-Commerce Solutions
Zero10 Launches the New AI-Enabled Try-On Tools for E-Commerce
Shoppable Luxury Fashion Films
Tom Ford Allows Consumers to Seamlessly Shop Its Spring 2024 RTW
Social Shopping Networks
Stage TEN Empowers Creators to Build Their Own Live Shopping Channel
AI Clothing Try-Ons
Google's AI Shopping Feature Shows How Apparel Looks on Real Models
AR Furniture Testing Features
Pinterest Lets Users View Virtual Furniture in their Homes
Reloadable Contactless Keychains
Zara is Replacing Single-Use Gift Cards with Keychains
Imaginative Shopping Platforms
Walmart Realm Shares Influencer-Curated Shopping Environments
Gamified Shopping Carts
Instacart Unveils New Updates to its Smart Shopping Carts
Digital Delivery Service Storefronts
Instacart Storefront Lets Retailers Customize the Interface
Autonomous Retail Solutions
Simbe Robotics Debuts a New Tool to Remotely Monitor Store Shelves
Virtual Skincare Experiences
Skincare Brand Laniege Launches its First Virtual Store with Obsess
Shoppable Luxury Fashion Films
Louis Vuitton Delivers Resort 2024 with an Interactive Experience
Low-Waste Shopping Solutions
ASDA, Avery Berkel & Hanshow are Enhancing Sustainability in the UK
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
Innovative SCO Kiosks
Austrian Brand Shopreme Debuts a New Self-Checkout Kiosk for Retailers
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
Retail Crop Yield Programs
Walmart is Working with Agritask to Combat Climate Change
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
Geo-Targeting Store Advertisements
Tesco Recommends Ads Based on a Shopper's Location in a Store
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
Checkout-Free Campus Retail Experiences
Grubhub Will Use Amazon Just Walk Out Technology on Campus
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
Eye Care Metaverses
LensCrafters Eye Odyssey on Roblox Educates Gen Z About Eye Health
AI-Powered Checkout Models
Amazon's Just Walk Out Technology Supports Seamless Checkouts
Digitally Curated Styling Closets
LG's New LOOKandME Hanger Provides a Glance at an Outfit
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
Offline Shopping Campaigns
'Shop Offline' Helps People Rediscover the Joy of Real-World Shopping
Virtual Makeup Try-Ons
Parfums Christian Dior Launches a Virtual Try-On Consultation Service
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
AR-Powered Brand Experiences
Marcolin Debuts an AR Experience for Employees and Customers
Visual Merchandising Planning
Visulon Inc.'s is a Cloud-Based Enterprise Solutions Platform
Micro Self-Service Checkout Kiosks
The 365 Retail Markets MM6 Mini Kiosk is Versatile
Virtual Convenience Store Concepts
Aldi Launches a Virtual Convenience Store Called Aldi Express
AR-Powered Shopping Apps
Walmart Releases a New Augmented Reality Feature for its iOS Application
Third-Party Coupon Providers
Instacart Taps Ibotta to Provide Customers with Digital Coupons
Halloween-Inspired Retail Capsules
Target Debuts a New Private-Label Halloween Capsule for October
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
AR-Enabled Try-On Tools
Google Launches an AR-Based Try-On Tool for Hair and Foundation
Video Call Shopping Services
Apple's Specialist over Video Service Enhances Personalization
Parental Guidance Shopping Apps
The 'Auggie' App Connects Experienced Parents to New Ones
Inclusive Try-On Programs
Perfect Corp. Connects Beauty Brands with Digital Beauty Innovation
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