Ushering in a New Technological Era: Retail Industry Goes Contactless in COVID Times

The consumer psyche has undergone a permanent shift in the COVID era, the fear of exposure to the virus so high that all shoppers – the ones who are shopping from home and the ones who are bravely venturing out – are demanding safety and hygiene. Factor in supply chain uncertainty with consumer nerves and brands and retailers themselves are working towards providing technology solutions towards contactless commerce…

- Sandeep Kumar

Social distancing, masks, and a lockdown. The COVID-19 pandemic is forcing people to stay at home, work from home and buy from home. Despite the lockdown being lifted in phases, the economy beginning to limp back to the ‘new normal’, and non-essential retailers opening shop, the fear of contagion is real. Anxious about the spread of COVID-19, consumers are being cautious about what they touch.

The consumer psyche has undergone a permanent shift in the COVID era, the fear of exposure to the virus so high that all shoppers – the ones who are shopping from home and the ones who are bravely venturing out – are demanding safety and hygiene. Factor in supply chain uncertainty with consumer nerves and brands and retailers themselves are working towards providing technology solutions towards contactless commerce.

Small, medium and large scale businesses are all trying to integrate the ‘no contact commerce’ feature in their businesses, keeping their limitations and budgets in mind. Since mid-March, many major retailers have pushed mobile payments as a means to reduce contact. Even small and medium scale vendors who demanded cash are requesting customers to break the norm and use digital payment apps.

No Contact Commerce: The Concept