Grocers across the country are facing labor shortages, causing them to find alternative ways to keep their stores running. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
To combat staffing issues, more retailers are investing in automation and grocery technology to streamline tasks typically done by store associates. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
This includes adding more options for self-checkout<\/a> and automation tools that help stores manage their inventory. While hiring and retention issues in the industry are complex and challenging, they also force retailers to advance to the future of grocery automation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There are\u00a0plenty of factors<\/a>\u00a0causing the current worker shortage including childcare concerns, increased competition with other opportunities, and alluring benefits from the federal and local governments. In short, fewer people are looking for work. Larger chains are adding new benefits to their employment packages like higher sign-on bonuses and free food. But these perks may not be enough for job seekers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u00a0The Washington Post<\/a>\u00a0reported that retail workers are fed up with low pay and long hours during the pandemic, leading to them seeking higher-paying positions in less demanding environments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Self-checkout is an area of focus for grocers. Not only does self-checkout save labor on the front end, but it\u2019s also a shopper\u2019s preferred method of checkout. In fact, more than three-quarters of consumers<\/a> surveyed in December by a mobile data company said they would be more likely to shop in a store if it offered scan-and-go checkout technology. <\/p>\n\n\n\n As technology advances, shoppers are increasingly interested in moving through stores as fast as possible.\u00a0Smart cart technology<\/a>\u00a0is another advancement allowing shoppers to independently purchase items without having to wait in line. Artificial intelligence (AI)-powered carts detect items instantly through basket cameras, allowing shoppers to pay for their groceries directly via a built-in touch screen. Research shows shoppers who use smart carts increase their basket sizes by 10%.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Subscribe to our newsletter to get all the latest insights and updates in retail tech.<\/p>\t<\/div>\n\n\tBENEFITS OF RETAIL AUTOMATION<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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