Why RFID is fundamental to meeting the future of retail

Gear up for next-generation shopping habits

 

According to data collected by McKinsey, between 60 and 70 per cent of consumers expect a seamless “omnichannel” experience as they hop between desktop, mobile, app and in-store in a single transaction. Using RFID, retailers have the inventory accuracy they need to meet modern consumer expectations of services such as buy online, pick up in-store. And omnichannel is just the start of more convenient shopping experiences.

 

“Frictionless” shopping is the next big thing in retail. According to a report by PwC, one in two shoppers will actively switch to frictionless retail experiences when given the chance. Embedding RFID inlays into garments allows scanners to read the basket’s contents in seconds, so customers can enjoy a smooth, convenient shop without scanning a single item.

 

Curate experiential retail spaces

 

The in-store shopping experience has become a key focus point for brands wanting to move into the future of retail, where shopping feels more like a five-star experience. RFID technology is key in the creation of such spaces.

 

When used alongside the right hardware, RFID provides an extra layer of protection and adds a use-case, increasing the value of your labels and the potential return on investment. You’re free to push retail display boundaries, create more inviting environments and facilitate product interaction without the threat of theft, all from just one label.

 

Adding RFID to your loss-prevention strategy also lets you gather intelligent data on your theft hotspots and targeted items. You can then strategically deploy RFID hard tags as a visual theft deterrent to increase protection, if that’s your thing.

 

RFID as electronic article surveillance (EAS) has come a long way. When combined with modern hardware such as Checkpoint’s SFERO modular system, retailers can create open, unblocked store entrances which are still fully EAS-protected. Options such as our dual-technology RFID and RF labels allow retailers to still use their traditional RF gates for loss prevention, so you get inventory benefits and commercial intelligence while using your existing loss-prevention hardware.

 

Unlock product authentication and circularity

 

RFID is also a key component in convenient, quibble-free returns. Because the embedded technology can hold the product’s entire purchase history, retailers can quickly and easily validate an item with a single scan while stamping out fake returns and wardrobed items. Customers can also return their items to any store rather than being limited to the location they purchased from.

 

The authentication aspect of RFID could also allow retailers to own the resale of preloved goods as part of retail’s rapidly rising circular economy. Goods can be authenticated using UHF RFID, which is accessible to retailers only, or NFC RFID, which is accessible to customers via smartphone. The latter is a luxury brand favorite due to its encrypted, encoded chip data and authentication options.