Here’s why retail stores should become large vending machines

The coronavirus is having a severe impact on the retail sector. The only way to tackle future disruptions is by reducing the desire to shop in stores, and placing focus on creating a retail ecosystem that makes it easy for customers to receive and retrieve the products they want.

That’s the view of former Amazon executive and supply chain consultant Brittain Ladd. In an online post, he says: “Prior to the Covid-19 pandemic, grocery retailers in the United States were focused on remodelling their stores and improving the in-store experience for customers.”

“Supposed retail experts and grocery analysts argued vociferously that the only way for grocery retailers to be able to compete against Amazon, was by providing an immersive and inviting in-store experience.”

He adds: “I disagree. I believed then, and I believe now, that what customers really want is increased speed and a simplified shopping experience. Specifically, I believe that the future of retail isn’t shopping, it is retrieving and receiving the products desired, especially groceries, as fast and easy as possible.”

According to Ladd, the key takeaway from the coronavirus crisis is this – retailers, and especially grocery retailers, have been confronted with the reality that their business models are more vulnerable than they realised. Social distancing has failed to prevent the spread of the disease inside stores, warehouses and large fulfilment centres where hundreds and even thousands of workers are required.

“What’s the future of retail? Go to the nearest vending machine, enter a dollar, make a selection and watch the product selected drop to the bottom of the machine ready for your immediate consumption,” Ladd argues.

“Retailers have to get beyond the notion that what consumers want is an immersive experience inside their stores. They don’t. Consumers want the ability to easily engage with retailers and quickly find the products they want to purchase.”