What are some of the latest trends and innovations in point of sale design?

Digital activation of the retail lanscape is something that's been discussed in the last few years. Despite this, we've only seen some timid activations and not a whole transformation of stores. Digital means not only POS material but the whole shopping journey, considering pre-store, within the store and post shopping, while trying (or really deploying) and Omnichannel strategy, where retailers leverage store traffic to build on transactions on their digital business targeting different shopping missions.

Intergration of AR will truly enhance customer experience in terms of engagement and interaction with the POS. This is essential as it sets the tone towards brand perception in consumer's mind and result in better conversions. Not to mention how initiating implementation of AR motivates the new age consumer (GenZ) to contemplate the brand, giving them immersive shopping experiences.

With the raise of Retail or Commerce Media, we'll begin to see a progressive shift towards digital POS Material and activation, mainly leveraged on Led Screens. The usage of semi-permanent elements such as endcaps and cardboard should decline in the upcoming years. The most important thing to consider in this, is the awareness the brands must have around who they are targeting, remembering that BOFU is not about consumers, but shoppers, meaning that the messages delivered must trigger transactions, changing buying behaviours and not only centered in raising awareness or consideration

This also leads to brands saving on their resources and allocate tight marketing budgets on more initiatives and activities. A potential CSR campaign can be carried out via design and implementation of sustainable POSMs across different trade channels.

Me parece interesante cómo en México, retailers como WalMart (en particular, su formato Supercenter) incorpora en algunos puntos de venta soluciones para el manejo de reciclaje. Además de ello, estos centros brindan recompensas para los shoppers que contribuyen, lo que agrega lealtad a la cadena y promueve la cultura ética y sustentable. Excelente trabajo WalMart de México con Reciclamanía!

Some of these experiential and emotional POS are seen in large Department Stores or Category specific stores, where the ambiance takes a huge place in the shopping experience. Nevertheless, in large surfaces as Hypermarkets or Supermarkets it's not the norm, besides some activations in some categories. The look and feel should be part of the Retailers' brand experience, been coherent with their value proposition. After all, you expect a pleasant shopping at Wholefoods, but you're not expecting the same experience at Walmart or Lidl

Existen algunos retailers en México, que por su naturaleza, atienden a una misión de compra de despensa o abastecimiento, lo que hace que familias mexicanas busquen estos puntos como espacios de contacto donde a veces buscan esparcimiento e, incluso, entretenimiento los fines de semana en un ambiente familiar. Tal es el caso de Bodega Aurrerá, que en ocasiones se vuelve el paseo de fin de semana de la familia. Por ello, incorporar actividades en el punto de venta es primordial. Un ejemplo fue una activación que hizo Colgate denominada "Tres Pasitos" (cepillo, crema, enjuague), donde se hacían obras de teatro infantiles en tiendas los fines de semana, para entretener a los ni?os y educarlos sobre cuidado bucal. Excelene experiencia y ROI!!!

It would be great to see real Omnichannel deployments. Since Digital and Physical Retail are almost always different areas within Retailers (and FMCGs), getting to coordinate and think not only in a seamless experience, but also a seamless and integrated strategy is something not seen. Companies must work and rethink their shopping experience value offer and from there, develop the tactics to put in place in Digital and brick and mortar, having traffic driven from one to the other. Without a doubt, different Shopping missions can be targeted with an approach such as large displays of bulky products with a QR code to add them to your digital basket and have them delivered, while you are just shopping for a bottle of wine for dinner.

For example, Imagine walking into a store and finding a POS display that changes its layout with the season. It's summer, and the POS smartly showcases sunglasses and beachwear. This POS adapts to current trends and customer needs using modular designs and smart technology, making shopping a breeze!

The evolution of POS reflects the demands of the modern market: digital interactivity, sustainability, emotional experiences, omnichannel integration, flexibility, and data-driven personalization. These innovations are not just trends but key necessities for connecting with today's consumers.

In my market - Nigeria, I hope to see more innovation in point of sale. Today’s POS design trends focus on creating seamless, engaging experiences. Digital displays are becoming popular, using motion and vibrant visuals to capture attention. Interactive screens let shoppers explore products, find promotions, and check availability. Mobile POS systems offer flexibility, allowing staff to assist shoppers and complete purchases anywhere in-store. Personalization is also on the rise, with POS systems that recognize repeat customers and offer tailored suggestions. Additionally, eco-friendly materials are now commonly used, aligning with sustainability goals and appealing to conscious consumers.

Hay que tener en cuenta los perfiles específicos del shopper de cada retailer, así como de la región (zona geográfica) a la cual pertenecen. Todo influye en generar la experiencia adecuada para el shopper adecudo, en el momento adecuado y con los recursos adecuados. Es por ello que un área como lo es Shopper Marketing, 100% enfocada en el entendimiento profundo de los shoppers, podrá generar insights valiosos que lleven a generar las estrategias y soluciones perfectas que generen la conexión adecuada.