5G at the side of retailers to face business transformation

For retailers, improving the customer experience is a never-ending quest amplified by globalization and the development of e-commerce. These two are responsible for the ever-increasing competition, customer demands, and a growing need for immediacy. In this context, 5G is a real asset for businesses in distribution and retail. It is the key to infinite possibilities for enriching customer interactions through immersive experiences. It also helps improve productivity while reducing the drudgery of work, optimizes flow and inventory management while guaranteeing product traceability, and makes real-time interactions more reliable in increasingly rich ecosystems of machines and connected objects. 5G helps adjust to the new requirement of the changing delivery methods.

The performances of 5G (low latency, high speed, connection autonomy) allow the retail sector’s key players to meet their industry’s new challenges. Better still, they can make make a difference! They will proceed to do so with the help of:

The creation of innovative XR content (mixed reality, augmented reality, and virtual reality). These technologies require a lot of network resources, but they allow the creation of fully immersive virtual universes conducive to projection, choice, and purchase.
The use of robots capable of welcoming and interacting with customers by adapting in real-time to each situation. High-performance instantaneous interactions and increasingly autonomous robots with intelligence that, thanks to the 5G network, no longer need to be embedded within the machine but accessible from the Cloud.
3D and high-definition (HD) videos used as sales tools. Ultra-realistic 360° content allows visualizing products in very high quality (2 or 4K) and opening more to personalization. All this within a few seconds, thanks to 5G.
The use of digital objects to simplify certain operations. Like connected glasses that allow logistics operators to scan products simply by having them in their field of vision.
The augmentation of reality in a store, for example. This will guide a customer toward the department or product he is looking for, thanks to an arrow path displayed in real-time.
The collection and processing of data that allows retailers to feed real-time decision algorithms to manage the customer journey better and develop highly-personalized approaches. This is a significant edge for pushing the right ad, promotion, or flyer to the right customer, in the right place, at the right time!
Real-time analysis of image flows from retail video systems, known as “computer vision.” A technology that multiplies its advantages when used in 5G! It allows retailers to:
- Better understand their consumers (journeys made in the aisles, moments when they choose their products, types of products consulted but not purchased);
- Anticipate the wait at the checkout by communicating to customers the waiting time or the ideal time to get there;
- Save time in the management of products by scanning shelves to check the presence of products, their presentation, or the stocks information;
- To efficiently secure stores by anticipating aggressions, robberies, thefts, and building security-related issues.

Research has only begun, and other promising use cases will add to the list!

Discover innovations for Retail

EXALT3D – La 3D personnalisable en temps réel grâce à Exalt3D en 5G

Visualiser et configurer sur un écran d’ordinateur un produit (bijou, vêtement, accessoire…) ou un appartement avec autant de réalisme qu’en a la réalité. Grâce à l’outil de co-conception

TWINSWHEEL – Quand la 5G s’allie à l’intelligence artificielle des robots livreurs

Imaginez de petits véhicules autonomes capables de porter de 50 à 300 kg et de se faufiler partout dans l’espace public, pour livrer colis, courses, matériaux… Ces robots,

5G Connectivity: A revolution in modern retail

How 5G transforms customer experience and boosts innovation in the retail sector
5G technology is revolutionizing the retail sector by offering new opportunities for businesses and consumers. With its ultra-fast mobile connectivity, retailers can accelerate their digital transformation and provide a more personalized and immersive shopping experience.

The deployment of 5G in shopping malls and stores profoundly impacts consumer experiences. 5G enables faster download and browsing speeds, giving customers instant access to product information, customer reviews, and promotional offers. Retailers can thus provide real-time information and personalized recommendations that enhance customer engagement and facilitate the purchasing process.

5G ensures stable and reliable connectivity in shopping centers, improving supply chain management and in-store operations. Retailers can connect their inventory management, payment, and marketing systems through 5G to ensure better synchronization and a smoother shopping experience.

Retailers can create more interactive and immersive physical retail spaces. For example, they can offer smart mirrors that allow customers to virtually try on clothes or visualize products in their environment. Smart displays can also showcase interactive and engaging content to attract the attention of passersby and stimulate sales.

5G connectivity in retail also offers new opportunities for personalized marketing. Retailers can use real-time data to send targeted offers and promotions to customers when they are near the store or in a specific area of the shopping center. This maximizes the impact of marketing campaigns and improves the relevance of messages for each customer.

Additionally, 5G can be utilized to enhance logistics and operational efficiency. Retailers can leverage 5G-connected robots or drones to perform restocking, inventory management, or delivery tasks more quickly and efficiently.

Moreover, 5G provides a solid platform for adopting emerging technologies such as augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) in retail. With ultra-fast, low-latency connections, retailers can offer immersive experiences that allow customers to virtually visualize products in their environment, explore virtual stores, or even participate in interactive product trials. These technologies radically transform the shopping experience, providing customers with better understanding and greater confidence in their choices.

5G also facilitates real-time data collection and analysis. Retailers can use this information to understand customer shopping behaviors, preferences, and trends, allowing them to further personalize offers and anticipate customer needs. For example, by analyzing customer location data, retailers can send contextual push notifications with special offers when customers are near the store.

At the same time, 5G promotes better supply chain coordination. Retailers can track product movements in real-time, optimize delivery routes, and minimize delays. This enables more efficient inventory management, reducing stockouts and improving customer satisfaction.

In conclusion, 5G is transforming the retail sector by offering ultra-fast mobile connectivity with innovative possibilities. Retailers can leverage this technology to enhance customer experiences, accelerate their digital transformation, and provide personalized and interactive services. 5G connectivity opens a new era in retail, where technology plays a central role in creating unforgettable shopping experiences and optimizing business operations. With 5G, retail positions itself at the forefront of innovation, offering richer interactions, increased personalization, and optimized operational efficiency.