From contactless checkout systems to virtual fittings, the July 2020 retail trends reveal that stores are quickly adapting to the new normal brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic.
One of the biggest challenges that retailers face in stemming the spread of COVID-19 is reducing the number of touches involved in the checkout process. To address this problem, Walmart is testing a new cashier-less store that features a conveyor belt checkout system.
Another challenge facing retailers is how to help consumers find what they need without the need to interact closely with staff. As the July 2020 retail trends, several companies have come up with clever solutions to this problem. For instance, the eyewear retailer Clearly has added QR codes to each pair of glasses in its stores, which can be scanned with a mobile device to virtually try out the frames. Lowe's has taken a different approach by launching an AR video chat tool for client consultations.
Top 50 Retail Ideas in July
From Virtual Eyewear Try-Ons to Contactless Retail Consultations:
Katherine Pendrill — Aug 18, 2020 — Business
50
Antimicrobial Shopping Cart Handles
Bact-Off's Snap-On Plastic Handle Defends Against Germs
49
Touchless Beauty Testers
Meiyume's Motion-Activated Packs Release Fragrances & Liquids
48
Online Shopping Cities
Dubai Commercity is a Free Trade Zone Dedicated to eCommerce
47
Virus-Safe Fitness Centers
Oxygen Yoga and Fitness Reopens Implementing Protective Shields
46
Convenience Furniture Shops
IKEA Harajuku Contains the World's First IKEA Convenience Store
45
In-Store Virtual Eyewear Try-Ons
Clearly's Reopening Strategy Fuses QR Codes & Virtual Tech
44
Live Luxury Shopping Services
Gucci Live is for Personalized Online Luxury Shopping
43
Protective Equipment Vending Machines
The RapidPPE2go Vending Machine Will Sell PPE
42
Immersive Beauty Pop-Ups
The Chanel Chance Studio in Singapore is a Post-COVID Retail Space
41
Virtual Storefront Platforms
Streetify Gives Consumers Access to Virtual Storefronts
40
Contactless Shop-In-Shops
Azbuka Vkusa Converted an Aisle into a Checkout-Free Zone
39
In-Apartment Self-Service Shops
Impulsify is Adding Grab-and-Go Solutions to Communal Spaces
38
At-Home Retail Fitness Brands
Walmart Entered into a Partnership for a GoZone Line of Products
37
Distancing Grocery Pop-Ups
Pop Up Grocer Introduced Private Appointments for Solo Shopping
36
Contact-Free Drink Dispenser Devices
The L-Guard System from Lancer Worldwide Enhances Cleanliness
35
Virtual Shopping Malls
New Zealand Company, EPIC, Recently Launched a Virtual Mall
34
In-Store Sanitizing Billboards
Terraboost's Billboards Share Advertiser Messages & Sanitizer
33
Retail-Focused Safety Shields
Peregrine Will Install Plexiglass Shields as Stores Re-Open
32
Food-as-Medicine Delivery Services
KAIGO is a Health-Focused Personalized Meal Delivery Service
31
Branded Consciously-Made Retailers
American Eagle Outfitters Launched 'Unsubscribed' Retailer
30
Fully Automated Canadian Restaurants
Box'd By Paramount is Set to Open This Summer in Toronto
29
Single-Use Self-Serve Sleeve Covers
'Tap-Kins' Prevent Direct Contact with Self-Serve Equipment
28
Department Store Reopening Plans
Marks & Spencer Stores Launch Extensive Reopening Guidelines
27
Retail Store Re-Opening Standards
Nordstrom Prepares to Open Its Stores with Safety Precautions
26
QSR Pandemic Reopenings
Starbucks Canada Reopens Stores with Consumer Safety in Mind
25
D2C Snack Deliveries
Nestlé Has Partnered with Deliveroo in the UK for a Snack Delivery Service
24
Post-Pandemic Gym Reopenings
Brickhouse Gym is Preparing to Launch With New Regulations
23
Livestreamed Shopping Festivals
Tmall is Hosting a Large Shopping Event on Taobao Live
22
Virtual Whisky Boutiques
The Macallan Created a Whisky E-Boutique Ahead of Father's Day
21
Same-Day Retail Delivery Services
Big Lots Partnered with Instacart on a New Delivery Service
20
Direct-to-Consumer Burger Shops
Impossible Foods Has Launched a Direct-to-Consumer Online Store
19
Purchase-Scanning Retail Systems
This AI Scanner Concept Accommodates Bakeries without Employees
18
Fast Mobile Retail Deliveries
Staples and Instacart Launched a Same-Day Delivery Service
17
Virtual Restaurant Storefronts
DoorDash Storefront Helps Restaurants Create Online Stores
16
Cashier-Free Retail Stores
Walmart is Testing a Cashierless Store in Response to COVID-19
15
Cryptocurrency-Exclusive Biohacking Cafes
Parallel Polis Offers a Variety of Biohacking Products
14
Live Streamed Shopping
Livescale is an eCommerce Platform That Displays Live Streaming Videos
13
Safety-Focused Tech Stores
The Apple Store is Reopening Locations with COVID-19 Safety Measures
12
In-House QSR Delivery Services
Panda Express Has Rolled Out Its Own Panda Express Delivery Service
11
Apparel Installment Pay Options
Dynamite Unveils 'Shop Now Pay Later' Partnership with PayBright
10
Fine Jewelry Store Re-Openings
Birks is Re-Opening its Retail Locations with New Safety Measures
9
Rare Snack Shops
Vancouver's Dank Mart Shares Hard-to-Find Treats & Limited-Edition Flavors
8
Branded Business-Supporting Shopping Apps
Cadillac Fairview Debuted the LiVE by CF Shopping App
7
Contactless Retail Consultations
Lowe's Launched an AR Video Chat Tool for Homeowners or Clients
6
Virtual Reality Shopping Malls
Alliance Studio Debuted a 3D Virtual Shopping Mall
5
Safe Return Systems
Checkpoint Systems' Inventory Quarantine Temporarily Isolates Returned Items
4
Touchless Mobile Payments
PayPal Launched QR Code Payments in Canada via Its App
3
Meal Delivery Vouchers
Uber Eats’ New Vouchers Let Employers Purchase Meals for Staff & Attendees
2
ID-Authenticating Retail Solutions
The IDentiFake Plus from TokenWorks Pinpoints Authenticity
1
Mobile Retail Delivery Partnerships
CVS Partnered with DoorDash on a Same-Day Delivery Service
Related Ideas
Gamified AR Footwear Fittings
Tootsie Augmented Reality Makes Shoe Shopping More Fun for Kids
Gen-Z-Focused AR Campaigns
American Eagle Launched an AE Jeans Try-on Haul Lens
Fashionable Eyewear Collections
Specsavers Canada Embraces Projected Fashion Trends in 2026
Spatial AI Shopping Technologies
VusionGroup EdgeSense AI Immerses Shoppers
Automated Retail Concepts
VenHub Smart Stores Use Ai & Robotics to Redefine a Shopping Experience
AI Virtual Fitting Rooms
Perfect Corp. is Bringing a Try-On Experience to Fashion Forward Week
Luxury Menswear Apparel Pop-Ups
Louis Vuitton's Soho Pop-Up Showcases the Fall/Winter 2025 Vision
Social Media-Inspired Retail Apps
Depop Outfits Lets Users Create Moodboards and Collages
AI Grocery Assistants
Albertsons Debuts Conversational Tool For Faster Grocery Trips
Optician-Focused AI Retail Solutions
KITS Eyecare Ltd. Has Introduced OpticianAI™
Therapy-Inspired Retail Concepts
Okamura Reimagines Retail Therapy with the Kimochi Kiosk in 2025
Next-Gen Autonomous Retail Robots
Simbe Robotics Has Launched the Tally 4.0 Retail Robot
Hyper-Personalized AI Shopping Tech
OTB Group Embraces Hyper-Personalization with Google Cloud
Curated Store Concepts
A New Target Soho Store Opens in New York with Design-First Looks
AI-Driven Shoppable Catwalks
Topshop and THG Studios are Hosting a Next-Gen Fashion Experience
Dynamic Running-Focused Retail Concepts
Nordstrom Debuts Nike Running @ the Corner
Design-Forward Concept Stores
Target SoHo is Immersive, Experiential and Shoppable
Community-Driven Shopping Experiences
A TikTok Shop Pop-Up is Coming to Westfield Stratford
Digitally Enhanced Shopping Experiences
The Ray-Ban Boutique Opened at Royalmount Shopping Complex
AI Chat Shopping Systems
Shopify Brings Retail to ChatGPT
Automated Vision Tests
Walmart And Sam’s Club Pilot Fast Self-Service Eyebot Kiosks
Autonomous Smart Store Installations
VenHub Global and Circa Introduced the VenHub Smart Store
Virtual Footwear Try-Ons
Google's AI-Powered Try-On Tech Helps with Online Shoe Shopping
AI-Powered Retailer App Assistants
Walmart 'Ask Sparky' Helps Shoppers Access a Range of Queries
Romantic Retailer Basket Campaigns
The Asda Red Baskets are Arriving for Valentine's Day
Fandom Culture Retail Experiences
EB Games x Vibrant Marketing Launch an 'EB Trends' Store Concept
Delivery Personnel Smart Glasses
Amazon is Developing Smart Delivery Glasses for Associates
Generative AI Retail Strategies
Kroger & Google Cloud Enhance Growth and Personalization
Facial Recognition Retail Partnerships
Sainsbury's and Facewatch Partnered for Retail Safety
Gen Z Concept Stores
UO Insiders Insights Informed the UO x Glendale Store Experience
Rewards-Based Beauty Devices
Sephora Expanded its Rewards Catalog With High Tech Skincare Tools
Annual Summer Pop-Ups
Dior’s Lucky Collection Enters Harrods with Starry Retail Experience
AI-First Shopping Experiences
Walmart and OpenAI are Partnering to Simplify Purchases
Immersive Video Shopping Experiences
ASOS Live Blends Creator-Led Content with Real-Time Shopping
Fashion-Branded Café Experiences
Vogue Blends Retail with Immersive Hospitality Spaces
Sensory Retail Experiences
Claire’s Launches ASMR-Inspired Stores for Gen Alpha Shoppers
AI Beauty Assistants
Sephora Launched Advanced Chatbot Features for Virtual Try-Ons and Bookings
Connected Grocer Shopping Carts
The New Amazon Dash Cart is Arriving at Whole Foods Market
Experiential Brand Stores
New Era Creates Interactive Retail Space With Custom Cap Design
AI-Powered Closet Experiences
Google Shopping Aligned Try On in Search with an Anticipated Sequel
In-Store Visual Assistance Programs
Be My Eyes and Tesco are Making Shopping More Accessible
AI Retail Forecasts
Experts Outline how AI will Reshape Commerce By 2026
Luxury Eyewear Pop-Ups
Prada Opens an Immersive Eyewear Boutique at The Grove
Mobile Try-On Tours
Kizik Invites People to See Its Hands-Free Shoes in Action
AI Shopping Integrations
Sephora’s ChatGPT App Enables AI-Powered Product Discovery
Virtual Styling Tools
TryMe AI Lets Users Preview Outfits And Track Style Choices
Shelf-Scanning Robot Services
ShelfOptix Helps Retailers Access Insights with a Subscription
Freshness-Focused Perishable Goods Tools
Simbe Recently Enhanced Its Data Analytics Platform
AI Retail Concierge Systems
Puma’s In-Store AI Assistant Offers Multilingual Product Guidance
AI-Powered Shopping Features
John Lewis Launches a TikTok Shop Trial
DTC Physical Retail Expansions
Povison Opens Its First Permanent Store in Los Angeles
GenAI Fashion Try-Ons
Perfect Corp. Fashion APIs Help Shoppers Visualize Scarves, Hats & More
Mobile Beauty Pop-Ups
Henkel’s göt2b Debuts a Citywide Mobile Beauty Experience
Accessible Beauty Consultations
Walmart’s Beauty Experts Offer Personalized In-Store Guidance
AI-Powered Shoppable Runways
Topshop and THG Studios Hosted a Front Row AI Experience
AI Retail Experiences
RELEX Solutions Uses AI to Elevate In-Store Customer Journeys
Renaissance-Inspired Curated Beauty Marketplaces
Rennaï Has Launched an E-Commerce Website
Compact IKEA Retail Spaces
IKEA Launches Smaller Stores Focused on Quick Visits and Essentials
Virtual Clothing Tools
Virtual Try On Generates Realistic Clothing Images For Marketing And Social
Virtual Dressing Rooms
AI Virtual Try On Offers Instant High-Quality Style Previews For Shoppers
Retailer-Led Healthcare Services
Walmart Better Care Services Connects to Healthcare Providers
AI-Powered Shopping Features
Target is Making Seasonal Gifting Easier, Personalized and More Fun
Social Commerce Integrations
Ulta Beauty Launches a Creator-Driven TikTok Shop
AI-Assisted Retailer Websites
Lightspeed Showroom Gives Brick-and-Mortar Stores an Online Presence
Branded Retail Installations
Urban Outfitters Recently Spotlighted UGG in Its 'On Rotation' Series
Virtual Try-On Tools
Clothing Virtual Try On Shows Realistic Outfits For Online & Retail Shopping
AI Styling Technology
Zelig Transforms Fashion Retail Experiences with Smart Recommendations
AI Virtual Try-Ons
Wear AI Lets Users Try On Clothing Using AI And Personal Photos
Beauty Shopper Transports
Sephora & Lyft Media's Delivered to Beauty Sent Shoppers to Stores
Production-Led Live Commerce Events
P.Louise Launches Get Unteddy With Me on TikTok Shop
Smart Retail Technology Expansions
A2Z Cust2Mate Secures Advertising Agreements with Major Brands
Throwback Grocery Campaigns
Economic Nostalgia Inspired Instacart's Summer Like It’s ‘99
AI-Enabled Personalized Retail Experiences
Honeywell Implements an AI-Driven Retail System
Emotionally Intelligent Retailer Platforms
JK Tech Spotlights Its Artificial Intelligence Platform
Curated Discovery Stores
The Shelf Spotlights Emerging Food, Drink and Wellness Brands
Retail Smart Audio Glasses
Walmart Sells Vue Audio Glasses Across the U.S.
Social-First Retail Commerce
Shoezone expands TikTok Shop through creator-led shopping
Connected Supermarket Platforms
Carrefour and Vusion Loot to the Future of Supermarket Retail
AI-Powered Retail Platforms
Target Introduced a Mobile App Rebuild with AI Coding Companions
AI Checkout Kiosks
Retailers Embrace AI Vision To Speed Self-Checkout Lines
Mobile Retail Terminals
Toshiba Launches the TCx M7 for Flexible In-Store Checkout
Novel Multi-Brand Retail Experiences
Lightspeed Commerce Debuts Multi-Brand Shopping and Ordering
Simplicity-Focused Back-To-School Campaigns
Staples Wants to Simplify Back-To-School Shopping
Connected Grocer Order Fridges
Kroger Smart Fridges Will Support Contactless Grocery Pickup
Gamified Grocery Activations
The Asda Check-Out Challenge Leveraged a Nostalgic Game Show Format
Smart Mirror Platforms
loook.ai Helps Brands and Retailers Transform Retail with AR Mirrors
In-Store Return Kiosks
Save Mart And Amazon Simplify Box Free In Store Returns
Console-Focused Retail Updates
Walmart and Best Buy are Shifting Store Operations for the Switch 2
Retail Tech Revamps
Claire's Invests in Modern POS and Data Integration
Integrated AI shopping
David’s Bridal Integrates Products into ChatGPT and Copilot
Wellness Shop-in-Shops
Wellness by Ulta Beauty Shares Immersive, Informative Experiences
Digital Twin Retail Technologies
Hanshow and Microsoft Explore the Store Digital Twin Technology
Accessible Self-Checkouts
Target Launched a New Experience for Guests with Disabilities
Curated Resale Storefronts
eBay's The NYC Edit Storefront Shares Tastemaker Selections
Low-Cost Back-to-School Campaigns
Target Back-to-School-idays Offers Discounts Up to 30%
Accessibility-Focused Furniture Retail Services
IKEA Finland Emphasizes Accessibility in Vantaa
Vision AI Restaurants
Berry AI and Culver’s Expand Real-Time QSR Analytics Nationwide
Shelf-Less Retail Stores
Goody Goody Liquor Uses Robots and QR Codes to Replace Shelving
Social-First Beauty Retailers
Sally Beauty Joins TikTok Shop
Expanded Wellness Retail Assortments
Target Added 30% More Wellness Products to Its Shelves
Agentic Beauty Shopping
Ulta Beauty Integrates Gemini AI for Seamless Product Discovery
Contemporary Point-Of-Sale Systems
Vibe Retail Delivers a Cloud-Based POS Software Alternative
In-Store Creator Commerce
Mac Cosmetics Turns Retail Employees into Live-Streaming Creators
Assistive Shopping Apps
Blind SA & Checkers Sixty60 Enhance Inclusivity for the Visually Impaired
Expansive AI Product Catalogues
Morrisons and Google Cloud Launch an AI-Powered Product Finder
Grocery Store Accessibility Models
Tesco Enhances Its Self-Service Checkout Experience
AI-Powered Try-On Shopping Features
The 'Doppl' App Now Features a Discovery Feed
Streamlined Payment Integrations
365 Retail Markets Incorporates VisionLink to Its Smart Stores
Digital Shelf Label Systems
Walmart Introduces the New Digital Shelf Labels Nationwide
Simplified AI Shopping Tools
Target Focuses on Holiday Shoppers with its New AI-Powered Tools
Christmasy Customer-Rewarding Retailer Campaigns
The One Stop 2025 Christmas Campaign Gives Back
Retail Beverage Experiences
The Paper Store Uses Custom Drink Stations to Boost Engagement
Retail AI Assistants
Retail AI Council Develops AI Tailored to Industry-Specific Needs
Omnichannel Seasonal Support Campaigns
Bestway Wholesale Launches 'Buzz About the Sweetest Deals'
Video-Based Mystery Shopping Technologies
Blaze Pizza Partners with Reality Based Group
AI Voice Ordering Systems
Casey’s General Stores Uses Conversational AI to Handle Orders
Affordable Vision Care Solutions
These New Walmart Vision Products are Arriving In-Store
AI-Native Store Research
Vusion and Qualcomm Released the AI-Native Store™ White Paper
Retail Execution Platforms
Walmart Launched a Real-Time Supplier Data Tool Called Scintilla
Future-Facing Food Retailer Ranges
The Ocado Future of Food Edit Aisle Spotlights Modern Varieties
Global Brand Refresh Systems
'Face the Future' Announces Rebrand With ShopTalk Studio
Ultra-Speedy Self-Checkout Systems
ECRS QuickCheck is Arriving at Buehler's Fresh Foods
Digital Shelf Edge Labels
James Hall & Co. Rolls Out the SOLUM Electronic Shelf Edge Labels
Experience-Focused Retail Carts
Target Redesigned Shopping Carts for Comfort and Convenience
Community Hub Convenience Stores
Co-op turns local stores into delivery and service hubs
Transparency Driven Shoppers
Akeneo's 'PX Pulse' Highlights Demand For Clearer Product Details
Healthcare Apparel Retail Concepts
Kindthread Opens an Omnichannel Scrub Store
Elemental Retail Spaces
Goldwin Creates a Multi-Sensory Retail Environment in New York City
Curated Lens Systems
IDOC Simplifies Optical Offerings with a Streamlined Lens Portfolio
Digital-First Furniture Stores
Article Debuted Its Direct-To-Consumer Furniture Stores in the U.S.
AI-Powered Produce Recognition
Vynamic Smart Vision Identifies Fruits and Veggies at Self-Checkout
Retail Marketing Advancements
Westfield Rise Debuts a Programmatic Targeting Solution For Malls
Conversational Shopping Assistants
Macy’s New Ask Macy’s Chatbot Launches on Gemini
Retail Conversation Marketing Campaigns
Tesco Launches 'Need Anything From Tesco' Platform
Demo Fit Workflows
Vision Pro Demo Fit Helps Retailers Guide Headset Sizing and Selection
Modular Assisted Checkout Systems
Scotmid Co-op Deploys the New 4POS Assisted Checkout
Discovery-Led Beauty Zones
Watsons Launches BeautyVerse And Jubilee Wellness Corners
iPad Vision Self-Checkout Systems
VisioLab Launches Its AI-Powered iPad Checkout Interface
Personalized AI Shopping Experiences
Walmart Launches a Branded ChatGPT Environment
Agentic Local Stock Finders
Google AI Mode Calls Stores To Locate Items