# Contactless Shopping Brands are enabling consumers to safely try out products amid COVID-19. By [Kalin Ned](https://www.trendhunter.com/knedelch), Research Writer | Published Jun 11, 2020 | Category: [Business](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/business-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/contactless-shopping ## Key Figures - Trend score: 5.3/10 - Evidence articles: 6 ## What is the Contactless Shopping trend? **Contactless Shopping:** Brands in different industries—especially those in fashion and food & beverage—are adapting the shopping experience to meet the health and safety concerns of consumers. As a result, more brands are introducing contactless methods of sampling products or trying on clothes. ## The consumer insight behind the Contactless Shopping trend The COVID-19 pandemic has made consumers extremely aware of what they come in contact with. Due to safety concerns pertaining to sanitation, many are reluctant or unable to re-engage in activities, which were previously enjoyed in a carefree manner. Amid these enforced and psychological restrictions, consumers are looking to replicate the recreational experiences they once engaged in, while prioritizing safety. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 6 featured examples - Articles from: Mar 20 to Jul 16, 2020 - Published: Jun 11, 2020 - Patterns: [Redirection](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/redirection), [Reduction](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/reduction) - Megatrends: [Experience](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/experience), [Catalyzation](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/catalyzation) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, South America, Europe, Asia ## Themes within the Contactless Shopping trend ### Contactless Sampling Brands are introducing contactless methods of sampling products or trying on clothes to meet the health and safety concerns of consumers. ### Virtual Experiences Events and experiences are transitioning to an online format to bring people together from the comfort of their homes, creating new opportunities for brands. ### Artificial Intelligence in Retail The integration of AI technology into shopping experiences is helping to provide personalized and contactless services, even in-store. ## What the Contactless Shopping trend means for industry ### For Retail Retailers are adapting to the new normal of contactless shopping by providing virtual, AI-powered and at-home try-on services to provide a safe and convenient shopping experience. ### For Food & Beverage The restaurant industry is embracing contactless dining and payment options to ensure the safety of customers and staff. ### For Technology Digital kiosks, AI-powered fitting technology, and virtual experiences are changing the way consumers interact with brands and providing new opportunities for tech companies. ## Workshop question How can your brand pivot to accommodate consumer safety concerns amid a crisis? ## Trend signals for Contactless Shopping Trend score 5.3 out of 10, from popularity 81%, activity 68%, freshness 9%. - Popularity: 81% - Activity: 68% - Freshness: 9% ## Examples of the Contactless Shopping trend 6 featured examples from Mar 20 to Jul 16, 2020. - [Virtual Whiskey Events](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/virtual-whiskey-show): The Virtual Whiskey Show Supports At-Home Sampling (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Event planning companies can explore incorporating virtual components into their offerings. - [Contactless Sampling Kiosks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sampling-kiosk): Vengo's Digital Kiosks Promote Discovery, Wellness and Safety (Category: Business) Implication: The retail industry will benefit from contactless sampling solutions as it allows for safer product discovery and data collection. - [AI-Powered Digital Fittings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/digital-fitting): Contactless Fit Supports Clothing Stores Reopening Post-COVID (Category: Business) Implication: Retailers can use contactless fitting technology to monitor customer preferences, optimize inventory, and increase sales by using trending data - [Contactless Dining Kits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/contactless-dining): Presto's Kit Equips Restaurants with an End-to-End Contactless Experience (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Restaurants can embrace contactless dining to adapt to the changing demand of safety-conscious customers. - [Virtual Contact Lens Try-Ons](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/virtual-contact-lens): Perfect Corp.'s Try-On Leverages Augmented Reality, Taobao & WeChat (Category: Marketing) Implication: Disruptive innovation opportunity: Integrate AR virtual try-on experiences for clothing, accessories, and footwear to enable customers to visualize products before making a purcha… - [At-Home Try-On Services](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/trying-on-clothes-at-home): Zoot Taxi Simplifies the Process of Trying on Clothes at Home (Category: Business) Implication: The online retail industry can explore and implement at-home try-on services to enhance the shopping experience. ## Recent trend clusters - [Assisted Conversion](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/ai-assisted-checkout) (Business) - [Occasion Commerce](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/occasion-commerce) (Business) - [Autonomous Merchandising](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/autonomous-merchandising) (Business) - [Assisted Choices](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/weight-loss-medication-support) (Lifestyle) ## Trending in Business - [Performance-Based Creator Ads](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/creator-ad-platforms) - [MIami Pop-Culture Shirts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/miami-pop-culture-shirts) - [Natural Deodorant Expansions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/target-beauty-studios) - [Mini Beauty Stores](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/little-luxuries-store) All articles: [Business](https://www.trendhunter.com/business)