# Smart Shelving Retailers adopt connected shelving systems to ease customer experience. By [Mishal Omar](https://www.trendhunter.com/MishalO) | Published Mar 13, 2019 | Category: [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/technology-trends-and-gadgets) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/smart-shelving ## Key Figures - Trend score: 5.3/10 - Evidence articles: 4 ## What is the Smart Shelving trend? **Smart Shelving:** Retailers, particularly those in the food and beverage space, are turning to technology to transform once-traditional shelving systems. Whether allowing for greater information on the products being sold or enhancing the convenience of shopping in general, such systems are adapting to consumers’ expectations for informed yet fast purchase journeys. ## The consumer insight behind the Smart Shelving trend Brick and mortar shopping experiences now compete with online shopping experiences, with consumers preferring the convenience of virtual shopping as well as the ability to quickly research products before buying. Brands that are able to replicate these experiences in-store have a leg up in the brick and mortar space. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 4 featured examples - Articles from: Jan 15 to Mar 13, 2019 - Published: Mar 13, 2019 - Patterns: [Redirection](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/redirection), [Acceleration](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/acceleration) - Megatrends: [Experience](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/experience), [Artificial Intelligence](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/artificial-intelligence), [Personalization](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/personalization) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, South America, Europe, Asia ## Themes within the Smart Shelving trend ### Connected Shelving Systems Retailers are turning to technology to transform traditional shelving systems allowing for greater information on products and enhancing convenience of in-store shopping. ### In-Store Smart Technology Retailers are using smart technology systems to offer personalization, improved convenience and connection in-store, creating new opportunities for revenue collection through digital advertising space. ### AI-Assisted Shopping Artificial intelligence and LED shelf lights combined with voice-powered interfaces are being used to help customers receive recommendations and education on products, further enhancing interactivity and convenience. ## What the Smart Shelving trend means for industry ### For Retail Industry Retailers are using technology such as connected shelving systems to create a more convenient and engaging shopping experience that better competes with online shopping. ### For Consumer Electronics Industry Consumer electronics companies are helping retailers develop the technology for next-gen shopping showcases, including unstaffed stores with NFC and RFID products, secure payment solutions and mobile loyalty programs. ### For Market Research Industry Market research companies such as PowerShelf are giving consumers the ability to provide feedback on product packaging, branding and advertising performance in a simulated in-store setting allowing retailers to make data-driven decisions. ## Workshop question Consider where your brand could adopt intelligent systems at its retail locations. ## Trend signals for Smart Shelving Trend score 5.3 out of 10, from popularity 84%, activity 68%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 84% - Activity: 68% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Smart Shelving trend 4 featured examples from Jan 15 to Mar 13, 2019. - [Next-Gen Shopping Showcases](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/smart-market): NXP's 'Smart Market' Exhibits Retail Solutions for Today and Tomorrow (Category: Business) Implication: Disruptive innovation opportunity: Transform the retail industry by integrating NFC and RFID technologies to create unstaffed stores and personalized shopping experiences. - [Digital Grocery Stores](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/in-store-shopping-experience): Kroger and Microsoft are Transforming the In-Store Shopping Experience (Category: Business) Implication: The Kroger and Microsoft partnership showcases the potential for leveraging technology to transform the in-store shopping experience, offering insights for retailers to enhance cu… - [Voice-Activated Shopping Assistants](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/smart-aisle): In BevMo! Stores, 'Smart Aisle' Offers Product Recommendations (Category: Business) Implication: The retail industry can benefit from using voice-activated assistants to help customers find and purchase the products they want. - [On-Shelf Feedback Systems](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/packaging-on-a-shelf): PowerShelf Lets Consumers Share the Performance of Packaging on a Shelf (Category: Business) Implication: PowerShelf is a valuable tool for collecting insights through automated real-time testing of product packaging, branding, advertising, and other concepts ## Recent trend clusters - [Delegated Interfaces](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/delegated-interfaces) (Tech) - [Adaptive Controls](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/adaptive-controls) (Tech) - [Desk Systems](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/desk-systems) (Tech) - [Spatial Refinement](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/spatial-refinement) (Tech) ## Trending in Tech - [Decor-Led Home Projectors](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/decor-led-home-projectors) - [Accessible Fintech Pop-Ups](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chequing-account) - [Dual-Wavelength Recovery Wearables](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/joint-therapy) - [Pop-Culture WiFi Routers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pop-culture-wifi-routers) All articles: [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech)