Retail-Trends Glossary

Current retail trends and technologies at a glance.

Knowing and understanding retail trends and terms

The retail sector is dynamic and innovative – and is constantly coming up with creative solutions and concepts to make shopping experiences even more customer-friendly and appealing. These include digitalization and connectivity ideas such as smart retail and connected retail as well as click and collect, self-checkout, electronic shelf labels, and clienteling. It is not always easy to keep track of all these concepts. We have summarized the most important retail trend terms for you with clear explanations:

Keeping an eye on NIS2 and Digital Sovereignty

Did you know that manufacturing and processing companies will also be covered by the NIS2 directive in the future and will have to ensure a certain level of cyber security? Check our topic page to see whether you are affected and what you can do to comply with the EU's network and information security requirements! Your Digital Sovereignty will also thank you: network security is one of the building blocks for becoming more digitally sovereign.

Learn more about NIS2 and Digital Sovereignty with LANCOM!

Our overview of trend terms in retail

Terms

Explanation

Brick and Click

Combination of physical and digital retail, similar to the concept of connected retail

Click & Collect

Order products online, then pick them up in the physical store

Clienteling

Retail strategy for individual and personalized customer service

Connected Retail

Profitable combination of local and digital retail: Combines the advantages of physical stores (e.g. direct availability, personal advice, multi-sensory shopping through sight, smell, hearing, and touch) with the achievements of digitalization (eCommerce, automation, use of AI, etc.)

eCommerce

Buying and selling via the Internet

Electronic Shelf Lables (ESL)

Digital labels that can be updated wirelessly and connected to the merchandise management system

Digital Signage

Digital display devices (screens, projectors) that present advertising and information

Digital Branch

Online version of a physical store to purchase products and services on the Internet

Grab & Go

Retail concept where products are pre-packaged or easily accessible so that customers can quickly select and purchase them without having to queue at a checkout or place an order

Instant Shopping

Fast, immediate, minimal effort purchase of products or services with the help of one-click ordering, instant payment methods, pre-filled payment / shipping information, and much more

IoT (Internet of Things) in Retail

Internet-connected objects that communicate with each other and exchange data to improve customer service, increase operational efficiency, and provide a good shopping experience, e.g. smart shelves (inventory control, fast replenishment, theft protection), beacon technology (transmitters placed in the store for personalized offers to customers in the immediate vicinity), analysis / tracking of customer behavior for better product placement, smart checkout systems, wearables for employees, and much more

Live Shopping

Real-time purchase of products presented via live streams

Mass Customization

Production of individually customized products or services in large quantities to meet customer needs

Metaverse

Virtual environment with technologies such as AR (augmented reality) and VR (virtual reality), as well as an interactive platform in which users can interact socially with each other

Microservices Architecture

Approach in software development in which a large application is divided into smaller, independent services that can be developed, scaled, and provided independently of each other

Mobile Payment

Contactless payment with mobile devices such as smartphones, smartwatches, special apps, etc.; mostly via NFC

NFC (Near Field Communication)

Wireless technology that allows devices in close proximity to communicate, for example for contactless payment or data transfer

Omnichannel

Retail strategy for seamless and consistent experiences across different sales and communication channels, so that customers can have the same shopping experience in both physical and digital commerce

Omnichannel Marketing

Coordination of marketing activities across various channels and platforms (online, print, social media, in-store, etc.) with seamless integration of advertising, content, and interactions

Omnichannel Retailing

Flexible combination of physical and digital commerce

Point of Sale (POS)

Place or time of payment for products or services, in particular in the checkout area

Re-commerce

Online trade of used products

Retail 4.0

Digitalized and networked retail sector with an optimized supply chain, modern technology, and a strong customer focus, through the use of data analysis, virtualization, and new technologies; in line with the term "Industry 4.0"

SCO (Self-Checkout)

Self-service checkouts where customers scan and pay for products themselves without having to wait at a checkout with cashiers

Seamless Stores

Seamless shopping experience between physical and digital components and / or online and offline channels, e.g. through Internet of things, artificial intelligence, or augmented reality components, such as interactive displays, advisory services, etc.

Shop & Go

Fast shopping experiences with the help of self-service checkouts (Scan & Go) or mobile payment options

Shop-in-Shop

Rented retail space in a larger store in which a retailer / brand presents its own products

Smart Logistics

More efficient logistics processes thanks to technologies such as AI (artificial intelligence), IoT (Internet of things), and automation

Smart Retail

Use of intelligent measures and digital tools for the cost-efficient optimization of sales processes, logistics, personnel administration, and customer management in retail, e.g. through technologies (including IoT) and automation

Supply Chain Management (SCM)

Organization and planning of all steps in a supply chain, i.e. from procurement to delivery

TCO Transparency

Total cost of ownership: consideration of all costs of a product, including purchase, use, maintenance, and disposal

The technical backbone behind the trends

All modern retail trends are linked to a lively exchange of data and high-quality Wi-Fi. The new analysis and collaboration technologies and applications can only be used reliably if the IT network provides the appropriate performance and security.

As a German manufacturer of network infrastructures, it is particularly important to us to support retailers in positioning themselves well in terms of NIS2 and digital sovereignty. We would therefore be delighted to provide you with non-binding advice on a high-performance IT network that is ready for all future retail trends.


Get advice now

Icon: Product collage of a switch and a router on top of each other, with a European flag on the left and the LANCOM Management Cloud logo on the right (curved cloud)

We answer your questions

Your direct line to us

Most questions can be resolved best in direct contact.

We look forward to answering your questions and requests by phone or via the contact form.

Inside Sales International Team
+49 (0)2405 49936 122