A queue line refers to people standing in line in a retail shop or restaurant waiting to be served. The COVID-19 pandemic has brought about several changes in the retail industry. Due to the set health and safety protocols, retailers needed to shift their operations to address the safety concerns for their customers. Today, technology has had a considerable impact on the structure of the retail sector, and the term queue has transitioned dramatically.
Long wait times often deter a customer from purchasing in retail stores. To deal with retails started using queue management systems such as those offered via Ombori as they strive to reduce the time customers spend on queues. Checkouts and queuing systems are some of the most commonly used tools used in retail stores to help customers make virtual consultations and make simple appointments.
Since the COVID-19 pandemic, public safety concerns have led to new policies such as social distancing. Retailers had to adopt new solutions that relied heavily on innovative technology to help comply with the protocols while ensuring that their operations and cash flow remained positive. This included live camera feeds that allowed customers to view queue lines before visiting stores and allowing customers to schedule their visiting time.
Additionally, most stores implemented queue-management solutions that reduced face-to-face interactions with employees. Many retailers turned to the Ombori queue line management system, which gives customers pre-ordering options and checkout management. As the pandemic comes to an end, it’s evident that retailers will continue using these management systems to attract customers. Such systems that may remain pot-pandemic include:
- Retails integrating e-commerce infrastructure that allows customers to purchase inventory using their mobile phones.
- A drive-through pickup allows customers to pick up their items without getting out of their car.
- As the general public becomes more educated on safety practices about the spread of germs and viruses, more customers will continue to use the Zero-touch system, and a touchless payment system will be the preferred norm.
- Since customers have experienced the efficiency of shorter waiting times, retailers may have to continue allocating shopping time for a small number of customers at any one time.