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Summary

How we shop and where we shop has already changed dramatically within the last 5 years (even within the previous year), and it will continue to change dramatically as consumer behaviours, technology and environmental demands evolve.

Many retailers, across various sectors, have already begun to implement changes to their brick and mortar stores to adapt to current pressures (from both the public, charities and government) and the next industrial revolution on the horizon, Industry 4.0.

What changes can we expect to see though, and which retailers are already ahead of the curve? Here are our top predictions, as well as the retailers that are part of the change.

Using new technology

How we shop and where we shop has already changed dramatically within the last 5 years (even within the previous year), and it will continue to change dramatically as consumer behaviours, technology and environmental demands evolve.

Many retailers, across various sectors, have already begun to implement changes to their brick and mortar stores to adapt to current pressures (from both the public, charities and government) and the next industrial revolution on the horizon, Industry 4.0.

What changes can we expect to see though, and which retailers are already ahead of the curve? Here are our top predictions, as well as the retailers that are part of the change.

Using new technology

Industry 4.0 isn’t just improving typical manufacturing processes; it is also having a direct knock-on effect with retailers in what has been coined Retail 4.0. With this digital revolution, consumers expectations have changed. Whether it’s the expectation of speed and convenience or seeking a memorable experience, retailers need to adjust to customers new sociological and psychological behaviours.

Amazon now has 12 stores across America that tick the boxes for speed and convenience, and memorable experience. The Amazon Go stores are designed so customers can walk in, grab want they want and walk out, all without having to queue or “check out”. Amazon describes their Go stores on their website as “pushing the boundaries of computer vision and machine learning to create a store where customers can simply take what they want and go.” Forbes even described the retail giant’s convenience shop as having the ability to change the way people shop. So far, a handful of retailers have tried to replicate the Go stores with their own checkout-free scan-and-go services, but none have yet reached Amazon’s use of technology. However, once new technology is implemented with one retailer, it usually snowballs, and experts predict that cashier-less stores will be the norm in 10 years.

A company that has successfully implemented a scan and go service is Nike. Businesses that don’t want to implement physical technology into their stores should follow the sports retailer’s lead. By packing their app with new features like unlocking in-store discounts and freebies, instant purchases and the ability to try on trainers without having to speak to staff, Nike has dramatically improved the shopping experience. By doing away with the need for banks of cash registers, Nike has also been able to redesign their store spaces with the customer in mind and display more stock on the shop floor.

It is a case of when, not if, that more retailers make use of the technology that is available to them right now – whether that is bringing tech in store or allowing customers to use it via the phone in their hands.

Employee of the Month – April

Each month we reward members of our team who have gone above and beyond their duties and earned Employee of the Month and this winner was chosen due to their dedication and work ethic. We’re delighted to announce that April’s Employee of the Month has been awarded to Kenny Hyland! Kenny has been awarded Employee of the Month for always working hard for his team,  communicating well, and being a good listener.He understands the importance of maintaining our high standards and our objectives and works hard to make them happen. Kenny’s team leader, Brian Gudgin, has said: “Kenny will do anything to help the team to achieve its target. He is always willing to help anyone if they are struggling.“ A special mention also goes to Rob Hoyle and Shaun Burrows and Wayne Nealings who have also shown exceptional performance. Every Employee of the Month wins a £40 voucher – well done, Kenny! View all

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Meet Richard Jones – Account Manager

Tell us about your role at Bluestones One My role at Bluestones One is Account Manager. How would you normally start your day at work? My day starts with touching base with teams, checking emails and reports from the previous day/night. What does a typical day at work look like for you? Liaising with customers either via phone, Teams meetings and site visits discussing existing and up and coming work. Interacting with the Installation and Merchandising teams on ongoing projects. Making sure the teams on the shopfloor have everything they need to complete the tasks onsite and supporting them throughout the day. Working with our Resource Planning team to ensure all future projects are planned as per the customer’s requirements. What do you find challenging? The changing nature of our industry can often be challenging, but has the added benefit of no two days being the same! What do you enjoy about the role? Everyday produces different challenges and I learn something new every day and enjoy interacting with different people. What’s the best thing about working at Bluestones One? Working with new and existing customers to achieve the required goal to deliver each project. I also enjoy working with

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