Wearable technology will revolutionise payments, making it easier to access product information, receive offers and navigate round a store, a survey by IT services company Vista Retail Support has found.
The poll, exploring consumer attitudes to wearable devices such as smartwatches, wristbands, fobs, stickers or smart clothing, revealed 51 per cent of shoppers believe these technologies will be commonplace in stores within two to five years.
While 82 per cent of shoppers view speed at the checkout as the main advantage of using wearable technology, 49 per cent say it will improve their experience by allowing them to receive personalised offers when they are shopping.
James Pepper, technical director at Vista Retail Support, says: “This survey demonstrates that this is how shoppers expect the in-store experience to develop and retailers need to prepare for it.
“They must have the right infrastructure in their stores, so shoppers can use their wearable devices easily and securely.”
The poll results also sound a note of caution for retailers.
63 per cent of shoppers say security fears might deter them from using wearable technology and 52 per cent say they will be discouraged if only a few shops allow them to use it.
40 per cent say concerns about privacy might dissuade them.
Set against these concerns, only 11 per cent are worried wearable devices might be too complicated to use.
Pepper adds: “Consumers are far from conservative about wearable technology and will be hoping to use it if their concerns about security and privacy are allayed.
“They appreciate its versatility and can see how it will help them in many different retail environments.”
