4 Indispensable trends to build the trade of tomorrow

According to information released by the Stone Retail Index (IVS), sales of Brazilian trade fell by 3.5% in December 2024. For this year, XP Investimentos experts project a timid reheating of the segment, with a high of about 2%. In this context, commercial areas are open to innovation as a way to adapt to challenges and identify opportunities in order to not only attract more consumers, but also enhance the results for the entire chain involved. 

For Elton Matos, founding partner and CEO of Airlocker, a pioneer company of fully self-managed smart cabinets, retail is in a moment of revolution. “We are living a moment of transformation in the sector. Although the challenges are evident, they also bring with them the opportunity to rethink strategies. We note that this reinvention tends to be guided by an increasingly innovative mentality. The key thought for this period will be that of “air out of the” to differentiate, delight, and, and, as a consequence, generate recurrence”, says the executive. 

Thinking about the trade of the future, Matos listed the solutions that will stand out in this new phase of retail, check below: 

Smart cabinets

Smart lockers, as they are commonly known, bring assertiveness in the logistics of deliveries and returns. “These innovations function as autonomous withdrawal points and can be used in the intermediation between the shopkeeper and the final consumer, allowing purchases to be withdrawn at the most convenient time, without queues or delays, providing a differentiated shopping experience”, says the expert. 

Data analysis

A study conducted by the consultancy IDC identified that 90% of Brazilian companies invest in data and analytics tools to predict trends and consumption patterns. “In this scenario, innovations such as Big Data and Artificial Intelligence (AI) stand out since they operate in the area of predictive information analysis, which means an optimization of inventory management and even the disposition of stores.In addition, they are resources that enable more personalized marketing campaigns, increasing the chances of winning the consumer”, explains the CEO. 

Just Walk Out

The dynamics of “Just Saia”, in free translation from English, allows commercial environments to operate without the need for cash for payments. “The main idea of the concept is the elimination of payment queues, generating an agile and uninterrupted shopping experience, meeting the current preferences of consumers. In practice, the system that is already implemented in some supermarkets in the United States uses a series of suspended cameras and pressure-sensitive shelves to automatically detect what customers put in their carts. The consumer can also opt for a scanning of products via app, which is linked to a credit card or. Upon leaving the establishment, Mt will automatically receive a receipt. 

Circular strategies

Encouraged by the desire of consumers to save and adopt more sustainable practices, circularity will be one of the central themes throughout this year.“This sustainable movement in commerce has been growing mainly because of younger generations, who prioritize brands with ecological initiatives.Whether in the production chain or in the store structure, such as the use of solar panels, the resource has the potential to strengthen public loyalty, and consequently increase profit margins, in addition to positively impacting environmental causes”, concludes the expert.