High-tech shopping: The retail revolution

It's the end of the so-called retail apocalypse.

While the industry shudders under the pressures of e-commerce, many retailers are realising they need to offer more than just products to keep customers shopping. Now whether you're at home or in store, shopping has never been smarter or faster. 

Samsung's Family Hub fridge is the perfect example. The tech giant has teamed up with Woolworths to allow customers to shop online from their fridge.

"We can go into the Woolworths shop and either search for things or we can see specials that are existing and we can simply add them to our shopping cart," tech expert Trevor Long tells A Current Affair.

WATCH: Part Two (Post continues.) 

The fridge knows what you regularly buy and can suggest products and specials. The goods are delivered straight to your door.

I gave the virtual store a try and besides for getting a little dizzy, I thought it was pretty handy device, especially for those who can't access an Ikea store or for anyone who'd prefer not to battle the crowds.

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You simply focus your attention on a product and you're instantly transported to that item or to the room set-up it’s in. You can make purchases there and then. Unfortunately, Swedish meatballs can't be purchased on the app. Disappointing. 




Many fashion retailers are also investing in technology. Zara is even saving us change room hassle.

"They're using a thing called augmented reality, so you can take your phone, point it at the shop window and get more information about products. You can see the models in the store modelling different products, then you can choose which ones suit you because you try on or buy," says Trevor.

Finding the right foundation to suit your skin tone or the right lipstick to match your outfit can be tricky, and that's just why makeup store Sephora is using augmented reality to virtually try before you buy on their app.

In many cases, all you need to shop SMART is a SMARTphone. Instagram now allows you to shop direct.




"It used to be that you'd look at an Instagram photo, you'd see something, you'd have to find out where to buy it, Google it, and then buy it potentially. But now you can tap on it in the photo, go straight to the shop and buy it," says Trevor. 

Samsung and Apple are also revolutionising the way we pay. They've both got payment systems installed in their smatphones and watches. 

"We love tap n go in Australia and but now with a smartphone I can simply tap n go for anything from a coffee to petrol to groceries," says Trevor.

"Now so I can just choose the payment technology here on the watch and then tap and go on the process."