Gen Z Shoppers Will Switch for Self-Checkout

The rise of self-service commerce is reshaping how consumers shop and how retailers operate. A recent PYMNTS Intelligence report, created with Cantaloupe, shows that more than half of Gen Z shoppers in the U.S. and U.K. would switch retailers to gain access to self-checkout. This shift marks a major milestone in the move toward frictionless commerce.

Moving Past the First Generation

Early self-checkout systems often created more problems than they solved. Shoppers faced frustrating processes. Retailers dealt with technical issues, staff confusion and inventory losses. Many scaled back self-checkout as a result.

Now, advanced solutions are addressing those weaknesses. Built with artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things, these new systems remove friction for consumers and deliver real-time insights for operators.

Smart, Connected Retail Experiences

Next-generation self-service tools go beyond kiosks. They include micro-payment systems, mobile ordering, smart vending, connected point-of-sale platforms and cloud-based software. These systems are powering unattended retail in settings from airports to apartment lobbies.

The real shift comes from using data to power decisions. Self-service tools now help businesses manage inventory, adjust pricing and reduce downtime using real-time performance data. For the shopper, this means faster transactions. For businesses, it means better margins.

Demand Is Clear and Growing

Several key data points highlight how fast this space is growing:

• Self-checkout installations are expected to double by 2030
• More than 50% of Gen Z shoppers prefer retailers with checkout-free options
• In 2023, 69% of vending sales were cashless, with contactless methods making up 65% of those payments
• Micro market transactions were 96% cashless, and average cashless payments were 55% higher than cash

This shows a growing consumer preference for quick, secure and cashless interactions, as well as a clear revenue opportunity for merchants.

Looking Ahead

The future of self-service commerce is moving toward boundaryless retail. New tools like computer vision, smart lockers, mobile ordering and dynamic pricing will allow businesses to scale with less human intervention.

Smart retail nodes powered by AI and connected systems will make real-time decisions, respond to shopper preferences and offer personalized experiences in physical locations.

The message is clear. Self-service is no longer just a convenience. It is a strategic retail requirement.

Payment Solutions with Kubera Payments

At Kubera Payments, we help businesses across North America move millions of dollars daily, whether in-store, online, or on mobile. Our team of payment experts is here to guide you through the complexities of payment processing, ensuring your transactions are secure, reliable, and PCI-compliant. We have strong relationships with a wide network of acquirers and can help you find the right front-end and technology solutions to work together.

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