A2Z Cust2Mate Solutions Corp. (NASDAQ: AZ) has released new consumer research highlighting a substantial gap between what shoppers expect from supermarkets and what they believe stores currently deliver. The study, based on a survey of 1,600 consumers across the United States, France, and Italy, found that 60% of respondents view fast, hassle-free shopping as highly important, but only 36% believe supermarkets consistently provide that experience.
Similar gaps were identified in other areas critical to the modern shopping experience, including pricing transparency, timely promotions, and rewards. The research underscores the challenges traditional brick-and-mortar retailers face in meeting digitally influenced consumer expectations. According to the company, these shortcomings have tangible business impacts: 46% of consumers reported missing eligible promotions, 45% abandoned a purchase because pricing or discounts were unclear, and 32% left a store due to long checkout lines.
The findings suggest that retailers may be losing significant revenue and customer loyalty by failing to address these pain points. However, the survey also points to a potential solution: smart shopping carts. Nearly half of respondents said they would be very or extremely likely to use technology that helps track spending, locate products, receive discounts, and speed checkout. This indicates a strong consumer appetite for in-store digital tools that can bridge the expectation gap.
For A2Z Cust2Mate, the research reinforces the opportunity for its AI-powered Smart Cart platform, which transforms everyday shopping carts into connected commerce platforms. The company aims to help retailers and brands grow revenue through targeted retail media and real-time shopper engagement at the point of purchase decisions. The platform also delivers actionable data on in-store shopper behavior, enabling retailers to optimize operations and mitigate losses.
The implications of this research are significant for the retail industry. As consumer expectations continue to evolve, driven by seamless online experiences, physical retailers may need to invest in technology to remain competitive. The research suggests that failing to do so could result in lost sales and reduced customer loyalty. Conversely, early adopters of smart cart technology could differentiate themselves by offering the fast, transparent, and rewarding experiences that shoppers increasingly demand.
For investors, the findings highlight a potential growth area for companies like A2Z Cust2Mate that provide solutions to modernize the in-store experience. The full press release is available at https://nnw.fm/x54vY.
