Aldi has launched its first checkout-free store, joining the likes of Amazon Fresh and Tesco GetGo. After finishing their shopping, people can simply leave without visiting a checkout – the shift to smart pay responds to shoppers’ desire for convenience by removing the friction and saving them time.

Coppel, Mexico’s largest department store, has debuted a mobile wallet app – helping close some gaps for unbanked Mexicans. Many Mexican citizens distrust financial institutions, but brands with public buy-in may be able to provide access to financial tools for those who don't have a bank account.

The Alibaba-owned Freshippo supermarkets are transforming the grocery shopping experience in China into one that’s truly seamless and omnichannel. In doing so, these stores are responding to the changing habits and expectations of post-pandemic Chinese grocery shoppers.

Americans’ approach to using technology in their shopping journeys has fundamentally shifted due to COVID-19, providing new opportunities for brands as pandemic restrictions come to an end. Canvas8 polled 1,020 people and spoke to eight individuals to explore this topic in depth.