As retail environments continue to become more fragmented and competitive, retailers are turning to RFID technology in an effort to increase efficiency levels, cut losses, and enhance customer experiences. RFID was first employed as part of inventory automation software systems to reduce human error; now its usage has expanded into stores as well. This innovation is revolutionising how retailers operate while producing significant benefits.

RFID's capabilities to instantly and continuously track goods are what's driving retailer interest in RFID; traditional barcodes only provide periodic snapshots. With instantaneous tracking capability, retailers and suppliers can ensure sufficient stock is available to meet demand, something essential for successful omnichannel strategies or buy online, pick up in store.

RFID can also speed up the checkout experience by scanning items as the customer moves through. This makes the checkout experience smoother and faster for everyone involved and increases customer satisfaction levels significantly.

RFID can also help prevent theft, as RFID tags can be programmed to activate an alarm if they move from where they should be in a store, helping mitigate shrinkage and identify suspects. Furthermore, RFID helps monitor temperature within warehouses - an especially essential function when handling perishable goods.

RFID technology can also help create an enjoyable self-checkout experience, making customers' entrance and exit to checkout lines quicker while simultaneously cutting labour costs and making systems more reliable than traditional barcode scanners. RFID offers retailers a chance to offer better checkout experiences that may increase loyalty while driving revenue growth.

RFID offers retailers many advantages. While some retailers may be better positioned than others to take advantage of RFID, all brands should begin exploring it as soon as possible. Decathlon, an international sports-equipment retailer operating 1,600 stores in 50 countries, has implemented RFID by tagging 85.0 percent of its items; as a result it has tripled labor productivity, cut stock-outs by over 60 percent, raised revenue 2.5 percent faster and explored scan-and-go payments that integrate into smartphone apps offering digital checkout experience without close contact between staff members and customer.