Executive Summary

Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) and Near Field Communication (NFC) are key technologies to digitalize store operations and can be instrumental to facilitate omnichannel retail.

• RFID makes inventory management more efficient. Retailers such as Lululemon, Macy’s and Uniqlo have partnered with RFID providers Avery Dennison, SML and Catalyst to use the technology.
• NFC technology enables retailers to engage with shoppers in store, deliver personalized shopping experiences and understand the impact of marketing strategies. Brands and retailers such as Zola, MediaMarktSaturn and Mammut Sports have already adopted NFC.
• We believe RFID and NFC will be instrumental to successfully implement data-intense emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning and blockchain in retail.