New technologies that may change how consumers shop

New York

AS more shopping moves online, retailers are looking for ways to step up the in-store experience to make sure it remains compelling and convenient.

The retail industry descended on New York this week for the National Retail Federation's Big Show, an annual trade event where vendors showed off the innovative offerings that they hope will soon become commonplace in malls across the globe.

Some of the technology on display seemed a long way from ready to appear at your local shopping centre or supermarket. But other innovations are already in use at chain stores right now, and they could change the way you shop.

Here's a roundup of what they are and how they work.

Toshiba TCxAmplify enables you to do self-checkout at the grocery store using your smartphone. Toshiba's technology is built into the app of your favourite supermarket. You scan your items as you put them in your cart and once you're finished shopping, you simply wave your phone in front of a computer. Your whole list of items is displayed on screen as though you just went through a traditional checkout aisle, and the loyalty programme discounts have already been applied (assuming you linked up your loyalty card with the app). You can then pay for the purchase using a credit card or a digital…