Shoppers Hate a Long Checkout Lane

Google Maps' new Popular Times add-on for iPhone and Android may become your biggest foe – or force your checkout to become better than it is. 

Think traffic reports, but one for grocery shoppers. Customers can now see how long a customer stays in your store, and how crowded it is is in real time, thanks to the new updates on Popular Times, which is already available. 

While the app also shows store hours and other useful features, it doesn't show a store’s size – and so could be misleading to a shopper trying to select which store to shop at, as clearly, a smaller store will have a shorter time spent in store than a larger one. Regardless, we expect this tool to become a game-changer for shopers deciding what store to go to. Moreover, it will be an eye-opening tool for retailers and restaurants of all kinds to improve their service, floorplans and checkouts as time-starved, mobile-ready consumers plans their next shopping trip. 

How did your store do? Email me at [email protected], and we will help you find out how to be more shopper- and Popular Times -friendly.