Technological innovations in grocery retailing: retrospect and prospect

In most developed and developing countries, the grocery industry plays a crucial role as it is the main source of food and household products for the society at large. In order to serve consumers better, grocery retailers have spent vast resources on developing and implementing various technologies over the years. This paper reviews two major forms of technological innovations - operating and information technologies - that have taken place in the industry, with particular emphasis on the period from the 1970s until the present day. I also evaluate the implications of technology on grocery retailing and discuss future prospects.