NFC – Friend or foe of the High Street

Since the launch in 2005 NFC technology has increasingly become a mainstream technology, which can be used for a variety of things.

One of the more interesting capabilities that this technology could deliver is the option of eliminating the need for our wallet. 




Countries like Japan and Canada are already trialling the tech to use mobile payment while smaller countries such as Denmark are set to trial the technology next year, each using a different method of delivery (For example, In Denmark the mobile network operators have teamed up to replace the banks credit cards).

NFC-chips can provide a much faster and cleaner way of payment by swiping what you already hold in your hand. Even though new technology trends take time to adapt because of scepticism from the users, the swipe-and-pay culture is not unknown to us as we have seen with Oyster card. Together with this most people who own a smartphone has bought some sort of item through it.

This possibility could potentially change the high street as we know it since the point of sale can be moved from inside stores directly to the street.

Imagine the scenario of a sales representative selling goods to a customer, requiring a simple for long and tedious sales process, especially if this includes a delivery address. With the NFC swipe-and-go option everything would be automated, data securely stored electronically and this could greatly reduce the need for a physical store presence.

Seen from another perspective, this technology could also ease the sale within physical stores, giving customers the option of buying something they can see and feel, but have it shipped to them at their comfort and ease as opposed to transporting it home thereby giving people that ease of online shopping, but with the added benefit of being able to touch the things they buy.

There are other factors like increased amount of sales people on the street, but the main issue is that this technology has the potential to change the game for shopping on high street, if used correctly. 

For those who aren’t sure how NFC differs from Bluetooth or even WiFi, here are some quick bullet points:

•    It has a limited range of 2-5 inches (5-12 centimeters)
•    Can host a secure connection between buyer and PoS
•    Can eliminate the credit card, as we know it
•    Allows for people to keep a digital record, which is quickly accessible
•    Can be implemented into practically anything
•    It is estimated that over 550 million smartphones will have NFC by 2015