Exploring Workers’ and Customers’ Acceptance and Safety Perceptions of Anti-Covid-19 IoT Technologies in a Retail Setting

In the evolving landscape of retail environments after the Pandemic, the present study investigates the acceptance and safety perceptions of anti-COVID- 19 Internet of Things (IoT) technologies among workers and customers within a retail setting. As businesses navigate the complexities of ensuring public health and maintaining economic viability, integrating advanced smart solutions has become critical in safeguarding public health and enhancing customers’ and staff confi- dence. The research centers on analyzing how workers and customers perceive IoT technologies deployed in a retail context. Several factors that influence accep- tance were explored, such as perceived usefulness and ease of use and the role of perceived safety in shaping engagement with and trust in these advanced anti- COVID systems. Findings indicate a positive reception towards IoT devices, with participants acknowledging their potential to significantly enhance in-store safety protocols in terms of a high level of acceptance and perceived safety related to these cutting-edge tools. The study contributes to the broader discourse on creating pandemic-resilient retail living and working environments and provides pragmatic insights for stakeholders aiming to leverage IoT technologies to navigate public health crises effectively.