If there is one constant in a retail environment it would be the need for technology in one way or another. In fact, the same could be said for life in general. There is no area of our lives, business or personal, that doesn’t depend on some form of technology. However, for retailers, the use of the right technology is the difference between success and failure. So, what are those four technologies every retailer needs and beyond? Here are the most important ones to be aware of.
1. Internet Technology
Even before looking at the importance of having a web presence, there is no getting away from the fact that the internet plays a vital role in the daily tasks of the average retailer. From researching products to ordering stock to setting up deliveries, everything that happens has some tie to Information Technology, IT and that necessitates internet connectivity.
Beyond that, an online presence is vital to the success of any retailer including the local mom-and-pop land-based shops. Statistics prove that the majority of new foot traffic finds shops with an internet search and having a website just draws them closer to your door. If you don’t have a website, it’s time to talk to a local developer to get a site up and running as soon as possible. No matter where you are, in the West Midlands in England, for example, you can find a local web developer to build and launch your site. A developer in Birmingham can help you build your website to suit your specific needs.
2. Digital Signage
Digital signage takes on many forms, but it is mostly used for programmable advertising displays outside the business or internally to indicate various promotions or locations of merchandise. Not only does it help to sell products or services, but it also reduces the need for human interaction which greatly improves efficiency in terms of labor and cost.
3. In-Store Kiosks
Retailers that utilize in-store kiosks have found that checkout lines move faster and are more efficient in terms of customer satisfaction. By reducing wait lines, customers are able to get in and out quickly because most are just as busy as you are. They have limited time to shop and when they know what they’ve come for, it’s only a matter of entering information at the kiosk, sending it to fulfillment, and then within minutes, their products are ready and waiting to be loaded and carried away. Some kiosks allow for payments and others require a cashier. In either case, the process is significantly faster and more efficient which is why consumers love the technology.
4. AR/VR Apps
This technology is new to retail, but it is expected to increase sales significantly. The concept is simple. Augmented Reality or Virtual Reality is immersive in that the consumer gets to actually envision the product in the environment in which it will be used. So, when shopping for a new bedroom suite, for example, they get to plug pieces into a screen that is literally their bedroom. They can move them around to get an idea of the fit and look before buying. Much is expected of this technology so you might want to follow its progress in the weeks and months ahead.
These are just a handful of the technologies every retailer should be using. They may be few, but their impact is huge.
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