Festive greetings from Retail Technology!
By Retail Technology | Wednesday December 25 2013
Wishing all Retail Technology magazine and website readers a joyful festive season and a happy and prosperous New Year!
This year will no doubt have had its up and downs, but we particularly hope all Retail Technology readers and supporters have a merry Christmas Day!It is this time when we reflect on the past year's fortunes which, for retailers, have certainly seemed more positive than when they reflecting back on 2012.
Mobile grabs the headlines
As far as the continuing influence of consumer technology adoption on retail propositions was concerned, mobile has led the way all year.
It also reached a tipping point back in September, where mobile accounted for nearly all retail sales growth online, helped by the growth in click & collect services too. Argos and eBay certainly realised its potential with the tie-up they announced in autumn.
Given this 'card-not-present' sales growth, the importance of security and payment systems also grew, as the latest Payment Card Industry (PCI) standards version was published.
Securing customer data
And the recent Natwest/RBS banking glitch also dented many a shopper's Mega Monday. The likes of Morrisons, which will only launch its online grocery delivery business in 2014, will not have been affected. However, it did serve to demonstrate the importance of payments technology and services.
Other highlights included Asda launching 3D printing trials, John Lewis and Kiddicare trialling electronic shelf-edge labels and the explosion of tablet technology in retail stores for use by both customers and staff. The examples set by Tesco or Carphone Warehouse ( Retail Technology Autumn 2013 issue) this year are sure to be followed into the New Year.
