Retail Technology
| Log in | Subscribe



Subscribe | Log in
Retail Technology
Subscribe

Connected commerce

By Retail Technology | Tuesday June 19 2018

With connected shoppers demanding ever more connected experiences in store, how can retailers optimise physical encounters with consumers? Digitally-empowered store associates are the answer says Tania Oakey, marketing director (retail) at Cegid

It’s not surprising that retailers around the world are seeing the value of putting digitally-empowered store associates at the very heart of retail performance.
 
From beauty and fashion retailers to electricals and department stores, we are seeing a trend for well-trained, fully engaged and highly competent store associates having digital tools with a 360-degree view of the customer at their fingertips. 

Human interactions are being enhanced within the store and this is driving up conversions and repeat visits. The store is becoming a connected hub – home to previously undreamt-of levels of service and convenience.
 
Shopper journey
 
Unified commerce is essentially the technology that makes the joined-up customer experience happen. It’s the back-end software and front-office integration that is connecting every component of the business, from the customer database and inventory control, to payment, returns, promotions, loyalty and personalisation elements – optimising all stages of the shopper journey.
 

Modern shoppers are already digitally connected via their smartphones and don’t hesitate to compare prices or look up product information for themselves while shopping. By offering to assist in these areas, and ramp up the experience with personalised offers and easier ways to pay and order goods or redeem loyalty points, retailers are meeting shoppers’ needs head on.
 
Empowered with a mobile sales application, store associates have knowledge and insights that will enable them to create a tailored interaction with valued (or new) customers. Instead of getting a scripted sales pitch, customers feel they are receiving a more relevant and personalised service. An associate can identify products and services of interest, perhaps looking at past purchases or previous take-up of promotional deals. With a mobile device the sales associate becomes more of an expert, and a facilitator of great service. Early signs suggest they are more likely to be satisfied in their role, with this level of empowerment.
 
Unified commerce
 
More and more companies are prioritising unified commerce strategies. According to Boston Retail Partners’ 2018 POS/Customer Engagement Survey*, 81% plan to have unified commerce within three years — a move that will help them evolve the customer journey and future-proof their businesses. However, only 3% of brands actually deliver unified commerce capabilities today, according to Acosta’s 2017 survey.
 
Creating an application that works for each unique organisation can be challenging, and of course collecting, sharing and aligning all the necessary data sets that will underpin connected commerce will require some work - and company-wide commitment.
 
It can also be difficult to integrate all the necessary touchpoints to facilitate the free flow of information – including stock, logistics, CRM, and sales data – in a secure and compliant manner. Expert advice and ongoing support can be the key to overcoming these challenges and ensuring a transition to more digitally connected stores is properly bedded in.
 
Ultimately, by mastering unified commerce, retailers can offer customers a personalised and interactive gateway to their brand’s wider ecosystem. It’s a big step, but one that the majority of retailers are preparing to take in their journey towards bricks-and-clicks.

Related items

Valspar sees digital boost

By Retail Technology | Retail Technology

Pandora digital transformation gathers pace

By Retail Technology | Retail Technology

Survey: Retail struggling to adapt to digital era

By Retail Technology | Retail Technology

Mall of the Emirates launches digital concierge

By Retail Technology | Retail Technology

Study: UK consumers stay loyal to in-store

By Retail Technology | Retail Technology

Alphamega adds digital transformation partner

By Retail Technology | Retail Technology

Retail’s big reckoning

By Ian Cairns, Enterprise Sales Director, TalkTalk Bu | Ian Cairns, Enterprise Sales Director, TalkTalk Bu

Robert Welch Designs serves up digital transformation

By Retail Technology | Retail Technology

Digital attraction

By Retail Technology | Retail Technology

La Perla Beauty gets digital makeover

By Retail Technology | Retail Technology