What will retailers focus on in 2015? That’s the big question at the National Retail Federation’s Big Show, taking place this week at the Javitz Center in New York City. For many, the driving force this year will be to provide an extraordinary customer experience, and that means investing in technology. From electronic shelf labels, to fitting rooms to electronic shelf labels, technology will power the evolution in how retailers approach and interact with their customers.

Retail industry leaders are driving changes to enhance the customer experience across their channels.

Take electronic shelf labels. LG Innotek, introduced customized ESL solutions for various retail outlets at NRF 2015.  Electronic Shelf Labels are just a small part of the burgeoning Internet of Things (IoT) solutions market; LCDs and electronic paper provide shoppers information on product price, sales promotions, etc. The integration of ESL lets retailers manage the price of all the products in a store, and helps in real-time tracking inventory status. Customers can check on product information and easily find the product as the ESL communicates with their smartphones. ESL can also process the order, payment, and delivery on site.

Once a customer has made a selection, the next stop is often the dressing room. MemoMi’s MemoryMirror is a digital mirror that rolls video, 360-degree viewing and social networking into one high-end retail package. The product itself debuted at last year’s Big Show, but it’s here at the 2015 show again, promoting its alliance with Neiman Marcus and its roll out at the luxury store’s Walnut Creek, Calif., outlet. The MemoryMirror is designed for in-store clothes shopping, capturing stills and video of everything the customer tries on. It’s not in the dressing room — that was deemed too creepy — but is located right outside, in a common area. Using simple body gestures, or via a companion mobile app, the mirror can be controlled to see 360-degree back and side views, observe outfits side by side, and change the color of the clothing. For retailers, the MemoryMirror can gather shopper data by measuring and analyzing in-store behavior.

Finally, after the customer has gathered and tried on his or her items, it’s time to check out. Increasingly, retailers are employing new POS systems to ease that friction point. Whether it’s checking out via an app, through an associate with at tablet, their own smartphone or a traditional POS, consumers today are demanding a seamless, easy payment experience.

At NRF 2015, Retail Pro is demonstrating its comprehensive and flexible software that is aimed at helping retailers evolve their omni-channel strategies. Mid-market and global brands alike can create consistent, impactful customer experiences at every touch point with brand-conscious POS and web-based applications accessible across devices: Ease of use combines with insightful data analysis.

Retail Pro International will be showcasing its retail management software at NRF 2015 through January 13, in booth #1503.

Tags: NRF 2015, Retail Pro