The retail industry has evolved significantly in the past decade, driven by the perpetual release of new, engaging and exciting consumer technologies that have effectively changed commerce forever. Although the release of services, solutions and platforms have appeared to peak, studies and forecasts indicate that retailers will continue to face a complex landscape of customer demands and competitive requirements for years to come with respect to embracing novel technologies. 

Retail customer trends have been closely tied to IT for years now, and those businesses that have been the quickest and swiftest to meet evolving demands tend to enjoy the strongest engagement, retention and attraction of consumers. Keeping one foot in the current and the other in the future is critical to ensure that every opportunity to excel and drive revenues is met with the preparation, agility and timeliness necessary to gain a competitive edge. 

Experts speak
The Guardian recently interviewed several expert marketers regarding the trends shaping the retail sector today, as well as those that are still somewhat rooted in the future. Many of the responses related back to certain technologies that have already become critical components of a successful industry player. Not surprisingly, an emphasis was placed on mobile purchases, ecommerce and continuous consumer engagement. 

According to the news provider, Michelle Whelan, managing partner of an international marketing firm, focused on the increasing ubiquity of breakneck mobile broadband speeds as one indication of where consumer trends are heading. 

"The arrival of universal 4G earlier this year brought with it a more immersive and instant shopping experience than ever before – putting the most exciting features of mobile retail as we know it into high definition," she told The Guardian. "The 4G experience means that far more people will be turning to mobile for shopping, which could mean an extra few million in the coffers of those retailers (such as John Lewis) who have invested in their mobile channel."

More to come
Mobile is just one of the many trends that all retailers need to have on their radar today, and there will be plenty of other disruptive forces entering into the industry before long. By ensuring that the business is functioning optimally and consumer demands are being met in stride, these types of trends will represent opportunity rather than stress to the average retailer.