Consumer confidence levels and spending are up, but many Americans are still concerned about federal budget cuts and how they will impact personal finances. Retailers are feeling the effects of this, as sales volumes in February grew but certain cautions remain for the coming months.

A report from Thomson Reuters revealed that a survey of 13 large retailers throughout the United States experienced a 1.8 percent jump in sales from January. This was better than analysts' forecast, which was 1.2 percent. Seventy-three percent of companies beat these estimates in their February sales, while 27 percent did not meet expectations.

However, there were several factors that hindered last month's retail sales, mainly in the form of severe winter weather. The Associated Press reports that although February is usually the time when businesses replace winter merchandise with spring and summer-related items, the onslaught of winter storms throughout the country did not encourage consumers to stock up on products for the coming warmer months. In addition to these conditions, increases in payroll taxes and ongoing uncertainty pertaining to federal budget cuts also impacted customers' purchases, the news source notes.

This entry was posted by Retail Pro on Monday, March 11th, 2013 at 5:31 am .

Canada has been experiencing many ups and downs since the economic recession, and recent findings from two different studies show that while overall retail sales decreased in December, Canadian consumers are increasingly going online to purchase items. This means that to boost sales, merchants should put more effort into making their ecommerce platforms more effective.

The Financial Post reports that research from Statistics Canada found that throughout December, retail sales dropped 2.1 percent. This follows five consecutive months of slight increases. The sales figures for the last month of 2012 are the biggest drop since April 2012, the source reports. Weaker price gains also contributed to the declines in retail sales, and some analysts are predicting that growth will continue to be painfully slow in the coming months.

On the other hand, businesses got a boost in sales from ecommerce purchases in 2012, as research from comScore revealed that Canadian consumers are taking to the internet to browse for and buy items. Internet Retailer reports that the study discovered that spending through retail websites reached $22.3 billion last year, representing a 9.9 percent jump from 2011. Transactions also increased, coming to a total of 105.3 million in 2012 compared to 90 million the previous year, the source notes.

This entry was posted by Retail Pro on Friday, March 8th, 2013 at 7:57 am .

Look anywhere these days, and chances are someone has a smartphone or tablet in their hand. These mobile devices are changing the way that people perform daily tasks, and the trend is now carrying over into the retail industry. For this reason, now is the time for retailers to adopt technology solutions that accommodate mobile consumers, or else risk losing them to competitors.

The growing importance of mobile devices within retail operations was one of the most discussed topics at this year's Mobile World Congress, which took place last month in Barcelona, Spain. A survey by SAP conducted at the event revealed that more than half of industry professionals (53 percent) stated they believe the key to improving device-carrying consumers' experiences is through mobile service, such as POS, product comparison, coupons and discounts as well as other factors..

"We are seeing a maturing of the mobile payments market, as we move from a service that is driven by person-to-person payments to one that must tackle the challenges of the retail environment," said Diarmuid Mallon, lead of Global Mobile Marketing Programs at SAP. "It is clear from our survey that in addition to improving the payment experience, mobile wallet apps need to support a multitude of services such as loyalty and couponing."

Retail management software solutions help provide more streamlined mobile POS processes for merchants and customers.

This entry was posted by Retail Pro on Friday, March 8th, 2013 at 7:07 am .

Engaging with customers is one of the main aspects of running retail operations, both in stores and online. Whether it is helping shoppers at brick-and-mortar locations or assisting web consumers with their purchases online, merchants know how important exceptional service and experiences are. Failing to engage customers and find solution to their issues may mean declines in retention and loyalty. Fortunately, there are many strategies that businesses can follow to ensure satisfactory interactions with and experiences for their shoppers. Merchants can even use technology systems such as retail POS to enhance consumers' time in stores and on websites.

Patrons want personalized retail experiences
According to a recent study by MyBuys, shoppers are constantly looking to do business with brands that focus on customers and tailor experiences based on individuals' needs. The research revealed that elements such as emails and personalized online advertisements significantly help to boost retention and loyalty. Fifty-seven percent of consumers stated emails that contain content that is relevant to their needs entices them to browse for and purchase items from the retailers that sent the messages. Additionally, 35 percent of respondents said web advertisements tailored to what they are looking for will prompt them to buy from brands.

Merchants can also use information such as shoppers' past purchases to develop messages, both at brick-and-mortar locations and on websites, that help individuals find similar merchandise. The survey found that nearly 60 percent of consumers prefer to have personalized product recommendations from retailers. Companies can use data to offer coupons and discounts on related items when shoppers are in stores as well as on ecommerce sites. Technology solutions such as retail management software can store all of this information and allow brands to organize it effectively in order to develop targeted messages.

Other ways to boost customer experiences
While personalization is one of the main keys to offering exceptional customer experiences, there are other strategies that retailers can follow as well to ensure the best possible interactions. Retail Info Systems News writes that companies should focus on providing excellent multichannel operations by creating consistent elements through their stores, websites and other communication forms. Also, the source notes that to build increased loyalty, businesses should analyze their customers' needs and then work to provide the products and service to fit those desires for ultimate satisfaction.

This entry was posted by Retail Pro on Thursday, March 7th, 2013 at 1:21 pm .

Retailers have a variety of operational tasks they face each day. This includes marketing products and services, keeping track of  finances and managing employees, to name a few. There are strategies that merchants follow to effectively oversee all of these elements, and while some may rely on traditional or manual processes, the use of technology solutions can significantly boost businesses' efficiency and productivity. Systems such as retail management software, mobile POS and other devices gives companies additional tools for improving a variety of aspects. Another incentive for merchants to adopt these kinds of solutions is that consumers are increasingly using technology for shopping purposes, so to accommodate these customers, various implementations need to be made. If retailers fail to do this, they run the risk of losing consumers to competitors, ultimately driving down revenue.

Keeping doors open with technology
The Computer Business Review reports that research from Virgin Media Business revealed that incorporating technology into retail operations can not only improve businesses, but can even save them from closing their doors. The survey found that 88 percent of chief information officers believe that adopting new solutions and systems has boosted their companies, both in-stores and online.

"It's clear that retailers need to improve the shopping experience they're offering the customer – ensuring the online and in store experiences are seamless," Tony Grace, COO at Virgin Media Business, told the source. "Bringing online tools into the high street, such as virtual fitting rooms, and combining the sales channels will ultimately make for a richer and more engaging shopping experience. "

This means that for consumers wanting to pay with their mobile devices at brick-and-mortar locations, businesses should have mobile POS solutions in place to process transactions. However, adopting technology that is not needed can hurt merchants, so companies should determine what kind of systems their customers want, the source writes.

Unique retail technologies currently in use
There are several unique forms of technology that are currently being used by businesses and are proving successful, reports Retail Info Systems. Touch-based devices, such as screens, holographic systems and transparent LCDs are bringing in futuristic elements into brick-and-mortar locations. This in turn is helping to draw in customers. In addition, captive portal and passive analytics allow merchants to analyze shoppers' behaviors in-stores and then offer them discounts, dispatch associates to answer questions and provide personalized interactions, the source writes.

This entry was posted by Retail Pro on Thursday, March 7th, 2013 at 5:26 am .

Retailers have a variety of operational tasks they face each day. This includes marketing products and services, keeping track of  finances and managing employees, to name a few. There are strategies that merchants follow to effectively oversee all of these elements, and while some may rely on traditional or manual processes, the use of technology solutions can significantly boost businesses' efficiency and productivity. Systems such as retail management software, mobile POS and other devices gives companies additional tools for improving a variety of aspects. Another incentive for merchants to adopt these kinds of solutions is that consumers are increasingly using technology for shopping purposes, so to accommodate these customers, various implementations need to be made. If retailers fail to do this, they run the risk of losing consumers to competitors, ultimately driving down revenue.

Keeping doors open with technology
The Computer Business Review reports that research from Virgin Media Business revealed that incorporating technology into retail operations can not only improve businesses, but can even save them from closing their doors. The survey found that 88 percent of chief information officers believe that adopting new solutions and systems has boosted their companies, both in-stores and online.

"It's clear that retailers need to improve the shopping experience they're offering the customer – ensuring the online and in store experiences are seamless," Tony Grace, COO at Virgin Media Business, told the source. "Bringing online tools into the high street, such as virtual fitting rooms, and combining the sales channels will ultimately make for a richer and more engaging shopping experience. "

This means that for consumers wanting to pay with their mobile devices at brick-and-mortar locations, businesses should have mobile POS solutions in place to process transactions. However, adopting technology that is not needed can hurt merchants, so companies should determine what kind of systems their customers want, the source writes.

Unique retail technologies currently in use
There are several unique forms of technology that are currently being used by businesses and are proving successful, reports Retail Info Systems. Touch-based devices, such as screens, holographic systems and transparent LCDs are bringing in futuristic elements into brick-and-mortar locations. This in turn is helping to draw in customers. In addition, captive portal and passive analytics allow merchants to analyze shoppers' behaviors in-stores and then offer them discounts, dispatch associates to answer questions and provide personalized interactions, the source writes.

This entry was posted by Retail Pro on Thursday, March 7th, 2013 at 4:26 am .

Retailers are constantly looking for ways to boost their ecommerce customer service, and merchants adopt many methods to achieve this goal. Self-service options, simple checkout processes and free returns are just some of the strategies used by businesses to make their web shoppers happy.

Now, a new trend is emerging, and as large ecommerce companies like Amazon and Google Shops employ it, it is only a matter of time until many web merchants are offering same-day shipping to customers. Advertising Age reports that the speed and convenience offered by the shipping method could attract more consumers online. The source cites a study by Forrester Research which estimates that by 2016, ecommerce sales will reach $327 billion. This means that shoppers will be taking to the web to buy a variety of products, ranging from everyday items to bigger purchases, such as cars. Internet retailers will want to ensure they are providing exceptional service, and same-day shipping is one way to accomplish this.

However, the notion of same-day shipping may take some time to catch on among consumers, as a study by The Boston Consulting Group found that only 9 percent of respondents said this offering would entice them to shop online. Free delivery and lower prices ranked above same-day shipping, Reuters reports.

This entry was posted by Retail Pro on Wednesday, March 6th, 2013 at 10:49 am .

For retailers looking to streamline their operations and improve their administrative efficiency, Retail Pro Prism is the right tool. Interested retail industry professionals can learn all about the features, benefits and capabilities of Retail Pro's most flexible POS solution at the Retail Pro Prism webinar on Thursday, March 7, which will take place between 8 a.m. and 9 a.m. PST. Registration information can be found at https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/247882570.

Attendees will learn all about the unique features of Retail Pro Prism through a detailed demonstration and presentation from Ket Venethongkham, Director of Retail Pro University. The solution provides retailers with thin-client architecture, reduced maintenance needs and real-time data access to enhance mobile and desktop point of sale systems.

Other capabilities of Retail Pro Prism include the easy creation of customer orders, tokenized EFT support and accurate inventory information storage. Businesses using Retail Pro Prism will see a more flexible and fully customizable user interface as well as real-time communication abilities, ensuring that all retail systems stay up-to-date with latest and most correct data. These features and much more will be available to be seen firsthand at the Retail Pro Prism webinar on Thursday.

This entry was posted by Retail Pro on Tuesday, March 5th, 2013 at 7:07 am .

Consumers are increasingly going online to browse for, research and buy products, as they prefer the convenience and fast transaction times the channel offers. For merchants, online sales are climbing and customer satisfaction is improving. However, businesses need to look out for instances of fraud, as hackers are targeting internet shoppers to steal their payment information.

Internet Retailer reports that a study from Trustwave revealed that merchants' ecommerce sites made up 45 percent of the systems targeted by cybercriminals in 2012. Of the breaches that occurred, the research revealed that 96 percent went after payment information, such as consumer data gleaned from credit and debit cards. Trustwave also discovered that a significant amount of attacks originated within the United States, coming in at 29 percent. Only Romania had more breaches, with 33.4 percent.

To combat this fraud and protect customers' vital information, businesses can adopt retail software that provides extra levels of security. Dynamic Business writes that having secure payment gateways on sites lets shoppers know their data won't be compromised. In addition, offering companies' contact details gives consumers a way to reach out in case of breaches or instances of fraud, the source notes.

This entry was posted by Retail Pro on Monday, March 4th, 2013 at 11:27 am .

It's no surprise that retail websites are fast becoming a preferred method of shopping for many consumers, and this trend is helping to boost merchants' revenues and customer retention efforts. To keep this success going, businesses need to focus on offering exceptional experiences for web patrons.

According to a recent survey from CouponCabin, one of the biggest perks that retailers provide to internet shoppers is free shipping. However, this may become more difficult for companies to offer this year, as major shipping carriers have announced they will be increasing their prices by 5 percent, which will in turn be passed on to merchants and ultimately, customers. On the other hand, CouponCabin found that even though shoppers know these additional expenses will impact them, 51 percent stated they are "neither more or less likely to shop online."

Although retailers will have to determine how they will handle these shipping increases, there are other steps they can take to boost their ecommerce customer service, which will help enhance their retention and loyalty efforts. Business 2 Community suggests that merchants provide shoppers with instant updates on their purchases, as well as offer quick and easy options for consumers to contact companies to resolve any issues.

This entry was posted by Retail Pro on Monday, March 4th, 2013 at 4:24 am .