Consumers in the United Kingdom have been hesitant to fully open their wallets in recent months, as a slow economic recovery coupled with cold weather have impacted the nation and its residents. This has taken a significant toll on retail sales, but despite a drop in April, shoppers are increasingly taking to the web to browse for and buy products from merchants.

According to the latest data from the British Retail Consortium, April saw a 2.2 percent year-over-year drop in retail sales, The Guardian reports. Analysts state that this decrease was mainly due to prolonged winter weather, as the country saw lower-than-normal temperatures throughout the month. This kept many consumers at home and stalled their purchases for summer-related items, the news source notes.

However, ecommerce was a strong point for U.K. retailers last month, explains Internet Retailer. Data from the Interactive Media Retail Group and Capgemini shows that online sales grew 16 percent year-over-year in April. To capture additional sales and attract customers as the weather warms up, merchants can incorporate point of sale systems that process both purchase made on the internet and in brick-and-mortar locations. 

This entry was posted by Retail Pro on Friday, May 24th, 2013 at 10:25 am .

Some people are made for a career in customer service, while others may not be best suited for a job that deals daily with consumers. However, that doesn't mean that valuable people skills cannot be learned by the latter group, and for retailers, offering training opportunities may be just the thing needed for providing exceptional experiences for patrons.

In a blog post, the National Retail Federation Foundation's Senior Director Angela Elder writes that merchants know how important it is to have staff members who know what excellent customer service is. Without these kinds of workers, businesses can set themselves up for failure as patrons will be turned off by bad service. However, Elder asserts that by offering training classes and seminars on best practices for customer service, merchants can boost their retention and loyalty rates by showing they are focused on caring for their shoppers.

Many big brands, such as Macy's, Starbucks and Wal-Mart, are following this method by providing educational opportunities for staff members to enhance their service skills. Elder writes that these companies are offering incentives for employees who participate, which is something that other retailers can do to motivate their workers.

"We see retail companies invest in new technologies, website features, and in-store experiences all the time to try to get ahead," she said. "It only makes sense that employee training programs are following suit."

This entry was posted by Retail Pro on Thursday, May 23rd, 2013 at 12:32 pm .

Convenience, faster processing times and the ability to easily browse for products – these are just some of the reasons why consumers are increasingly using their mobile devices to buy retail merchandise. Whether it's in store or online, mobile purchases are becoming more common within the industry, so merchants need to implement solutions now that accommodate device-carrying customers.

According to a recently released report from the IHL Group, retailers are certainly taking notice of the growth of mobile commerce. The research revealed that the market for mobile POS systems has increased significantly, as it is expected to garner more than $2 billion throughout North America this year. This means that businesses are quickly adopting solutions now that can process mobile payments from consumers, helping to boost satisfaction and loyalty. Companies are buying tablets and smartphones to equip employees with the devices in order to better answer shopper inquiries and accept payments right on the sales floor.

To effectively manage mobile payments and ensure that all processes run as smoothly as possible, merchants should also use a retail point of sale software system that can keep track of all payment forms and provide businesses with a single platform for maintaining control over their operations.

This entry was posted by Retail Pro on Thursday, May 23rd, 2013 at 12:32 pm .

With the variety of applications, features and capabilities of mobile devices these days, it's no surprise that consumers are using smartphones and tablets for various tasks. Whether it's managing their personal finances, keeping up with work-related duties or staying in touch with others, these gadgets have made daily life just a little bit easier for individuals who own them. These devices are quickly making their way into the retail realm as well, and consumers are increasingly using smartphones and tablets for shopping purposes, both in stores and on merchants' websites.

If companies want to ensure they are able to accommodate patrons who prefer using their mobile devices when browsing for and purchasing products, making the move now to implement solutions will give retailers the chance to satisfy existing customers and capture new business. But first, merchants need to understand the role that mobile commerce is playing in the industry and what the average mobile consumer is like.

Devices taking up ecommerce
According to a recent study by comScore, the first quarter of 2013 saw significant growth in terms of U.S. ecommerce. The research revealed that there was a total of $50.2 billion spent online during the first three months of this year, representing a 13 percent increase from the same time in 2012. ComScore also discovered that although desktop and laptop computers made up slightly more than half of those purchases, 48 percent were done from mobile devices, with 34 percent on smartphones and 14 percent on tablets. Analysts anticipate the use of mobile gadgets for web shopping will continue to grow in the coming years.

What is the average mobile shopper like?
So now that retailers know how increasingly important mobile commerce is becoming within their industry, next they need to fully understand what the average mobile consumer is like so they can incorporate solutions that fit customers' needs. Internet Retailer reports that a study by Forrester Research revealed the mobile devices owners are mainly using their gadgets to browse for and compare products, then opting to either purchase merchandise in stores or online.

In addition, Forrester found that when it comes to shopping through their mobile devices, consumers prefer to access companies' websites that are optimized for smaller screens rather than utilize a mobile application.

So what does this mean for retailers? It means they should act now to ensure their web platforms are easy to use on devices and also that they offer point of sale systems that can accept mobile payments, among other forms.

This entry was posted by Retail Pro on Thursday, May 23rd, 2013 at 7:20 am .

Consumers are constantly looking for more personalized communications from their favorite brands these days, as this makes them feel appreciated and valued. In the past, businesses had to rely on outdated methods to gather customer details and make interactions more personal. But thanks to the emergence of new point of sale technology, companies can now collect a variety of information from patrons and use it to improve their retention and loyalty programs through enhanced communications.

However, just because these POS solutions give merchants the ability to effectively store various details about shoppers doesn't mean that businesses don't have to ensure that all of that information is accurate. In fact, it is now increasingly vital that retailers keep track of this data and review it frequently to make sure it is correct. Making this a regular task can result in more personalized communications, and in turn, higher customer retention.

Collect email at POS for ultimate success
When processing transactions both in stores and online, retailers collect a variety of information from consumers – credit card numbers, name and address, among other details. For the most part, this data is used for purchasing procedures, but by collecting and storing the information, companies can ensure they are effectively leveraging these details to enhance consumer communications.

In an article for The Drum, James Murray writes it is crucial that merchants gather the correct data at point of sale, and this can be accomplished in several ways. Murray recommends that businesses ask shoppers to verify their email address, names and other details, either in brick-and-mortar locations or on websites.

Then, the author notes, companies have this information stored in their systems and they know it is accurate. This means that any in-store interactions or messages sent via email contain relevant information that makes customers feel valued. Murray states that ensuring data accuracy is one way that businesses can convert a first-time shopper into a loyal patron.

Choose the right POS system
Of course, to maintain all of this necessary information and to make communications more personalized, companies will want to be sure they choose the right point of sale systems that can collect and store consumer data. Implementing a solution that manages both store operations and web platforms gives merchants a tool that contains all of the information they need to develop successful strategies, whether it be for personalized interactions, better marketing or improved inventory processes, among other factors.

This entry was posted by Retail Pro on Wednesday, May 22nd, 2013 at 1:35 pm .

As a retail industry professional, you probably have a certain way of conducting your operations. These methods may work for only you, or they may be beneficial to others in your sector as well. This is why networking with your peers is vital for your success – by connecting with others, you get the chance to learn about their strategies and techniques, which in turn can boost your business.

At this year's Retail Pro Global Conference in Barcelona, Spain, Business Partners and Customers will have the opportunity to network with the entire Retail Pro Community to share stories and learn from one another. Registration information for the October event can be found at https://www.retailpro.com/Community/2013Conference/Registration.php.

Retail Pro's Customers the world over have greatly benefited from the company's technology solutions, such as health and skincare product seller Comvita which uses the Retail Pro EPOS system to manage its operations while still maintaining flexibility. Another Customer, apparel and accessories merchant Victorinox, leverages both a POS and CRM Retail Pro solution that effectively fits its needs and ensures optimal streamlined processes.

By attending this year's conference, you can hear from other Retail Pro Customers about how the company's technology is boosting their operations and bringing them retail success.

This entry was posted by Retail Pro on Wednesday, May 22nd, 2013 at 10:45 am .

Consumers across the country have been feeling the financial pinch of the economic recession. And while conditions are steadily getting better, many individuals are still reluctant to open their wallets, which is putting a strain on retail sales. However, there are steps merchants can take to encourage shoppers to visit their stores and websites, including offering promotions. Not only do discounts and deals attract consumers, but these methods also significantly benefit merchants' operations. Therefore, providing promotions is one successful way in which businesses can help both hesitant consumers and their own bottom lines.

Low-income individuals not spending
According to Reuters, many large retailers throughout the country are reporting lower-than-normal sales totals due to recent cold weather and increased payroll taxes. These big-name brands include Wal-Mart, Macy's and Kohl's, among others. Companies have seen their profits drop recently, and many are attributing the decreases to not only frigid temperatures of the past months, but also to lower-income consumers keeping their purchases to the bare necessities.

"We are seeing some weakness amongst our more budget-conscious, what we call deal-hunting, customers," Macy's Chief Financial Officer Karen Hoguet told analysts this week, as reported by the source.

To combat this trend, many merchants are making plans to enhance existing products and services as well as offer new items at better prices, Reuters notes. Analysts stated that consumers are looking for merchandise at decent prices, so if businesses want to capture additional sales and build their customer base, providing promotions is the way to do it.

How do promotions benefit retailers?
When following new strategies, companies want to be sure that not only are their patrons benefiting from the methods, but that their own operations will get a boost as well. This is why many merchants turn to offering promotions, as Business 2 Community notes that these incentives are just the thing both parties need. The source explains that changes in prices within the retail industry over the past few years have led to a rise in discounts and deals. However, providing promotions is done more so for alterations in competitors' pricing instead of consumer demand.

The source states that is not the best strategy to follow, as retailers who take a different approach will be the ones who see the most from their promotional methods.

"To improve profit margins, retailers must begin to think more strategically about promotions, empower their marketing departments and measure the true cost of ticketing," the source asserts.

This entry was posted by Retail Pro on Wednesday, May 22nd, 2013 at 5:30 am .

It seems as though nearly everything is online these days, and that means that for retailers, offering simple and effective web platforms for customers is essential. Fortunately, solutions like Retail Pro E-Commerce give merchants the tools to provide online shoppers with an enjoyable web experience. Interested industry professionals can learn all about Retail Pro E-Commerce at Thursday's webinar, taking place from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. PDT. Registration information can be found at https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/988869930.

Product Manager for Retail Pro E-Commerce and Retail Pro Business Intelligence Neil McKeown will be presenting the webinar, and attendees will have the chance to see how the solution works through live demonstrations and discussions. By using Retail Pro E-Commerce, companies are able to save time by having one platform that stores and processes all information related to online sales. In addition, the technology can support multiple web stores, meaning several systems are no longer needed to manage various sites.

Retail Pro E-Commerce gives retailers the ability to create their own web platforms on which to display their products to consumers. Businesses can either design their sites from scratch or make use of the already-developed templates in order to make an attractive and enticing internet storefront.

This entry was posted by Retail Pro on Tuesday, May 21st, 2013 at 9:43 am .

As the U.S. economy continues on its path to recovery, one reassuring sign of steady improvement has been consumer confidence levels and their impact on the nation's retail sales. While there have been fluctuations in recent months, for the most part, conditions are looking up as American shoppers are heading back to merchants' stores and websites to purchase products.

According to the latest MarketPulse survey from Information Resources, Inc., consumer sentiment rose during the first quarter of this year following a decline in 2012's fourth quarter. At the end of last year, consumer sentiment was at 94, the lowest level since 2011. However, the first three months of 2013 saw a sharp jump, with sentiment coming in at 103, showing that American consumers are becoming increasingly confident in their financial conditions and the economy.

This sentiment boost was perhaps one factor that led to a growth in retail sales during April. USA Today reports that data from the Commerce Department revealed that sales rose 0.1 percent last month, beating expectations of a 0.3 percent decrease. This is welcome news for retailers, as they begin to stock their shelves with summer merchandise in anticipation of a busy shopping season.

This entry was posted by Retail Pro on Tuesday, May 21st, 2013 at 7:07 am .

Technology has been making consumers' lives easier for many years, as individuals can use computers and now mobile devices to access bank accounts, keep in touch with others and shop for retail products. Merchants have begun taking notice of this increasing technological trend and are doing two things – first, they are implementing systems that accommodate customers who prefer to use their devices to browse for and purchase items; and second, businesses are incorporating solutions that enhance their own operations. Whatever the reason, technology is helping to boost retailers' strategies, whether they pertain to customer satisfaction or improving internal processes.

Data collection, mobile are top priorities
With the emergence of technology has come the ability to capture a plethora of consumer information through websites, mobile applications and in-store programs. In fact, this method is one of the top trends currently being seen within the retail industry, according to research by RetailNext. When it comes to collecting data from shoppers in brick-and-mortar locations, 60 percent of merchants surveyed stated they have significantly increased their efforts to do this in the past two years.This is helping them to create better marketing campaigns and connect more with patrons.

There are other technological elements on retailers' minds, the study revealed. Sixty-two percent of respondents said that omnichannel operations is a main focus for them that they will be using systems and solutions to accomplish in the next five years. Offering mobile POS options in their stores was cited by 48 percent of companies, while 43 percent said they will also be giving more attention to Big Data.

These answers show that technology will be increasingly used over the next several years within the retail industry so that businesses can improve their operations and offer more personalized and effective services for their customers.

Technology creates streamlined experiences
Perhaps one of the biggest advantages of utilizing technology is the fact that the various systems and solutions can streamline customers' experiences no matter on which the channel they interact with brands, writes Retail Digital. However, building multichannel experiences requires some time and effort from businesses, but it is made easier with the help of technology. The source explains that analyzing data about consumers and their preferences gives companies the ability to improve their operations, whether in the form of more knowledgeable employees, better organized storefronts and websites or listing up-to-date product information.

This entry was posted by Retail Pro on Tuesday, May 21st, 2013 at 4:37 am .