How will technology continue to change brick-and-mortar retail?
As technology advances, it continually shapes the face of nearly every industry, and retail is no exception. A few decades ago, computers were not a part of the retail equation, but now they help with everything from running POS software and managing inventory to tracking sales and marketing efforts. Many brick-and-mortar stores employ modern technology like tablets and smartphones to enhance the customer experience as well, and odds are that this trend will continue as more devices, new technology and better retail management software become available.
One product in the pipeline that could have far-reaching possibilities in the retail world is Google Glass. Sales associates on the retail floor may be able to use the wearable technology to better assist their clientele and enhance onmichannel opportunities for businesses. The Washington Post reported one way for retailers to take advantage of this is to create a system that links customer data with Google Glass, allowing employees to better serve shoppers, as they'll have access to an individual's preferences and past purchases.
Apple's iBeacon will likely play a large role in this technology. The new ecommerce software, which has been included in Apple products since last year, gives retailers the ability to target potential customers within a small radius of the brick-and-mortar location. The Guardian suggested that this could be used to alert shoppers to special deals or even give them the opportunity to submit shopping lists and have their items ready for pickup later on.
