Retailers need to streamline technology services to meet consumer demands
Tech-savvy shoppers these days expect high-quality experiences when they visit retailers, whether online or at brick-and-mortar locations. CIO pointed to trends such as showrooming and the rise in ecommerce spending as reasons retailers will need to look more closely at the services they provide customers and how applications can be streamlined into an omnichannel platform for more efficient use.
"Starting in 2014 and continuing over the next two to three years, retail will reinvent itself as omnichannel leaders reach for customer relationship, relevancy and reciprocity," said Robert Parker, vice president and general manager of IDC retail, Energy and Manufacturing Group.
Ecommerce software that provides secure point of sale options across devices, for example, may prove especially useful as more shoppers turn to their smartphones and tablets to visit retail sites. Marketing will play a major role in coming years as well. This sector of retail, along with advertising technology, is expected to grow 50 percent by 2017, according to CIO.
One way retailers can embrace omnichannel strategies is to create a custom, personalized experience for every shopper. Apparel reported that combining personalization with product transparency can provide real-time feedback for customers.
