Retailers have been incorporating technology solutions into their brick-and-mortar locations for a while, but now that consumers are bringing in their own technology in the form of smartphones and tablets, companies are having to adopt solutions to accommodate these customers.

Econsultancy reports that research from JiWire revealed that 43 percent of shoppers use their mobile devices while on-the-go to research retail products and compare prices. In addition, 44 percent of smartphone and tablet-using individuals state that the availability of Wi-Fi in merchants' storefronts actually influences their decision to visit businesses. For these reasons, it is important for retailers to consider offering Wi-Fi access in their brick-and-mortar locations, as this can help to draw in passing consumers. Perhaps offering location-based discounts for nearby patrons will sweeten the deal.

To further accommodate customers who like to use devices while out and about, merchants can incorporate systems such as mobile POS technology that accepts and processes payments from mobile gadgets. Consumers are not only utilizing their devices to browse for products, but they are using them to purchase merchandise as well. Making these procedures faster and more streamlined for shoppers boosts satisfaction and loyalty.

This entry was posted by Retail Pro on Friday, March 15th, 2013 at 10:46 am .