When adopting a new strategy, retailers often take the time to think it through and decide if it is what is best for their operations in the long run. This can apply to a wide range of situations, from marketing methods, updating inventory, customer loyalty programs and many others. One aspect that many merchants are giving more thought to is mobile technology. Businesses are noticing that customers now prefer to use their smartphones and tablets to browse for and buy products, both in physical storefronts and online.

Because of this growing trend, retailers are focusing their attention on accommodating their shoppers by offering mobile options. By doing so, brands are able to boost loyalty, increase sales and even outperform their competitors. Mobile is no longer something that can be put on the backburner by merchants; instead, it is now a required aspect of operations if retailers want to succeed.

Mobile at the forefront of retail
There are many indications pointing to the growth of mobile within the retail industry, and one such sign is a recent study conducted by IMRG Capgemini. Internet Retailing reported that according to the research, the M-Commerce Index increased 136 percent between June 2013 and June 2012.

"The M-Commerce Index remains strong as consumer confidence in purchasing goods and services via smartphones and tablets continue to grow," stated Chris Webster, VP, head of retail consulting and technology at Capgemini. "The findings provide further evidence of the value mobile technologies have brought to the retail sector as consumers continue to shop via this channel."

What else can mobile do for retailers?
Perhaps one of the main reasons that merchants are increasingly implementing mobile technology into their operations is to increase retail sales and boost loyalty. However, there are many other benefits that companies can experience, some of which were highlighted in a recent article from Fierce Mobile Content.

Providing mobile point of sale and other options gives businesses the chance to empower and engage their employees, the source explained. Associates can have mobile devices right on the sales floor to effectively answer customer inquiries and look up information pertaining to various processes. In addition, the source noted that customer communications also get a boost from mobile technology, as employees are not tied down to cash registers and can complete transactions from anywhere within the storefront.

All of these advantages and more can be seen with mobile technology. All retailers need is the dedication, time and willingness to learn with the right POS solutions.

The primary task of a smartphone or tablet is to display content and messages for users. This can be in the form of an email, a social media profile, a news article or any other piece of information. As the use of mobile devices continues to grow, especially within the retail industry, businesses are now looking at how they can broadcast messages and details about their products and services through the gadgets to potential and existing customers. By taking this approach, merchants can ensure that they are reaching out to consumers through the channel they prefer. Additionally, retailers are able to bring in more revenue through mobile sales, and by implementing mobile point of sale options, they can capture repeat business and increase patron satisfaction. 

Mobile purchases keep rising
It's now widely known throughout the retail sector that the mobile channel is not going anywhere anytime soon. In fact, the use of smartphones and tablets keeps rising, as consumers prefer the convenience and quick transactions that the gadgets provide. Internet Retailer reported that technology provider Branding Brand studied 18 merchants that currently have mobile commerce strategies in place, and found that purchases made through the devices reached a total of 17.6 percent of overall sales, accounting for $31.7 million for the 18 companies in June. The source explained that these figures are expected to increase in the coming years, as businesses put more focus on promoting their mobile channels and consumers prefer to browse and shop using their devices.

Merchants move to boost mobile traffic
Many reports, such as the one produced by Branding Brand, have pointed to mobile commerce growth within the retail industry. As companies have learned of the importance that mobile can play for making their operations successful, more merchants are putting more time, effort and money into developing mobile elements for their customers.

The National Retail Federation noted that a study by Shop.org revealed that 87 percent of retailers surveyed stated that they currently or plan to have methods in place for optimizing their email messages for smartphones and tablets. Paid search is another strategy that is receiving more attention, as seven in 10 companies will implement this into their current mobile operations.

By developing these types of elements, merchants can ensure that their mobile channels capture new business and satisfy existing patrons. In addition, by adopting mobile point of sale solutions, retailers will be able to quickly process transactions from mobile consumers, helping to build brand loyalty.

Although mobile technology is still relatively new to the retail industry, the impact it has had is significant. This can be seen through the consumers who prefer to browse for, compare and purchase products through their devices, both in stores and online. For this reason, it is vital that merchants develop effective mobile strategies for their patrons, or else risk losing valuable business due to poor experiences on smartphones and tablets.

Business 2 Community took a look at what can happen to a business that creates a less-than-stellar mobile experience. Citing a study from ResearchNow, the source noted there are several elements that, when combined, make for a poor mobile experience for customers. For one, when a website is not optimized for viewing on smartphones and tablets, consumers can get easily frustrated and abandon their purchases. Additionally, navigation tools that are too complicated are another factor that turns patrons off from brands, the source explained.

The ResearchNow study revealed that 35 percent of individuals are likely to never do business with a retailer that offers a bad mobile experience. This is a significant number of consumers, meaning that retailers should make the move now to develop their strategies and implement solutions that cater to mobile consumers. Mobile point of sale software and loyalty programs that can be accessed via devices are some of the best ways to enhance customers' experiences.

Due to potential legislation requiring online merchants to collect sales taxes from customer purchasing products on the web, many businesses may soon need to start figuring state and local sales taxes into their operations if the bill passes the House of Representatives. While this may seem overwhelming at first, point of sale solutions and retail management software can help ecommerce retailers ensure they are accurately collecting, processing and transmitting the right tax amounts if they are required to.

The Washington Times reported that Washington state is considering requiring online businesses to collect state and local taxes on Internet purchases. This is an idea that is supported by many states as they await the House vote. These taxes will give state governments more revenue and make the marketplace a bit more balanced, as brick-and-mortar retailers currently have to collect these taxes already. However, the source noted that many ecommerce companies are not so keen about potentially adding these taxes into their operations.

The main reason for this opposition is that collecting, processing and transferring these amounts to state and local governments can be confusing and overwhelming procedure, the news source explained. Fortunately, retailers can use point of sale software systems to help them manage the various local and state tax codes if the bill is eventually passed.

Mobile devices are everywhere – people have them when they are walking down the street, when they are commuting and even when they are relaxing at home. These gadgets provide a variety of benefits for users, namely convenience when wanting to complete various tasks. For this reason, many consumers have used their smartphones and tablets when browsing for and purchasing items from retail brands.

When this trend first started happening, merchants were not sure if it would catch on. Now, businesses know that mobile devices are not going anywhere anytime soon, and if they want to accommodate patrons who prefer to shop and pay with their smartphones and tablets, steps should be taken now to implement solutions such as mobile point of sale systems into their operations.

Mobile can be used both in-store and online
Whether an individual prefers to shop at brick-and-mortar locations or online – or a combination of both – having the preferred systems in place is vital for retailers to retain customers. Mobile transactions are fast becoming a favorite way of consumers to pay for merchandise, reported Point of Sale News. By adopting mobile solutions, merchants are adding to the customer experience they provide and this in turn is resulting in higher patron satisfaction, which is key to retaining valuable shoppers, the source explained.

In addition, incorporating mobile devices into in-store operations, such as equipping employees with these gadgets, can also go a long way to enhancing customer satisfaction. The source asserted that giving associates smartphones and tablets while on the sales floor allows them to quickly answer customers' questions and look up information about products. This adds to the convenience that mobile technology provides and offers benefits for both merchants and their patrons.

Best steps for effective mobile implementation
After making the decision to implement mobile solutions, retailers must then consider which type of technology will be best for their operations and will satisfy their customers. To do this successfully, Business Solutions recommended that companies first research and compare the various options available to them. Fully understanding the capabilities, costs and upkeep of potential systems gives retailers the chance to find the right specifications for them.

In addition, the source suggested that finding a solution that can be integrated with existing and future technologies is key to ensuring that mobile technologies will be able to accommodate device-carrying consumers in the best way possible.

For larger retailers, the amount of customer data, inventory processes and other vital operations dealt with on a daily basis have created a significant need for technology to effectively manage all of this information. It may seem that for smaller merchants, new solutions and systems aren't needed as much to keep operations going, but the fact is that these independent retailers can see the same benefits from technology systems that their larger counterparts experience.

Forbes Magazine noted that many small retail outlet owners may think that technology could be a waste of time, as they are rooted in their old ways of doing things. However, solutions such as retail management software can help merchants oversee their companies more effectively and highlight areas that need improvement. The source asserted that software systems will become even more important as the current push for buying from smaller retailers continues to spread. Many consumers prefer shopping with independent merchants as they focus more on customer service, and this will result in more business, meaning that companies will need technology in place to deal with increased sales and customer retention rates.

Solutions such as point of sale software help merchants accept and process all payment forms as well as gather customer data that can be used to enhance service strategies and capture new patrons.

Mobile devices are being increasingly used by consumers for shopping, both in brick-and-mortar locations and for ecommerce. In merchants' storefronts, these gadgets have been mostly utilized for researching, comparing and browsing for products. However, now they are being used to complete transactions, as customers like the convenience and speed mobile devices provide during the check out process.

Mad Mobile News reported that mobile point of sale solutions are getting more focus from retailers across the world, as many businesses are seeing a change in shopper demands for these systems to be in place. However, the source noted that many merchants are not eager to adopt the technology, as they aren't exactly sure if the payment method will take off in the near future. The source asserted that as consumers continue to use their mobile devices for a variety of daily tasks – including shopping – merchants will see just how important it will be to implement mobile POS solutions into their operations.

By doing this, companies can significantly boost their retention rates and create loyal patrons. For retailers that are hesitant about managing yet another payment form, finding the right point of sale software is the answer. These platforms are able to process all transactions and provide customers with an easy and fast check out experience.

When shopping with a brand, customers want to know their business is appreciated. If they don't feel this way, they could easily turn to shopping with another merchant. Fortunately, personalized interactions are one tool that retailers can use to ensure their patrons feel valued, and businesses can use point of sales software solution to gather vital information that can help them make customer communications more personal.

There are many details pertaining to consumers that merchants can gather, but without the ability to store, access and analyze this data, how can businesses ensure they are effectively leveraging this information to boost personalization initiatives? This is where point of sale software can help. Retail Leader noted that this technology not only processes payments, but it collects a variety of customer data, including gender, age, geographic location, products bought, preferred shopping and communication channels and much more.

With this information in their possession, merchants can then look at the data to determine what future products would appeal to patrons and send them relevant offerings based upon these details. Additionally, interacting with customers through their preferred channels provides businesses with the opportunity to increase engagement and, ultimately, their revenues.

In the past, retailers normally had to contend with accepting cash payments from customers. Then along came credit and debit cards, and merchants adopted processing machines to help with the influx of plastic. Now, a new payment form is taking the industry by storm, as consumers are preferring to use their mobile devices to shop for and buy products. For this reason, it is vital that businesses implement the right point of sale solution for their needs that can process transactions from all payment types. If companies think that updating their POS systems is not for them at the moment, they risk losing out on valuable business from shoppers who want to use their smartphones and tablets to purchase merchandise.

Access essential data with POS
The main benefit of incorporating a new point of sale solution into retail operations is that it is able to accept all payment methods, meaning that brands are likely to increase customer satisfaction through fast and easy transactions. However, there are other large advantages that merchants can experience with up-to-date POS technology. One of these is having access to customer data, such as purchase histories, product preferences and contact details, Point of Sale News reported. This information can be vital for developing marketing campaigns, creating loyalty programs and crafting many other initiatives that help businesses retain existing patrons and attract new ones.

The news source pointed out that consumers have needs and wants when it comes to shopping, and retailers need to be prepared to accommodate those factors and boost satisfaction, all of which can be done by using the information gathered by POS solutions. Point of Sale News highlighted two companies that upgraded their systems and were able to see immediate success when it came to engaging with shoppers, as the information they had in their systems allowed them to more effectively interact with their client base.

Of course, companies need to consider which point of sale technology is right for their goals. Taking the time to research these products will ensure that retailers are able to boost their operations and customer satisfaction as best as possible.

It's all about simple transactions
When reviewing the various POS options, merchants will need to keep in mind their shoppers. Street Fight Magazine explained that keeping transactions easy and simple for customers is perhaps one of the most effective ways that brands can keep patrons coming back and bring in new clients. 

Cash transactions were the norm within the retail industry for many years. Then along came credit and debit cards, which were beneficial for both businesses and consumers in that these products allowed merchants to quickly process payments and shoppers to keep accurate track of their finances. Now, mobile is making its way into the realm, and just as companies had to implement systems to accommodate card-carrying patrons, they will have to do the same with mobile payments if they want to satisfy consumers who prefer to use their smartphones and tablets for buying merchandise.

Mobile growing around the globe
While the United States has seen rapid adoption of mobile payments from both retailers and consumers, the technology is one that has spread across the globe. As individuals continue to use these gadgets in their daily lives, they are realizing that smartphones and tablets can be incredibly convenient when it comes to getting some shopping done. To retain customers who use their mobile devices and attract new ones, companies are implementing systems that accept payments from these devices.

Storefront Backtalk reports that research from the IHL Group revealed that mobile is a priority for many retailers this year. The study found that 28 percent of businesses have plans to incorporate mobile payment solutions into their operations by the end of 2013. By doing this, companies will be able to reduce the lines at checkout and boost satisfaction among customers.

Some within the retail industry may think that the fast adoption of mobile payments will spell the end for other payment forms, such as cash and credit and debit cards. However, that is certainly not the case, the source notes, as the IHL Group research discovered that 85 percent of big-name brands that have or will implement mobile payments technology said that the solutions will be used as an "add-on" to current checkout processes.

Mobile payments for all business sizes
It's not only larger merchants that are adopting mobile technology, as a study by Constant Contact found that one in five small businesses are currently using a solution that accepts payments from devices.

It's apparent that mobile payment systems are quickly becoming useful for merchants, so making the move now is the best way for companies to ensure they are able to accommodate customers regardless of  their payment preference.