There are many processes and procedures that retailers decide to change with the goal of improving operations. These alterations can be based on consumer demands, market fluctuations, expanding operations and other factors. This is certainly true when it comes to ecommerce, as this channel is increasingly preferred by customers, and merchants need to keep up with what shoppers want and need through internet platforms.

Changing ecommerce platforms could be a necessity for many businesses, especially as new technologies shift the way that consumer use websites to browse for and purchase products. While doing away with an old system and implementing a new one may seem like it could be a headache for retailers, it doesn't have to be, Internet Retailer reports. Several industry experts stated that adopting new solutions requires teamwork from entire companies, from executives down to sales associates. Getting input from every department will help merchants determine which systems and features will best benefit their operations, all while still providing excellent experiences for customers.

Of course, it is vital that retailers take the time to choose an ecommerce platform that meets all of their needs. Having mobile point of sale capabilities, easy website management tools and other internet features are just some of the considerations that merchants should keep in mind when switching ecommerce platforms.

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.

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.

Consumers have long been moving away from using cash to pay for purchases at retail stores, and with the rise of ecommerce, many shoppers have increasingly turned to credit and debit cards to buy the items they want. And another payment form – mobile – is changing the way that individuals complete transactions, meaning that companies need to adopt solutions now that can accept all methods.

A recently released report from Statistics New Zealand stated that during April, consumers boosted the use of their credit and debit cards to purchase merchandise from a variety of retail sectors. Card spending in the country rose 0.6 last month from March, and many analysts attribute the rise to more trading days than usual in April due to early Good Friday and Easter. Some of the sectors that experienced increases in card transactions were clothing retailers, footwear merchants and furniture sellers.

This boost in credit and debit card spending isn't limited to New Zealand, as retailers across the globe are seeing the rise as well. Coupled with a jump in mobile payments, merchants need to act now to incorporate point of sale systems that can accept all forms of transactions. By doing this, businesses can be sure they are accommodating patrons effectively, helping to improve retention and loyalty rates.

Since the emergence of smartphones and tablets, consumers have been completing purchases through the devices, and retailers have been adopting systems that accommodate these shoppers. While these gadgets are mostly utilized outside of merchants' brick-and-mortar locations, they are steadily making their way into storefronts as businesses learn to take advantage of the technology's benefits.

Allowing consumers to use their mobile devices in stores can result in increased retention and loyalty, as many individuals with smartphones and tablets are starting to prefer using their gadgets to look up product information and complete purchases. However, it's not only patrons who are bringing the technology into brick-and-mortar locations. In an article for Wired, Marcus Wohlsen writes that smartphones and especially tablets are being used by merchants to allow associates to help customers from anywhere on the sales floor.

By following this strategy, Wohlsen explains that companies can provide more convenience for shoppers, as employees equipped with devices can research information about merchandise and accept payments. For consumers looking for fast transactions, this is one effective way to boost loyalty and possible generate repeat sales.

In order to process sales made through mobile devices, businesses can implement retail point of sale software to maintain payment accuracy and speed.

In the not-so-distant past, retailers saw a significant change in the way that consumers pay for items at their stores. Credit and debit cards hit the market, and soon they were prevalent everywhere. Now, another shift is on the horizon in the form of mobile payments, and to help accommodate all shoppers, merchants can greatly benefit from using retail point of sale software to effectively manage and process transactions.

VentureBeat reports that a study by Javelin Strategy and Research revealed that mobile payments are set to grow exponentially over the next few years as consumers begin to prefer using their smartphones and tablets to pay for retail merchandise. This trend is forecasted to occur both in brick-and-mortar locations as well as online platforms. The research estimates that in 2018, mobile payments could reach an approximate total of $1.1 trillion. Taking a look at these findings, retailers should act now to implement technology to accept a variety of payment methods, whether it's from credit and debit cards or mobile devices.

This is where point of sale software can significantly boost operations for companies. Besides being able to process several different payment forms and enhance customer satisfaction, merchants can also maintain control over their finances through the use of these software solutions. All of the elements related to accepting transactions are stored in one place, helping to improve efficiency. 

Individuals are still using cash to pay for products and services, but the emergence of new technology has catapulted the popularity of card purchases, and mobile payments is following close behind. If retailers fail to implement systems capable of processing a variety of payment methods, they risk significant losses in customer retention and loyalty.

According to recently released report from Javelin Strategy & Research, the retail point of sale market is rapidly changing, and if businesses don't adapt to it, their operations could suffer. The study estimates that mobile payments will reach $5.4 billion over the next five years. While individuals will still pay with cash, and more so with their credit and debit cards, mobile devices will be the driver behind this payment trend as it provides more convenience not only for patrons, but for merchants as well.

With these findings, and similar results from other studies, it should be apparent that retailers need to make the move now to implement point of sale software into their operations. By doing this, companies can ensure they are able to accept a variety of payments from customers, accommodating individuals making purchases with cash, cards or their mobile devices.

There have been many changes within the retail industry over the past few years – the rise of ecommerce, evolving consumer demands and enhanced customer service are just a few. Now, a new form of technology is bringing yet more alterations to retailers' brick-and-mortar locations as well as their web shopping options – mobile devices. Smartphones and tablets are being increasingly used by consumers to browse for and purchase products. While merchants may think they are prepared to accommodate these device-carrying customers through new solutions, the truth is that many are not able to meet the needs of these patrons. If businesses want to avoid losing shoppers due to a lack of technology that processes transactions from mobile devices, then now is the time to incorporate POS systems and other capabilities into their operations.

Mobile adoption is big, but not yet widespread
A significant number of retailers know how important mobile solutions are and how vital they will be in the near future, but not enough are implementing the technology into their current operations. According to research from Kontagent and Econsultancy, two-thirds of companies do not have strategies in place to determine how well they are providing mobile experiences for customers. This means that many merchants may not have solutions that meet the needs of shoppers who prefer to use their devices for retail purposes.

In addition, the study also revealed that 65 percent of respondents are putting more money toward technology solutions this year. However, many of that group stated that they are not sure of the plans they have regarding mobile systems nor of how to gather and analyze data from consumers who are using smartphones and tablets.

"Many companies fall into the trap that they believe they need a consistent mobile presence, but fall short of taking the proper steps to ensure the experience is effective," said Jeff Tseng, CEO and co-founder of Kontagent. "Businesses that will succeed on this next wave need to understand how to not only build outstanding experiences on mobile platforms, but also leverage user data rigorously in order to best measure and improve their mobile offerings."

A study by SAP, conducted at this year's Mobile World Congress, found that many retailers do indeed want to improve upon their mobile payment options. Retail Info Systems News report that of the technologies considered essential to provide great experiences, POS services such as near field communication was the most vital.

Businesses know that the retail industry is constantly changing, whether it comes from altered customer expectations or new management strategies. The rise of additional technologies also results in changes throughout the sector, and one expert believes that companies should prepare now for the retail evolution that will soon occur.

EBay CEO John Donahue recently spoke at the University of Illinois, and The News-Gazette reports that he told students that there are major changes on the horizon for retailers. These alterations will come mainly in the form of new payment technologies, as there is a shift in how consumers pay that is forecasted to take the industry by storm – mobile retail transactions.

"There will be more change in how consumers shop and pay in the next three years than in the last 20," Donahue stated, as quoted by the news source.

There are several pieces of research that support Donahue's assertions, such as report from TBR which revealed that retailers are increasing their investments in mobile solutions to accommodate customers with smartphones and tablets. Retail Info Systems states that one focus of many businesses is the adoption of mobile retail POS technologies that allow shoppers to pay with their devices.

European consumers are boosting their use of mobile devices for shopping purposes, as smartphones and tablets are providing shoppers with increased convenience and easier processes. Retailers may want to capitalize on this behavior by implementing solutions now that accommodate device-carrying customers, such as mobile POS systems.

A recent study by Frost & Sullivan revealed that micropayments are fast on the rise throughout the continent, as many European consumers are starting to prefer purchasing products with prepaid cards, mobile payments and contactless transactions. Leading the way for this trend is mobile commerce, which the report believes will drastically drive revenues for Europe's retailers in the coming years, especially those in the cloud.

"Cloud-based mpayments [mobile payments], in principle, are an extension of the traditional online commerce market. However, we believe that as cloud-based mpayment matures, and its awareness among consumers and merchants increases, the solution will play an important role for the in-store payments and micropayments markets," said Frost & Sullivan ICT global program director Jean-Noel Georges.

Merchants can move now to adopt retail POS solutions that process mobile transactions in their stores. This will help to draw in consumers who prefer to complete purchases with their devices.