For retail industry professionals, maintaining high customer satisfaction is one of the top priorities for success. Now that new technologies are coming to the forefront and shoppers are using them to browse for and buy items, devices such as smartphones and tablets are getting more attention from merchants. However, it seems as though consumers may not be all too happy with retailers' mobile strategies.

MediaPost cites research from ForeSee, which found that customers who have recently accessed businesses' mobile websites and applications ranked their satisfaction at a 77 on a 100-point scale. While this figure can be deemed high, there is still work that needs to be done in terms of making improvements. Some of the problems shoppers mentioned they face when using mobile elements is hard-to-click links, slow load times and text that is too small to read.

So what can retailers do to enhance their customers' mobile experiences? Putting more time and effort into developing websites that are optimized for mobile use is one strategy, while garnering shopper feedback can be used to create better apps. Merchants can launch loyalty programs through mobile components and accept payments through POS systems, reports CMS Wire, which only helps to further improve satisfaction and boost retention.

Whether it is mobile POS solutions, developing applications or creating mobile marketing campaigns, retailers across the world are putting more focus on and money toward mobile technology. This is being done to meet consumer demand, as more and more individuals are using smartphones and tablets not only for daily tasks, but for shopping as well. Recent research has revealed that many merchants know the importance of mobile for their operations, so they are taking steps now to accommodate device-carrying customers. For businesses that have yet to implement this technology, now is a good time to do so. Failing to incorporate mobile solutions could mean that brands lose customer loyalty, ultimately impacting revenues.

Mobile provides growth
Many retailers are no longer turning a blind eye to mobile, as highlighted in a study by Worldwide Business Research. PYMNTS.com reports that the research revealed that out of 115 companies, 54 percent stated they believe that mobile will be the biggest growth area over the next two years.

Merchants are taking various steps to improve their mobile offerings, the study revealed. Sixty-four percent of respondents said they are putting more attention into developing and optimizing their websites for smartphones, while 14 percent are creating sites that can be viewed and accessed on tablets. Another 14 percent are integrating their mobile and in-store experiences, and 8 percent are turning their focus to developing mobile applications for shoppers, the news source reports.

Mobile POS solutions are also coming to the forefront of retailers' offerings, as customers are increasingly preferring to pay with their smartphones and tablets, the research discovered.

"As smartphones become enabled with payment [technology], customers will increasingly incorporate them into their repertoire of shopping missions and will be disappointed if retailers don't facilitate for them across all their channels," stated Robin Phillips, director of eCommerce at Waitrose.

Understanding consumers and their devices
For businesses wanting to enter the mobile realm, they need to understand that there is no one-size-fits-all approach. Retailers need to ensure they understand both their customers and the devices they are using, according to Tealeaf. The customer experience management firm states that American adults are spending more time on mobile devices than reading print publications. In addition, 99 percent of individuals are using at least one device each week. This kind of information, coupled with preferred communication channels and favorite products, can help retailers craft effective mobile strategies.

Retailers throughout the world have been embracing mobile technology as smartphones and tablets have been increasingly used by consumers. Whether it is developing mobile applications, creating optimized websites for devices or offering mobile payment solutions in stores, merchants are aware of the importance of the technology and what it can do for their operations.

Street Fight Magazine writes that when mobile devices first came on the scene, many businesses were wary of the technology, as they believed it would be the end of brick-and-mortar. However, many companies have seen that this is certainly not the case, and for merchants that are still concerned, the source explains there is no need to be worried. Consumers want to use their smartphones and even tablets in retail stores, which means that the gadgets are set to transform how businesses conduct their in-store operations.

To accommodate customers using their personal devices, the source recommends that brands adopt solutions that fit the needs of shoppers. This can be accomplished through offering location-based deals and discounts as well as providing incentives for patrons who use websites and apps on their devices to submit feedback. In addition, retailers can implement mobile POS systems that allow shoppers to pay with smartphones and tablets in stores, further increasing satisfaction and retention.

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.

Consumers are increasingly using their credit and debit cards to make purchases at retailers' stores and on their websites, opting to swipe plastic in place of handing over cash for faster transactions and easier tracking of their finances. However, customers' information stored on these cards can be vulnerable to theft, so merchants need to take the necessary steps to protect card data.

Bank Info Security reports that hackers are developing more advanced malware to access retailers' systems to steal consumers' card information. Some of the new threats are able to circumvent merchants' anti-virus solutions, meaning that processes currently in place are sometimes not detecting attacks. Not only do these security breaches harm customers, but they do damage to retailers as well. Businesses can lose patrons from card data being compromised, and many companies lose money through these attacks.

However, there are things that merchants can do to better protect their shoppers' information. Legal Yodi recommends that retailers ensure their Wi-Fi connections are secure and have encryption capabilities. Strong retail POS solutions can also keep data safe by detecting outside threats.

There are many technologies, solutions and methods available that retailers use and follow to conduct their operations, whether it is for marketing, customer service, inventory or a variety of other tasks. The same goes for preventing retail loss, theft and fraud, as these are types of problems that merchants unfortunately face every day. These situations can occur due to employees, customers or general errors made throughout various processes. Whatever the cause, businesses want to ensure they are taking the steps to avoid these issues, and many retailers are turning to updated technologies and approaches to accomplish this.

Billions lost annually to fraud, theft
TribLive Business reports that a study by the Centre for Retail Research revealed that U.S. retailers lost approximately $8.9 billion during last year's holiday season due to fraud, theft and errors. Another piece of research by the National Retail Federation (NRF) estimates that throughout 2011, companies experienced a loss of $35 billion for the same reasons. The study also discovered that businesses fell victim to professional thieves in 2011, who stole an approximate total of $12 billion worth of merchandise throughout the year.

On the other hand, the news source notes that the NRF analysis also found that companies are doing more to avoid loss, as merchants implement new systems and procedures for detecting theft and pinpointing areas where improvements need to be made.

Loss prevention methods being used in 2013
Writing in a blog post for the NRF, Jennifer Overstreet highlights some of the trends coming to the forefront of retail loss prevention this year. As new technologies and strategies emerge, businesses incorporate these aspects into their operations to avoid theft, fraud and errors, and 2013 is no different.

Overstreet states that companies are working more with authorities in their respective areas to crack down on organized retail crime. Both organizations are sharing information related to potential loss and problem areas to stop theft before it happens. Overstreet also explains that merchants are conducting background checks on employees to ensure they don't have any past situations that could compromise retail operations.

Technology is also playing a big role in avoiding fraud, theft and errors, the author notes. Solutions such as video analytics, mobile POS and various software forms are being used as prevention methods. Additionally, retail inventory management systems keep accurate track of products in-stock and are able to quickly reflect changes, giving businesses the ability to see if any merchandise has been stolen.

Retailers have a variety of operational tasks they face each day. This includes marketing products and services, keeping track of  finances and managing employees, to name a few. There are strategies that merchants follow to effectively oversee all of these elements, and while some may rely on traditional or manual processes, the use of technology solutions can significantly boost businesses' efficiency and productivity. Systems such as retail management software, mobile POS and other devices gives companies additional tools for improving a variety of aspects. Another incentive for merchants to adopt these kinds of solutions is that consumers are increasingly using technology for shopping purposes, so to accommodate these customers, various implementations need to be made. If retailers fail to do this, they run the risk of losing consumers to competitors, ultimately driving down revenue.

Keeping doors open with technology
The Computer Business Review reports that research from Virgin Media Business revealed that incorporating technology into retail operations can not only improve businesses, but can even save them from closing their doors. The survey found that 88 percent of chief information officers believe that adopting new solutions and systems has boosted their companies, both in-stores and online.

"It's clear that retailers need to improve the shopping experience they're offering the customer – ensuring the online and in store experiences are seamless," Tony Grace, COO at Virgin Media Business, told the source. "Bringing online tools into the high street, such as virtual fitting rooms, and combining the sales channels will ultimately make for a richer and more engaging shopping experience. "

This means that for consumers wanting to pay with their mobile devices at brick-and-mortar locations, businesses should have mobile POS solutions in place to process transactions. However, adopting technology that is not needed can hurt merchants, so companies should determine what kind of systems their customers want, the source writes.

Unique retail technologies currently in use
There are several unique forms of technology that are currently being used by businesses and are proving successful, reports Retail Info Systems. Touch-based devices, such as screens, holographic systems and transparent LCDs are bringing in futuristic elements into brick-and-mortar locations. This in turn is helping to draw in customers. In addition, captive portal and passive analytics allow merchants to analyze shoppers' behaviors in-stores and then offer them discounts, dispatch associates to answer questions and provide personalized interactions, the source writes.

Retailers have a variety of operational tasks they face each day. This includes marketing products and services, keeping track of  finances and managing employees, to name a few. There are strategies that merchants follow to effectively oversee all of these elements, and while some may rely on traditional or manual processes, the use of technology solutions can significantly boost businesses' efficiency and productivity. Systems such as retail management software, mobile POS and other devices gives companies additional tools for improving a variety of aspects. Another incentive for merchants to adopt these kinds of solutions is that consumers are increasingly using technology for shopping purposes, so to accommodate these customers, various implementations need to be made. If retailers fail to do this, they run the risk of losing consumers to competitors, ultimately driving down revenue.

Keeping doors open with technology
The Computer Business Review reports that research from Virgin Media Business revealed that incorporating technology into retail operations can not only improve businesses, but can even save them from closing their doors. The survey found that 88 percent of chief information officers believe that adopting new solutions and systems has boosted their companies, both in-stores and online.

"It's clear that retailers need to improve the shopping experience they're offering the customer – ensuring the online and in store experiences are seamless," Tony Grace, COO at Virgin Media Business, told the source. "Bringing online tools into the high street, such as virtual fitting rooms, and combining the sales channels will ultimately make for a richer and more engaging shopping experience. "

This means that for consumers wanting to pay with their mobile devices at brick-and-mortar locations, businesses should have mobile POS solutions in place to process transactions. However, adopting technology that is not needed can hurt merchants, so companies should determine what kind of systems their customers want, the source writes.

Unique retail technologies currently in use
There are several unique forms of technology that are currently being used by businesses and are proving successful, reports Retail Info Systems. Touch-based devices, such as screens, holographic systems and transparent LCDs are bringing in futuristic elements into brick-and-mortar locations. This in turn is helping to draw in customers. In addition, captive portal and passive analytics allow merchants to analyze shoppers' behaviors in-stores and then offer them discounts, dispatch associates to answer questions and provide personalized interactions, the source writes.

Consumers are increasingly going online to browse for, research and buy products, as they prefer the convenience and fast transaction times the channel offers. For merchants, online sales are climbing and customer satisfaction is improving. However, businesses need to look out for instances of fraud, as hackers are targeting internet shoppers to steal their payment information.

Internet Retailer reports that a study from Trustwave revealed that merchants' ecommerce sites made up 45 percent of the systems targeted by cybercriminals in 2012. Of the breaches that occurred, the research revealed that 96 percent went after payment information, such as consumer data gleaned from credit and debit cards. Trustwave also discovered that a significant amount of attacks originated within the United States, coming in at 29 percent. Only Romania had more breaches, with 33.4 percent.

To combat this fraud and protect customers' vital information, businesses can adopt retail software that provides extra levels of security. Dynamic Business writes that having secure payment gateways on sites lets shoppers know their data won't be compromised. In addition, offering companies' contact details gives consumers a way to reach out in case of breaches or instances of fraud, the source notes.