Computers, smartphones, tablets and social media are all tools that retailers use to reach new customers and retain their existing patrons. Mostly, these digital channels are used for boosting ecommerce initiatives, but for merchants that also run brick-and-mortar locations, this technology can also serve to draw in consumers to their physical storefronts.

So how exactly can retailers implement these kinds of solutions to improve their operations? TabTimes recommended that brands use tablets in their stores to develop more customer engagement. These devices can be used by patrons to look up information, watch videos pertaining to products or services and log in to social media sites to take advantage of deals and discounts.

When it comes to social media in brick-and-mortar locations, shoppers can access sites such as Facebook and Twitter to like brands' pages and check-in at physical storefronts, the source suggested. Giving patrons the ability to do this through their own mobile devices can also lead to higher satisfaction.

Another strategy that can be significantly beneficial for merchants is to adopt mobile point of sale solutions, as these platforms allow customers to pay with their gadgets, providing fast and easy transactions.

When considering whether to adopt new methods and practices, retailers know that it can't be done haphazardly. These kinds of decisions take time to ensure that the right approaches and strategies are being implemented. This is especially true when it comes to incorporating new digital technologies into operations.

In fact, recent research from O2 found that if merchants don't take the time to research and determine which digital methods are best for their companies, they could lose significant amounts of money. ComputerWorldUK reported that the O2 study revealed that many retailers in the United Kingdom are either not adopting digital solutions or are implementing the wrong ones for their operations, and this is costing approximately £12 billion in missed revenues.

This large loss is partly due to poor digital engagement through new channels and systems, as the source explained that customers are less likely to do business with a brand that does not provide streamlined communications through in-store and online experiences. The study revealed that 56 percent of consumers think that digital interactions with retailers are more convenient. This highlights the growing need for merchants to adopt technologies that accommodate their patrons, but careful research and dedication needs to be part of this process.

Technology has been changing the retail industry over the past few years in a good way – consumers are spending more time online, so merchants are now offering ecommerce platforms and mobile solutions to accommodate these shoppers. There are many digital aspects that are getting more focus this year as businesses look to expand their operations and bring in new customers.

Mashable reported that there are several new digital elements that are being invested in as merchants incorporate additional technology to better serve customers and boost sales. The source reported that brands are giving more attention to online customer service through live chat and quick email responses. Another digital tool merchants are using is personalization technology. Consumers want messages and other interactions tailored to their wants and needs, so businesses are adopting solutions that help them provide this.

Social media channels are getting more focus as well, the source noted. Brands are uploading videos, sending marketing messages and answering customer inquiries through these networks, and many are seeing positive results, Mashable explained.

These digital elements could help merchants boost their revenues and build solid customer bases. In addition, retail management software can help businesses oversee all of these aspects and more to spur success.

The emergence of the Internet and, later, mobile devices significantly changed the retail industry. Consumers increasingly took to the Web to research, compare and purchase products, which gave merchants a boost in sales along with the revenues from their brick-and-mortar locations. However, now it seems as though technology has made its way into physical storefronts, as businesses incorporate new solutions and systems to improve their operations.

According to The Independent, the adoption of automated point of sale kiosks and devices that allow shoppers to research product information is already being seen in retailers' stores. These solutions are certainly helping to improve patron satisfaction as they provide consumers with faster transactions and more convenience. However, the news source estimated that more technology will be incorporated into brick-and-mortar locations as merchants look to enhance the customer experience. This includes virtual windows that change images, interactive touchscreens and systems that can measure an individual's body to find the right size in clothing.

Another technology solution that companies should consider adopting is retail management software. These platforms allow merchants to maintain control over both their physical storefronts and websites, and businesses can effectively oversee all aspects of their operations.

There is a variety of information that retailers deal with daily, whether it's related to inventory processes, employee management or revenues. There is another form of data that is vital for merchants' operations, and that is details pertaining to customers. Fortunately, with the right retail management software, businesses can effectively store and access this information to enhance their customer service and loyalty strategies.

IT World explained that when shoppers browse for and purchase items both at brick-and-mortar locations and retailers' ecommerce platforms, companies can gather a variety of valuable data to improve operations. This can come in the form of favorite products, preferred communication channels and loyalty program participation. However, the source though that many businesses don't fully leverage these details, as they are confused as to how to best use it to develop and make changes to service strategies and current methods.

The good news is that merchants can adopt technology to help them better control this information and gain insight into how it can enhance their businesses. Retail management software can collect and store customer-related data, which can then be accessed and analyzed by retailers to pinpoint areas that need improvements. This is one of the most effective ways to boost patron retention and loyalty.

People have them in their hands when they're walking down the street, relaxing at home, commuting on public transportation and in many other instances. Smartphones and tablets are taking the world by storm, and while they are mostly being utilized by individuals, businesses are also catching on to the benefits that the gadgets can provide for their operations.

For the retail industry, smartphones and tablets have been steadily making their way into storefronts and web platforms as shoppers are using the devices to browse for, compare and purchase products. Because of this, many merchants are adopting the technology in order to accommodate those patrons who prefer to use their gadgets for shopping. This is giving companies more opportunities to connect with consumers and even draw in new customers.

Signs point to significant smart device growth
Retailers can get an idea of how important smartphones and tablets are for consumers by just taking a look around – people have them everywhere. But there are also studies that support this trend, such as one conducted by the Pew Research Center's Internet & American Life Project. Internet Retailer reported that the research revealed that more than half of American adults (56 percent) currently own a smartphone. When it comes to tablets, the number isn't as big, but recent growth has been significant. The Pew Research Center found that 34 percent of U.S. adults own a tablet, which is more than the 18 percent figure seen in May 2012.

The source explained that younger adults are more likely to own and regularly use these devices than older Americans. On the other hand, every demographic group that Pew Research studied has boosted their smart device adoption in the past year.

Retailers encouraged to get gadgets
If consumers are increasingly using smartphones and tablets for their shopping purposes, then it only makes sense that merchants should make the move to implement the technology. Doing this will ensure that customers are able to use their gadgets at all times throughout their retail experiences, boosting satisfaction and retention.

Google is encouraging businesses to adopt smart devices into their operations, Phys.org reported. At a recent marketing conference, the tech giant presented findings from research it conducted which showed that if merchants don't make the move to incorporate the technology, they risk losing valuable customers, the source explained.

There are many unfortunate circumstances that retailers deal with on a daily basis. This can be in the form of an unruly customer, errors made in financial records or inventory processes and a variety of other issues. But perhaps one of the most damaging factors to operations is retail theft. When merchandise is stolen or merchants fall victim to fraud, it can cost businesses vast amounts of money to fix these problems. Organized retail crime has been an issue facing the sector for many years, but thanks to advances in technology, companies are able to fight back and prevent these instances from occurring.

Crime comes in several forms
While the most recognized form of retail theft is when criminals swipe products from brick-and-mortar locations, there are other ways that these individuals are able to steal items. According to data from the National Retail Federation, 78 percent of businesses have fallen victim to gift card and store merchandise fraud. Seventy-two percent have experienced theft due to "eFencing," or when thieves sell stolen merchandise online. Other theft tactics included physical fencing, with 69 percent of merchants seeing stolen items being stored in warehouses by criminals, and cargo theft, with 48 percent of companies losing products and revenues through this method.

In all, the National Retail Federation estimated that businesses lose approximately $30 billion every year due to organized retail crime. This is a significant figure, and if steps are not taken to prevent and combat this theft, merchants could see their bottom lines suffer.

Technology fights back against theft
Fortunately, there are several technology solutions that companies can implement to deter thieves from stealing merchandise. Entrepreneur Magazine reported on these types of systems, one of which includes closed-circuit cameras. Installing these cameras will give retailers a way to track any thieves that attempt to swipe products from their stores. The source also suggested that merchants use alarms at their brick-and-mortar locations for when storefronts are closed but criminals try to break in.

When it comes to preventing theft online, the news source recommended that inventory tracking software be used to maintain control over the processes and procedures related to online product management. This gives companies more insight into what items are being sold and which are unaccounted for. The technology can also alert businesses as to when fraudulent transactions have taken place.

When it comes to managing both brick-and-mortar locations and online platforms, merchants deal with a variety of daily tasks, such as overseeing revenues, ensuring great customer service and keeping inventory under control. A new element has thrown itself into the mix – mobile technology. As consumers use their smartphones and tablets for shopping purposes, businesses will need to adopt solutions that fit patrons' needs. This is certainly easy to do with the right tools.

Internet Retailer cited several industry experts who gave their opinion on the state of mobile within the retail sector. All of these professionals asserted that smartphones and tablets are here to stay, and if companies want to reach device-carrying customers, they need to make the move now to develop mobile strategies.

"If you don't have your website tuned for mobile devices you are missing major sales opportunities," said Gial Fulgoni, chairman of comScore. "Consumers are not only using these devices to get information whenever and wherever they want, but also but also to buy."

Many retailers have already adopted mobile systems and are seeing great success, Digiday reported. These brands include Target, Walmart and Ikea. However, merchants of all sizes can benefit from mobile technology through increased sales and higher customer retention.

Nearly everything is digital these days, whether it's work and personal emails, mobile apps that help users get things done or even bank accounts that can be managed easily from a variety of devices. Digital has made its way into the retail industry, as merchants have adopted solutions and systems that allow them to better oversee their operations. Because of this, consumers now expect more digital interactions with brands, and this means that they want personalized and relevant messages when communicating with retailers. This has led to an increased focus on digital within the sector, and if businesses fail to implement tools that can provide what shoppers are looking for, then they could see declines in retention and loyalty.

Facts point to digital importance
Digiday highlights the growing importance of digital solutions for retailers by citing several studies which have found that mobile apps, social media and personalized communications are exactly what can keep customers coming back. The source reports that research by the CMO Council revealed that more than half (54 percent) of consumers would stop doing business with a brand that does not offer them content that is relevant to their needs. Another study by Mobile Marketer found that 57 percent of individuals will do the same if a merchant has a "poorly designed" mobile website.

Social media is also being used by customers to connect with companies, as research from Compendium discovered that among the Top 100 retailers, the average number of Facebook likes comes in at 1.2 million, the source explains. However, these brands are only seeing a 2 percent engagement rate on the social site, highlighting the fact that not enough is being done to interact with shoppers through this medium. In addition, Exact Target revealed that seven hours is the average time it takes for a merchant to respond to a consumer inquiry through social media. This is too long of a time span and could encourage shoppers to buy their products elsewhere, the source points out.

Consumer demand for digital needs to be met
In a separate article, Digiday writes that digital is becoming more of a priority for companies, which will only serve to benefit their operations. Personalization based on past purchases and other details is being used by many brands to boost loyalty, and improvement to mobile sites and apps are being factored into merchants' daily tasks. The source also reports that social media is being utilized for engaging customers rather than for increasing sales, but this is helping to establish trusting relationships between retailers and consumers.

Technology has been making consumers' lives easier for many years, as individuals can use computers and now mobile devices to access bank accounts, keep in touch with others and shop for retail products. Merchants have begun taking notice of this increasing technological trend and are doing two things – first, they are implementing systems that accommodate customers who prefer to use their devices to browse for and purchase items; and second, businesses are incorporating solutions that enhance their own operations. Whatever the reason, technology is helping to boost retailers' strategies, whether they pertain to customer satisfaction or improving internal processes.

Data collection, mobile are top priorities
With the emergence of technology has come the ability to capture a plethora of consumer information through websites, mobile applications and in-store programs. In fact, this method is one of the top trends currently being seen within the retail industry, according to research by RetailNext. When it comes to collecting data from shoppers in brick-and-mortar locations, 60 percent of merchants surveyed stated they have significantly increased their efforts to do this in the past two years.This is helping them to create better marketing campaigns and connect more with patrons.

There are other technological elements on retailers' minds, the study revealed. Sixty-two percent of respondents said that omnichannel operations is a main focus for them that they will be using systems and solutions to accomplish in the next five years. Offering mobile POS options in their stores was cited by 48 percent of companies, while 43 percent said they will also be giving more attention to Big Data.

These answers show that technology will be increasingly used over the next several years within the retail industry so that businesses can improve their operations and offer more personalized and effective services for their customers.

Technology creates streamlined experiences
Perhaps one of the biggest advantages of utilizing technology is the fact that the various systems and solutions can streamline customers' experiences no matter on which the channel they interact with brands, writes Retail Digital. However, building multichannel experiences requires some time and effort from businesses, but it is made easier with the help of technology. The source explains that analyzing data about consumers and their preferences gives companies the ability to improve their operations, whether in the form of more knowledgeable employees, better organized storefronts and websites or listing up-to-date product information.