GUEST CONTRIBUTORS

• Integrating Cash With Digital Channels

  The COVID-19 pandemic raised safety concerns over cash handling, but those fears dissipated as the pandemic dragged on. By October 2020, cash had rebounded and reasserted itself as “the top way to make a purchase throughout 2020,” according to a report by Javelin Strategy & Research for ATM operator Cardtronics.

• Mobile-first Approach: Not Just For Small Shops Anymore

  The COVID-19 pandemic caused a sudden 8.5% decline in adoption of mobile POS systems, but implementation will accelerate in the next four years. By 2025, the mPOS installed base will grow by 20%, according to an IHL Group projection.

• Five Post-Pandemic Investments For Retailers

  As the number of vaccinated people increases, states are lifting pandemic restrictions to restore some sense of normalcy. Even the most stringent cities and states are in the process of returning stores and restaurants to full capacity -- a welcome move for business owners.

• Cash Use Remains Strong Through The Pandemic

  The Covid-19 pandemic has accelerated “cashless society” efforts around the globe. Understandably, consumers grew concerned over the possibility of contracting the virus by handling cash. Meanwhile, retailers had to scramble to continue operating even when they had to temporarily close brick-and-mortar stores. Many turned to curbside pickup, BOPIS (buy online, pickup in store), and touchless payments.

• 5 Simple Steps To Alleviate Your Customers’ Phone Frustrations

  A philosophy professor of mine (many, many years ago) would occasionally walk into our classroom, drop his briefcase on the front table, lean on the podium, and bluntly announce, “I’m angry.” He would then take three to five minutes to emote what was gnawing at him.

RETAIL IT WHITE PAPERS

• Scaling New Heights? Data Reveals Retailers’ Challenges, Opportunities In Scaling Their Businesses

  The retail industry is witnessing significant changes in consumer behavior, driven by a desire for increased digital and omnichannel experiences. What hasn’t changed is that consumers’ expectations for secure, frictionless, personalized shopping experiences remains high. These high expectations extend across the purchase journey, from discovery through to post-purchase support. Furthermore, consumers expect that the shopping experience is consistent no matter how and when they choose to interact with a retailer, including both peak and nonpeak seasons.

• 2021 Holiday Planning

  Prepare for a holiday season that will be like no other. Hear from fellow retailers on how they are preparing to navigate shipping and supply chain challenges, as well as labor shortages. Plus, merchants continue to make omnichannel and website performance investments to prepare for the busy peak season. Also inside, tips on strategies retailers can implement this Q4 and insights into what online shoppers say they want from merchants during the holidays, such as updates to return policies.

• Is Your Business Prepared For The Agile Age? 5 Keys To Perfecting Your Retail Strategy

  “Agility” was the buzzword of 2020 as retailers feverishly worked to adapt their business models, experiences and services amid uncertainty. The ever-changing customer behaviors we saw during the pandemic, coupled with a rapid evolution of industry dynamics, will continue to make agility key to competing and thriving in retail’s new era.

• Reimagining The Store Of The Future: Retail Adjustments For A Post-pandemic World

  The COVID-19 pandemic created significant challenges for retail, and one that is likely to have long-term effects is to persuade consumers to return to stores. Concerns over the potential for infection have left many consumers feeling uncomfortable in stores. Retailers must take meaningful steps to earn the trust of patrons whose values and behavior have changed.

• Prioritizing Total Cost Of Ownership In Retail Technology Purchases
• Leveraging Online Shopping, Omnichannel Service, And Personalization For A New Season Of Customer Expectations
• Harnessing Data Can Drive Omnichannel Efficiency