________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Efficiency
Channeling data through tech tools
With reliable and accurate data flowing through to in-store associates, the next challenge for retailers is to equip their sales teams with the means to action this information seamlessly. By empowering their teams with connected mobile devices- such as tablets or iPhones- in-store associates can keep this data at their fingertips, easily accessible for any customer queries or transactions.
Importantly, when deployed in line with Mobile Point of Sale technologies, associates can conduct transactions anywhere in-store, without the need for shoppers to queue. On a busy shop floor, retailers can efficiently complete on the spot checkouts that streamline both the customer experience and the sales process. They can also process returns, order items for delivery to either customer homes or in-store, provide information about stock availability and location, and even show recommended alternatives to items.
Ultimately, in-store associates- equipped with the right tools- can reduce the amount of labor time required to manually retrieve information or conduct otherwise timeconsuming tasks such as managing returns or finding alternative recommendations. This reduces the time customers spend in-store, increases the speed at which in-store staff can assist visitors, and improves the number of transactions a retailer can conduct during opening hours. feel items and try on clothes. An important aspect of that experience lies in customer service- a warm smile to greet people, taking care of visitors and making them feel valued. Technology enhances an associate’ s ability to personalize interactions, and to assist them accurately and quickly. It certainly enhances efficiency, but technology can never replace the human touch, which creates trust and enjoyment, and encourages customer loyalty.
Efficiency at every touchpoint
Supply chain and back-end efficiency are integral to a retail business, operating in an industry that is known for razor-thin margins. Too often, the focus stops there, and brands ignore the potential of in-store efficiency.
By creating an all-encompassing approach to retail technology, enabling all deployed platforms and systems to communicate seamlessly in real-time, and feeding this data effectively to shop floor processes, retailers can transform their business. This leads to more sales opportunities, more transactions per hour, and a happier, loyal, customer base. ■
For a list of the sources used in this article, please contact the editor.
Amber Hovious www. teamworkcommerce. com
Assisting associates … not replacing them
While creating efficiency on the shop floor might be reliant on utilizing the right technology integrations with effective tools and devices, retailers should not forget the value that human interactions bring.
Consumers visit bricks and mortar stores for the experience, to browse the shop floor,
Amber Hovious is VP Marketing & Partnerships at Teamwork Commerce. Teamwork Commerce is a flexible tech stack for retailers that includes POS, OMS, Clienteling, Inventory Control and Reporting- a cloud-based system that is constantly evolving to provide cutting-edge technology to meet the needs of the ever-changing retail landscape. With Teamwork’ s omnichannel solution, retailers gain a deeper understanding of their customers to provide personalized experiences through invisible technology.
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