I think we can all agree that time is at a premium. We seek convenience, especially in our shopping experience. While there are always going to be the die-hard “browsers,” who have a two hour time period blocked out for shopping, I would bet these people are not going to make your retail sales skyrocket. They are only cluttering the way for the shoppers looking to spend money, and FAST. I have nothing against browsers, yet I speak this way because I am the definition of the impulse shopper. Retailers love me. When I enter a clothing store, I could be described as a lioness pouncing on my prey. I grab anything in site that I may want, try it on, buy it, and I am out–Easy sale. I do not need fancy technology to sell me a product. Get me a fast point of sale and no line and I will be even more inclined to shop with you any day.
Retailers today are consumed with the internet, mobility, kiosks, tablets and other shopping technology. While the advancements are awesome, unless the technology makes it more convenient for me to buy, I am not interested.
I believe shopping habits are innate. I am an impulse shopper and unfortunately (while my wallet would appreciate it) I will probably not change my habits anytime soon. I realize that not every shopper is just like me. I understand retailers need to find a balance and accommodate all types of shoppers. My only advice to retailers is do not neglect where your main focus should be, your products and your customers. No matter what kind of technology you have, if your products are unpopular, it doesn’t matter. Sorry for being brash; I only speak truthfully. Think about spending your budget on product development, not supporting people who have all the time in the world to play with your new, “fun” technology.
Ultimately, I am one shopper. Yet, I am an educated shopper. Working for an industry-leading point of sale company, I read technology articles daily. I know that Lowes is purchasing 42,000 iphones for their stores, Ahold has implemented the Motorola “ScanIT” Device in half of their Northeast market, and Kroger is trying to revolutionize the retail checkout with a Fujitsu Scan Tunnel. Do these retailers really think sales will increase, or are they just trying to “Keep up with the Jones’?” That could be an expensive game to play. I say, stick to shopper convenience and the technology that mirrors it. I guarantee your shoppers will not be disappointed in you. In fact, we would be way more disappointed if you went out of business due to technology bankruptcy! So, keep it simple. Think about your favorite customers and what they want.
Subscribe to the TechTOPICKS Blog
