Mobile point of sales is retail future

Much has been documented on the changing shape of retail with the current force of digital outlets. Although the core values and skills of retail seem to have remained the same; good customer service, varied and good levels of stock,

today companies to not only survive, but actually flourish need more than that. Embracing the latest technologies is vital.

Techy systems can be used to cope with three main issues retailers are currently needing to tackle; international expansion, multichannel development, and improving point of sale operations. In particular mobile point of sale operations are where retail analysts believe there is scope for growth. For instance, retail software provider, Global Bay has devised new methods of mobile POS; GBmobile Kiosk applications enable businesses to scale interactions with shoppers and provide platforms from which they can increase customer knowledge.

The applications, which belong to the GB mobile Retail Suite, can be built into Apple’s increasingly popular IPad tablet device, as well as hardware from other manufacturers and can be seamlessly integrated into retailers’ existing POS systems.

These new MPOS systems mean retail staff can sell on the shop floor, not only behind the till. Mobile POS is about more than just “swipe and go.” A sophisticated mobile strategy allows store associates to look up inventory, determine product availability and location in real-time, access customer history for upselling and cross-selling, and more. Its a way of enhancing a salesperson’s potential to secure a deal, whilst simultaneously giving the customer the opportunity to learn about the product and other available pieces.

It’s a form of merging selling and consultancy and looks set to become ever more the way of retail. The high street has to keep up with date with times and consumers, who most likely are tech savvy and also retail employees who are also iphone, tablet, mobile app sufficient.

The recent spate of administrations and company’s collapsing in the sector highlights how retailers can quite quickly go out of fashion. Investing wisely in mobile technology may just help them stay ahead of the game.