Retailers are beginning to change the way they do business with consumers
Manhattan Associates, a prominent software developer, predicts that the retail sector will experience a major shift in the coming years. The organization predicts that retailers will become more customer-centric, offering more personalized shopping experiences. The rise of mobile commerce is has had major influence on the retail sector, forcing many merchants to embrace mobile technology in an effort to adequately connect with a new generation of consumers with evolving interests.
Improving the shopping experience is becoming a priority for retailers throughout the world
The organization notes that merchants will have to address five key areas in order to find more success in changing markets. The first, and perhaps most important, area is making sure the shopping experience is personal and convenient. This is where mobile shopping can shine, as shopping platforms that allow consumers to use their smartphones to purchase products can offer them a personalized experience that other platforms do not have.
Store assistants could make or break the shopping experience
Merchants will also have to understand the roles that store assistants play in the shopping experience. Store assistants must have the knowledge and skill to serve consumers effectively, especially as mobile commerce continues to grows. More retailers are making use of mobile shopping platforms and supporting mobile payments at physical locations. As such, store assistants must be well versed in how new payment systems work and how to ensure that consumers have the best shopping experience possible.
Millennials are beginning to hold more power in the retail space
Retailers will also have to consider the growing power of Millennials, whom are becoming the largest demographic in the mobile shopping space. These consumers have a seemingly intrinsic connection to the digital world and mobile technology. If retailers can connect with these consumers, they may find enthusiastic shoppers whom are willing to spend considerable amounts of money on products and services that they are interested in. These consumers are already quite comfortable with the concept of mobile commerce and have shown that they are quite willing to make use of mobile shopping platforms.
According to the report, 19% of consumers said that they would not use retail websites that are not optimized to be viewed on mobile devices. These sites offer a poor shopping experience, making it difficult for consumers to make purchases with their smartphones or tablets. Notably, tablets are becoming a very attractive option for those interested in mobile commerce because these devices have larger screens that make the shopping experience more enjoyable.