Retail is slowly becoming one of the most vulnerable market sectors, with the shopper experience being the most problematic, as shoppers demand technology savvy and more knowledgeable staff.

In 2018, it was reported that 50,000 people lost their job within the retail sector, as well as a large increase in retail redundancies, with more jobs expected to be at risk in the next few years.

Although we may see a decrease in high-street spending, online spending is on the rise. In this technology ridden society where households contain at least one mobile device, the age of online shopping has peaked in the last few years. But the increase in online spending, has ultimately resulted in the decline of high street shoppers, and the rise of more stores closing.

When it comes to shopping, consumer habits have changed. There’s a reduced appetite to spend money on the high street, people are preferring to spend money on lavish lifestyles and experiences. Other reports have also suggested that the constant bad weather and ludicrous parking prices have also contributed to this change.

Despite the footfall declining, people are still wanting to get that real shopping experience, with 53% of shoppers* going into stores to experience products, such as trying on the product, testing a product to see if it is suitable for them, as well as just casual browsing.

Why is the Shopper Experience Changing?

Shopping is now an experience that starts before a consumer enters the store. Consumers now do their research beforehand to know exactly what they’re looking for when they arrive. This means that when most consumers enter the store they are only looking for a certain type of product, and if this product isn’t found within their desired time they then may leave the store.

Shoppers now have high expectations of store associates. Shoppers expect associates to have extensive product knowledge, as well as technology to assist with shopper enquiries. Astonishingly, 52%* of shoppers reported having better access to information than store associates, suggesting that not all store associates are equipped with the latest technology to ease and enrich the store/shopper experience.

With shopper demand and technology constantly changing and improving, it’s imperative that you start to implement technology into your front-store operations.

Zebra Technologies Retail Solutions

Here at Labelman Ltd, we understand the importance of your business, so where do you start? What technology do you buy? What will my ROI be? Which is where we can provide our assistance.

Retail is all about delivering an overall fulfilling experience, which ultimately, always comes down to customer service. With Zebra Technologies purpose-driven retail technology, it puts performance in associates’ hands – equipping them to satisfy customers with their own personal experience.

Zebra’s interactive kiosks give quick access to product information, pricing, availability, personalised offers and making a purchase. The Zebra CC600/CC6000 Customer Concierge combines the familiarity of a consumer tablet, to deliver and transform the customer experience. Available in 5-inch and 10-inch models, these kiosks give customers the best of online and in-store shopping, with the convenient self-service capabilities they expect.

With Zebra’s MC18 Personal Shopper you can raise the bar for your customer self-service, as well as improve associate productivity. The MC18 allows your customers to have the ability to scan items, create gift lists and save time in the checkout line. Additionally, you get real-time visibility into what your shoppers are buying, giving the extra opportunity to instantly send relevant discounts right to the device. The result? Customer satisfaction, as they save time and money, therefore meaning bigger basket sizes and sales for your store.

Building on the successful MC18, Zebra’s PS20 Personal Shopper is the next generation shopping assistant, and now the head of its class that offers the maximum return on investment (ROI). Customer applications include, but are not limited to: self-checkout, product information, price checks, product availability and loyalty point look-up.

With one or all of these technologies, you will be well on your way to improving the shopper experience, as well as reducing the number of abandoned purchases and store-walk outs.

For more information about our personal shopper products, feel free to contact us.

Labelman Ltd are Zebra Technologies Premier Supplier of Printers, Scanners, Handheld Devices, Barcode Labels, Ribbons and Support Services.