iPad not ready for retail

Early attempts to find a place for the iPad in the retail environment has been met with mixed reviews, says ARN.

Retail Express MD, Aaron Blackman, says the iPad did have potential within the retail point-of-sale (POS) experience, but the Windows Mobile platform was still dominant. Retail Express offers its POS software solutions through the cloud. It is in the process of building its product offering into an application.

Blackman says iPad or iPhone support was something it would consider down the track. iPad users would be able to access content through the Safari browser, which comes standard with the device. Other POS players are less enthusiastic about the iPad's place in the retail industry.

Unified Grocers, the largest retailer-owned grocery cooperative in the western US, now recommends its retail customers consider Agilence's POS video auditing solution, according to Business Wire.

The agreement between the two companies gives Unified's customers access to Agilence's Hawkeye software - focused on providing fast, effective and real-time auditing of POS scan transactions to help retailers increase sales and minimise losses.

“We're pleased to add Agilence's Hawkeye solution to our retail technology offering,” states Brian Legate, manager of preferred POS programs and retail technology at Unified Grocers.

Between April and May 2010, research firm Aberdeen surveyed 224 retail enterprises to determine the state of customer-focused selling, in-store marketing, and in-store merchandising initiatives, as well as related performance, says Market Watch.

Data from Aberdeen's Automated and Connected Store report indicates only 65% of retailers measure and track CRM data in stores and other sales channels, leaving a large customer mindshare gap and lost revenue opportunity.

What's worse is that over half (52%) of retailers do not possess customer-experience related information processes and technologies in stores and channels that enable timely responsiveness towards customer buying trends and shopping experience.