Fixed Mobile Convergence

According to a recent study released by leading retail management software provider iQmetrix (News - Alert), most mobile resellers are optimistic for their growth in coming years. The study titled, "State of the Wireless Industry," included participation from 158 independent wireless resellers across North America.

Providing an inside peek at trends, challenges and plans for expansion, the report shows that recruiting and retaining staff is seen as the biggest challenge for wireless resellers in the future. A comprehensive 85 percent of wireless resellers say they will emphasize employee training and store design in order to improve customer experience. Also, 70 percent are currently using social media to communicate with their customers.

As far as future expansion is concerned, companies see mobile payments, digital signage, interactive retail and location-based advertising as the top in-store investments for 2012. Nearly 70 percent of respondents believe the industry will continue to grow over the next five years as planned.

"According to a recent ROI and customer experience study, our investment in interactive retail technology has delivered a substantial return on investment. It has boosted store revenue and profit, and also increased brand recognition and awareness," said Gerald Buchko, VP of Sales and Marketing, Jump.ca, in a statement.  

The report also pointed out that, due to online shopping and mobile purchase research, customers have become more aware and less patient. More than half of respondent believe that shoppers are now better connected to information than store associates, thanks to their smartphones. Also, in-store smartphone research influenced 39 percent of walk-outs: 12 percent went online to check other retailers' prices; eight percent checked product availability at other stores.

Christopher Krywulak, CEO, iQmetrix, said"These responses reinforce our customer's commitment to deliver a better in-store experience as online shopping and customer knowledge increases. iQmetrix supports this effort by delivering great experiences to our customers and in-turn, their customers. With interactive retail technology in place, stores are seeing a major drop in walkouts, better employee retention and a real increase in consumer interest, sales efficiency and profitability."

Rahul Arora is a TMCnet contributor. He has worked as an editor and freelance writer for several reputed organizations in India. To read more of his articles, please visit his columnist page.

Edited by Rich Steeves