Retail, Grocery, And Hospitality IT News For VARs — September 18, 2014
In the news, Apple Pay is ready — but the majority of merchants aren’t ready to accept the near-field technology payment solution — and shipping services are gearing up for a late holiday season rush. Surveys shows an increase in retail loss from cash theft and a most Americans are dissatisfied with loyalty programs. Also, Boston-area businesses are testing fuel pumps transformed into “transaction stations.”
Merchants With NFC Capabilities Key To Apple Pay Success
Time magazine’s Money reports Apple Pay is ready — consumers seem to be ready — but only about 2.4 percent of merchants have point of sale systems that accept payments through near-field communication (NFC) technology. Experts suggest tying in loyalty with payment could result in the most benefit for merchants.
Shipping Services Hire In Anticipation Of Orders Late In Holiday Season
Bloomberg reports UPS is hiring 95,000 seasonal workers and FedEx is hiring at least 50,000 more people to handle the surge in ecommerce expected late in the holiday shopping season. Ecommerce is projected to increase by 17 percent this season, with free shipping and economic growth driving online sales.
U.S. Retail Fraud Survey Reveals Surge In Loss From Cash Theft
The National Retail Federation (NRF) reports the results of the U.S. Retail Fraud Survey, which reveals cash theft (24 percent of respondents) is the second largest area of store loss. Employee theft (38 percent of respondents) is first and administrative and bookkeeping errors and shoplifting ranked third and fourth. The study also explores the growing impact of online commerce — and online fraud.
Most Americans Dissatisfied With Loyalty Programs
A report by COLLOQUY and FanXchange reveals more than half of Americans are dissatisfied with loyalty program rewards. The report also states 48 percent have “experienced frustration” during the redemption process, and 43 percent were displeased with expired points, 39 percent with not receiving enough points, and 37 percent with a reward item not available when redeeming points.
Smart Fuel Pumps Can Settle A Parking Ticket
CSPnet.com reports two Boston-area businesses have transformed fuel pumps into “transaction stations.” LogMeIn and Verdeva partnered to create the technology that enables drivers to accept payments to the Department of Motor Vehicles, make auto insurance payments, settle parking tickets, and buy oil changes. The smart pumps being tested feature Verdeva’s Efficient Vehicle Assessor (EVA) technology that can assess a vehicle’s mileage.
IT Talking Points
Macy’s announced that it will deploy Shopkick's ShopBeacon technology in all of its locations. This will be the largest implementation of iBeacon technology in a retail store to date. The press release also lists Macy’s other technology and omni-channel initiatives.
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