Retail IT News For VARs — June 20, 2014
By Christine Kern, contributing writer
The news includes an illustration of the trend to use geofencing in retail. Also, IHL reports mobile POS is reaching “escape velocity,” now a $7 billion global business. In addition, Radio Shack is the first national chain to offer same-day, in-store mobile device repair.
Why Microsoft Is Wrapping Location-Based Ads Around Retail Stores
This article from AdWeek illustrates the trend of using geofencing in retail. It explains how Microsoft plans to leverage location-based mobile advertising to drive traffic into its new stores. In the last quarter of 2013, the company created 10-mile geofences around 75 Microsoft stores, implementing different sets of contextually-based ads to target consumers. As a result, the company saw an 89 percent incremental lift in store visits compared to a group of consumers that were not served the ads.
Mobile POS “Reaching Escape Velocity”
Mobile retail commerce is now a $7 billion global business, and IHL has a new report available, “Mobile POS: Reaching Escape Velocity — All Systems Go,” that examines the current state of mobile POS, the adoption rates of the various retail verticals, and the shipment and installed base details by type of device and provides forecasts for shipments and installed base of these devices, and estimates of the impact that these devices will have on the use of traditional POS hardware.
Radio Shack Launches In-Store, Same Day Mobile Devices Repair Service
According to this article by the Dallas News, Radio Shack is the first national chain to provide in-store, same-day service on popular mobile devices. Some repairs will be done in an hour or even while a customer waits. The new “Fix It Here!” pilot stations have been added to more than 284 company and franchise stores. CEO Joe Magnacca reports that results are encouraging enough to expand it to 700 stores by year-end.
Technology Allows Customers To Try On Makeup — Virtually
This article from Brit + Co highlights the implementation of a new 3D augmented reality mirror that allows customers to try on makeup virtually. The 3D augmented reality mirror uses patented technology to track the actual location of your facial features and then can simulate the application of cosmetics on your face.
Retail IT Talking Points
The NRF reports that labor fears are driving higher retail imports, which are expected to increase 7.5 percent in June. Retailers are attempting to avoid any potential disruptions after the labor contract with West Coast dockworkers expires. According to the monthly Global Port Tracker report released by the National Retail Federation (NRF) and Hackett Associates, in June U.S. ports followed by Global Port Tracker are expected to handle 1.46 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEU), up 7.5 percent year-over-year.
This article from NRF explains how Concierge-like services and personal attention are helping the Mall of America bolster the shopping experience. The article explains how those malls that still be standing in 10 years will be those that embrace the distinct advantages that come with bricks-and-mortar — face-to-face interactions with retailers and the social aspect of shopping.
For more news and insights, visit BSMinfo’s Retail IT Tech Center.