[{"_id":"project-settings","settings":{"translateMetaTags":true,"translateAriaLabels":true,"translateTitle":true,"showWidget":true,"isFeedbackEnabled":false,"fv":1,"customWidget":{"theme":"dark","font":"rgb(255, 255, 255)","header":"rgb(0, 0, 0)","background":"rgba(0, 0, 0,0.8)","position":"right","positionVertical":"bottom","border":"","borderRequired":false,"widgetCompact":true,"isWidgetPositionRelative":false},"widgetLanguages":[{"code":"es-LA","name":"Español (América Latina)"},{"code":"fr-CA","name":"Français (Canada)"}],"activeLanguages":{"fr-CA":"Français (Canada)","es-LA":"Español (América Latina)","de":"Deutsch","en":"English"},"enabledLanguages":["de","en","es-LA","fr-CA"],"debugInfo":false,"displayBranding":true,"displayBrandingName":true,"localizeImages":false,"localizeUrls":false,"localizeImagesLimit":false,"localizeUrlsLimit":true,"localizeAudio":false,"localizeAudioLimit":false,"localizeDates":false,"disabledPages":[],"regexPhrases":[],"allowComplexCssSelectors":false,"blockedClasses":false,"blockedIds":false,"phraseDetection":true,"customDomainSettings":[],"seoSetting":[],"translateSource":false,"overage":false,"detectPhraseFromAllLanguage":false,"googleAnalytics":false,"mixpanel":false,"heap":false,"sdkAnalytics":true,"disableDateLocalization":false,"ignoreCurrencyInTranslation":false,"blockedComplexSelectors":[]},"version":5143},{"_id":"en","source":"en","pluralFn":"return n != 1 ? 1 : 0;","pluralForm":2,"dictionary":{},"version":5143},{"_id":"outdated","outdated":{"#par <span ljsid-1=\"\">Ash Kreider</span> on Jun <span ljsid-3=\"\">13</span>, <span ljsid-5=\"\">2023</span> dans <a ljsid-7=\"\"> Mobile Industry </a>":1,"#<strong ljsid-0=\"\">New partners and systems can plug in without disruption.</strong> In a traditional system, if Service A needs Service B to do something, Service A has to know Service B exists and wait for a response. In an event-driven system, Service A just publishes an event: <span ljsid-2=\"\"></span><span ljsid-4=\"\">“</span>order placed,” <span ljsid-6=\"\"></span><span ljsid-8=\"\">“</span>payment completed.” It doesn’t care who’s listening. Any number of other systems, including the ecosystem of integrated partners like a loyalty engine, a fulfillment system, or an analytics dashboard, can subscribe and react independently.":1,"#<strong ljsid-0=\"\">Everything stays up to date in real time.</strong> Older architectures often checked for updates by repeatedly asking, <span ljsid-2=\"\"></span><span ljsid-4=\"\">“</span>has anything changed?” on a timer. Event-driven systems flip this: they’re notified the moment something changes, so updates happen in near real time instead of on a delay.":1,"#<strong ljsid-0=\"\">Events are facts, not requests.</strong> An event isn’t <span ljsid-2=\"\"></span><span ljsid-4=\"\">“</span>please update inventory.” It’s <span ljsid-6=\"\"></span><span ljsid-8=\"\">“</span>inventory was updated.” A request assumes someone downstream will act immediately. An event states that something occurred, and it’s up to any interested system to decide what to do with it.":1,"#Most retail software still works like a paper form: something happens, a request gets sent, the system processes it, and eventually a response comes back. For years, that was good enough. But telecom retail no longer has room for <span ljsid-1=\"\"></span><span ljsid-3=\"\">“</span>eventually.”":1,"#by <span ljsid-1=\"\">Renee Mohr, Product Marketing Manager, iQmetrix</span> on Aug <span ljsid-3=\"\">11</span>, <span ljsid-5=\"\">2026</span> in <a ljsid-7=\"\"> Intelligent Commerce </a> <a ljsid-9=\"\"> POS </a> <a ljsid-11=\"\"> Wireless Trends </a>":1,"#by Courtney Miller, Market Research and Intelligence Analyst on Feb <span ljsid-1=\"\">28</span>, <span ljsid-3=\"\">2025</span>":1,"#by Joannah Connolly on Dec <span ljsid-1=\"\">4</span>, <span ljsid-3=\"\">2024</span>":1,"#by <span ljsid-1=\"\">Courtney Miller, Market Research and Intelligence Analyst</span> on Feb <span ljsid-3=\"\">27</span>, <span ljsid-5=\"\">2025</span> in <a ljsid-7=\"\"> Wireless Trends </a>":1,"#Windows":1,"#RQ 6.9":1,"#für":1,"#.NET 4.7.1":1,"#4GB":1,"#We have provided some hardware picks to help guide your set-up process. With these picks and any hardware, our Support Team will make every effort to ensure a device gets setup successfully in RQ. However, due to the vast amount of Hardware available in the market, we cannot guarantee compatibility with RQ.":1,"#Disclaimer About Our Picks":1,"#Microsoft Surface Series (with Windows <span ljsid-1=\"\">11</span>)":1,"#Our Windows Tablet <a ljsid-1=\"\">Pick</a>":1,"#<strong ljsid-0=\"\">Note:</strong> Many payment terminals include signature capture functionality.":1,"#<strong ljsid-0=\"\">Topaz </strong>Siglite <span ljsid-2=\"\">1</span>×<span ljsid-4=\"\">5</span>":1,"#Our Receipt Paper <a ljsid-1=\"\">Pick</a>":1,"#Many of our customers use Epson receipt printers with RQ, particularly Epson TM-M<span ljsid-1=\"\">30</span> or Epson T<span ljsid-3=\"\">88</span>V models.":1,"#iQ Terminal Setup Guide":1,"#To learn more about setup and configuration, please refer to the":1,"#The iQ Terminal supports tap, chip, and swipe transactions, is fully EMV-certified, and provides a streamlined checkout process that enhances both speed and compliance. <a ljsid-1=\"\">Click here</a> to learn more about the iQ Terminal.":1,"#Alongside fully integrated EMV-capable payment terminals, RQ users can also leverage the <strong ljsid-1=\"\">iQ Terminal</strong> through <strong ljsid-3=\"\">iQ Pay</strong>. Seamlessly integrating with RQ, the iQ Terminal offers a modern, secure, and customer-friendly payment experience right at the counter.":1,"#iQ Pay Terminals for RQ":1,"#Many of our customers use Zebra and Epson-brand label printers with RQ.":1,"#Our Label Printer <a ljsid-1=\"\">Picks</a>":1,"#HID <span ljsid-1=\"\">4500</span> U.Are.U Fingerprint Reader":1,"#Our <a ljsid-1=\"\">Pick</a>":1,"#APG Series Cash Drawers":1,"#Our <a ljsid-1=\"\"><strong ljsid-1-0=\"\">Pick</strong></a>":1,"#Many of our clients successfully use Zebra-branded Barcode scanners with RQ.":1,"#Socket Mobile CHS":1,"#Our Barcode Scanner <a ljsid-1=\"\">Pick</a>":1,"#+ workstations by Windows Update, but can be manually downloaded":1,"#and newer. In most cases, this is automatically installed Windows":1,"#Runtime is required to run RQ":1,"#. Microsoft Edge WebView":1,"#Microsoft Office <span ljsid-1=\"\">2010</span> Standard<sup ljsid-3=\"\"><span ljsid-3-0=\"\">3</span></sup>":1,"#von":1,"#über 7.000":1,"#Multi":1,"#100er":1,"#den USA, 2022–2024":1,"#im Mai 2022 auf 17.607":1,"#Mai":1,"#Get Started with Actv<span ljsid-1=\"\">8</span> Lab":1,"#<span ljsid-0=\"\">“</span>With Actv<span ljsid-2=\"\">8</span>, we launched a new product tier in record time.”":1,"#<span ljsid-0=\"\">“</span>Actv<span ljsid-2=\"\">8</span> gave our reps the freedom to deliver faster, more personal service.”":1,"#<span ljsid-0=\"\">“</span>Orders that took <span ljsid-2=\"\">10</span> days are now fulfilled in minutes.”":1,"#Apollo.io":1,"#These":1,"#iQmetrix Joins TM Forum as ODA Component Directory Partner, Giving…":1,"#Vancouver, BC, Canada — March 24, 2026 — iQmetrix announced it has joined TM Forum and earned recognition as an Open Digital Architecture (ODA) Component…":1,"#iQmetrix Interconnected Commerce is an AI-native telecom commerce platform that acts as a system of intelligence. It replaces fragmented legacy stacks with a modern, modular operating layer, connecting telcos, retailers, and OEMs into one flow across channels and markets so teams can reduce complexity, lower cost, and move faster.":1,"#What is iQmetrix Interconnected Commerce?":1,"#plug-and-play” software components that integrate within multi-vendor ecosystems. This reduces vendor lock-in, shortens transformation timelines, and supports scalable, AI-native digital operations.":1,"#ODA alignment enables telecom operators to adopt modular,":1,"#What does ODA alignment matter for telecom operators?":1,"#Being listed as a TM Forum ODA Component Directory Partner means that iQmetrix’s solutions are mapped to defined ODA components and built according to industry-recognized architectural standards. This provides CSPs with transparency, interoperability assurance, and reduced integration risk.":1,"#What does it mean to be a TM Forum ODA Component Directory Partner?":1,"#TM Forum’s Open Digital Architecture (ODA) is an industry framework that defines standardized, modular software components and open APIs to help communications service providers modernize legacy systems and transition to cloud-native, interoperable architectures.":1,"#What is TM Forum’s Open Digital Architecture (ODA)?":1,"#BN in sales annually, handling nearly":1,"#years, we’ve been passionate about helping the leading brands in telecom to grow by providing best-in-class software, services, and expertise that enables them to adapt and thrive. Our solutions power $":1,"#iQmetrix is a global provider of Interconnected Commerce software solutions for telecom retail. Interconnected Commerce is an AI-native telecom commerce platform that acts as a system of intelligence. It replaces fragmented legacy stacks with a modern, modular operating layer, connecting telcos, retailers, and OEMs into one flow across channels and markets. The result is less complexity, lower cost, and the speed to move ahead.":1,"#Unlock the full potential of modern telecom retail. Learn how iQmetrix Interconnected Commerce can reduce complexity and accelerate your digital transformation:":1,"#By contributing to TM Forum’s ODA framework, iQmetrix positions itself as a partner in advancing a shared, composable software standard for the industry, reducing vendor lock-in, shortening transformation timelines, and giving operators the architectural freedom to evolve.":1,"#<span ljsid-0=\"\">“</span>CSPs don’t want another platform that requires heavy integration to prove its value,” added Krywulak. <span ljsid-2=\"\"></span><span ljsid-4=\"\">“</span>They want solutions that align with industry standards, deploy cleanly, and scale without baking in new technical debt. That’s exactly what ODA alignment enables, and it’s exactly how we’ve built this.”":1,"#What Sets iQmetrix Apart":1,"#The platform connects telcos, retailers, and OEMs into a single coordinated flow, replacing fragmented stacks with a modern operating layer that reduces complexity and lowers total cost of ownership, without requiring operators to rebuild from scratch.":1,"#iQmetrix Interconnected Commerce is an AI-native telecom commerce platform that acts as a system of intelligence. Rather than layering AI onto legacy complexity, it embeds intelligence directly into commerce workflows, enabling real-time orchestration, improved visibility, and faster decision-making across retail channels, partner ecosystems, and global markets.":1,"#An AI-Native System of Intelligence for Telecom Retail":1,"#<span ljsid-0=\"\">“</span>Telecom operators have spent years stitching together disconnected systems with fragile glue code and legacy patches,” said Christopher Krywulak, Founder and CEO at iQmetrix. <span ljsid-2=\"\"></span><span ljsid-4=\"\">“</span>We took a different approach from day one. Interconnected Commerce is architected as a modular operating layer, not bolted together after the fact. Our ODA alignment confirms that what we’ve built isn’t another silo, it’s infrastructure for modern telecom.”":1,"#As a TM Forum ODA Component Directory Partner, iQmetrix maps platform capabilities directly to defined ODA components. For CSPs, this translates to a concrete operational advantage: interoperable, composable deployment within multi-vendor ecosystems, without the fragile custom integrations that slow transformation and inflate cost.":1,"#What ODA Alignment Means for Operators":1,"#The recognition comes as communications service providers (CSPs) accelerate AI adoption and move away from integration-heavy legacy environments. For operators under pressure to reduce technical debt, lower cost, and move faster, architecture standards are no longer a procurement footnote, they are the deciding factor.":1,"#<strong ljsid-0=\"\">Vancouver, BC, </strong><strong ljsid-1=\"\"><strong ljsid-1-0=\"\">Canada — March <span ljsid-1-0-1=\"\">24</span>, <span ljsid-1-0-3=\"\">2026</span></strong></strong> <strong ljsid-3=\"\"><strong ljsid-3-0=\"\">— </strong></strong>iQmetrix, the global provider of <a ljsid-5=\"\">Interconnected Commerce</a> solutions purpose-built for telecom retail, today announced it has joined TM Forum and earned recognition as an <a ljsid-7=\"\">Open Digital Architecture (ODA)</a> Component Directory Partner. The achievement validates that iQmetrix aligns with the ODA vision and that its platform is built around standardized open APIs, modular cloud-native components, and interoperable architecture aligned with how leading operators are building their digital futures.":1,"#Platform’s Standards-Based Architecture Reduces Integration Risk and Accelerates Transformation for CSPs Worldwide":1,"#iQmetrix | The future of shopping":1,"#It’s a bridge between bricks and clicks, merging that line [between digital and physical] once people are inside the bricks-and-mortar,” adds Rideout.":1,"#(pictured left) in Vancouver launching virtual shelving and storefronts that couple screens with products on a physical shelf. Using the touch screens, shoppers can browse various items not stocked in store, compare prices and features, as well as make a purchase.":1,"#companies like iQmetrix":1,"#In Canada, this is becoming a reality with":1,"#But the next iteration of the shoppable virtual wall or window, as predicted by Dustin Rideout, VP at Sid Lee (who, in a previous life, worked in e-commerce at Amazon’s AidBooks and Research in Motion), will likely not be one that sits outside of a retailer’s store, for example in transit shelters and subways, as it has for the past few years. Not everyone wants to be interrupted with a browsing experience while commuting (especially if they value their privacy and shop on their phones), he says, adding shoppable walls will likely move closer to the retail environment, and become an accompaniment for products inside a store.":1,"#Being able to scan and purchase on the go is nary a novel concept, with <a ljsid-1=\"\">Tesco</a> jump-starting the trend in <span ljsid-3=\"\">2011</span> with its pop-up virtual wall in South Korea. This was followed with more shoppable surfaces by equally zealous brands such as <a ljsid-5=\"\"><em ljsid-5-0=\"\">Glamour</em> magazine</a> and <a ljsid-7=\"\">eBay</a> in New York, <a ljsid-9=\"\">P&amp;G in the Czech Republic</a> and closer to home, <a ljsid-11=\"\">Well.ca</a>, <a ljsid-13=\"\">Jean Coutu</a> and <a ljsid-15=\"\">Walmart and Mattel</a> in Canada.":1,"#Virtual walls returning to retail":1,"#We’re moving toward a world of shoppable <em ljsid-1=\"\">anything, </em>where inspiration can happen anywhere and the check-out counter no longer claims the majority of impulse purchases. However, before making that giant leap, marketers are testing surfaces of all shapes and sizes, from walls to magazines to screens, by incorporating e-commerce and changing the face of retail. <em ljsid-3=\"\">Strategy </em>examined some things to come. Check back tomorrow for the future of shopping through videos and movies.":1,"#There’s a new startup based out of Toronto called <a ljsid-1=\"\">Slyce</a>, and it has <a ljsid-3=\"\">created software</a> that essentially turns people into walking, talking, breathing shoppable ads for the brands they wear. It allows someone to snap a smartphone photograph of, say, a parka jacket on their friend’s or a stranger’s back and be redirected to a retailer’s site so they may purchase it on the spot.":1,"#By Jennifer Horn":1,"#(Below is an excerpt from <a ljsid-1=\"\">the original article</a>.)":1,"#<strong ljsid-0=\"\">Published on:</strong> StrategyOnline.ca":1,"#<strong ljsid-0=\"\">Date:</strong> March <span ljsid-2=\"\">27</span>, <span ljsid-4=\"\">2014</span>":1,"#by <span ljsid-1=\"\">Allan Pulga</span> on Mar <span ljsid-3=\"\">27</span>, <span ljsid-5=\"\">2014</span>":1,"#The future of shopping":1,"#iQmetrix: Shaping the in-store shopping experience":1,"#PCI DSS & SOC<span ljsid-1=\"\">2</span> Typ <span ljsid-3=\"\">2</span> Compliant":1,"#Learn More about Activations Platform":1,"#Ready to power seamless activations?":1,"#Activations Platform":1,"#Launch new products, services, and journeys up to <span ljsid-1=\"\">4</span>X faster with pre-built tools and templates.":1,"#Accelerate Time to Market":1,"#Deliver seamless, personalized interactions across every channel — building loyalty and boosting revenue growth.":1,"#Elevate Customer Experiences":1,"#Unify activations, integrations, and customer journeys into one platform — reducing IT overhead and silos.":1,"#Simplify Complexity":1,"#Deliver Experiences Customers Love":1,"#Empower IT and business users to build and test journeys fast.":1,"#Low-Code Journey Design":1,"#Support connected and emerging devices with flexible, data-driven account management.":1,"#Personalized Subscriber Management":1,"#Keep data flowing in real time for seamless handset transfers and journeys.":1,"#Data Synchronization & Transfer":1,"#Create consistent, multi-carrier, multi-channel experiences from one platform.":1,"#Omnichannel Journey Orchestration":1,"#Connect to major networks out of the box — fewer errors, faster activations.":1,"#Pre-Integrated Carrier Connectivity":1,"#Streamline order processing, transactions, handset transfers, and subscriber management across all devices.":1,"#End-to-End Activation Management":1,"#Telecom Activation Platform Features":1,"#X faster through resellers, unlocking new revenue streams":1,"#Launched bundled services":1,"#Launching a New Tier of Bundled Products":1,"#Hosting Services Company:":1,"#Freed reps from behind the counter. Tablet-powered journeys sped up purchases across <span ljsid-1=\"\">1</span>,<span ljsid-3=\"\">800</span> stores.":1,"#Faster Phone Purchases in Big-Box Retail":1,"#U.S. Mobile Operator:":1,"#Automated B<span ljsid-1=\"\">2</span>B orders once thought impossible. Now: <span ljsid-3=\"\">98</span>% automation, <span ljsid-5=\"\">2</span>.<span ljsid-7=\"\">3</span>M transactions annually, €<span ljsid-9=\"\">2</span>B revenue processed.":1,"#Transformed B<span ljsid-1=\"\">2</span>B Order Fulfillment":1,"#Carrier in Germany:":1,"#Tier":1,"#Bring every data point together. Give associates real-time insights to deliver smarter, more personal service.":1,"#Personalized, Data-Driven Engagement":1,"#Skip the IT headaches. With pre-built templates and integrations, you can launch, test, and optimize in weeks, not months.":1,"#Faster Time to Value":1,"#No more patchwork integrations or siloed systems. Customers can start, pause, and finish their journey anywhere — online or in-store.":1,"#Seamless Omnichannel Experiences":1,"#From end-to-end activations and subscriber management to omnichannel journey design, our platform reduces complexity, drives efficiency, and delivers consistency at every touchpoint.":1,"#Actv<span ljsid-1=\"\">8</span> Lab gives telecom leaders the tools to simplify activations, streamline operations, and deliver experiences customers love — online, in-store, or anywhere in between.":1,"#One Platform.":1,"#Connected Journeys.":1,"#Seamless Activations.":1,"#Telecom Activation and Customer Experience Platform":1,"#by Joannah Connolly on Nov <span ljsid-1=\"\">27</span>, <span ljsid-3=\"\">2024</span>":1,"#by <span ljsid-1=\"\">Joannah Connolly</span> on Dec <span ljsid-3=\"\">4</span>, <span ljsid-5=\"\">2024</span> in <a ljsid-7=\"\"> SummitX </a> <a ljsid-9=\"\"> Wireless Retail </a> <a ljsid-11=\"\"> Wireless Trends </a>":1,"#(b) Dropship & Endless Aisle Product Terms located at <a ljsid-1=\"\">https://www.iqmetrix.com/legal…</a>":1,"#Online":1,"#Learn More about iQ Pay":1,"#iQ Pay is an all-in-one payments solution that enables an integrated payment processing experience. As a single vendor experience, all aspects of payment processing are consolidated, including support, hardware, and reporting; ultimately simplifying payments management, reducing costs, and preventing fraud.":1,"#iQmetrix ranks among <span ljsid-1=\"\">50</span> Best Small & Medium Employers in Canada for third straight year":1,"#iQmetrix listed among Top <span ljsid-1=\"\">50</span> Small & Medium Employers in Canada for fourth year in a row":1,"#About the <span ljsid-1=\"\">2012</span> Best Small & Medium Employers in Canada study:":1,"#The list of <span ljsid-1=\"\">50</span> Best Small & Medium Employers in Canada was published in <a ljsid-3=\"\"><em ljsid-3-0=\"\">PROFIT Magazine</em></a> today. The magazine also included a profile on iQmetrix, identifying it as one of <a ljsid-5=\"\">three companies that have succeeded in building employee engagement</a>. In the past year, iQmetrix made efforts to improve communication – more specifically, to provide staff with added context so they can make their own decisions. Krywulak believes this approach has helped boost employee engagement.":1,"#Queen’s defines Small & Medium Employers as organizations with <span ljsid-1=\"\">50</span> to <span ljsid-3=\"\">399</span> permanent employees. The study measures employee engagement, based on employees’ degree of intellectual and emotional commitment to their workplace.":1,"#VANCOUVER, BC – Feb. <span ljsid-1=\"\">8</span>, <span ljsid-3=\"\">2012</span> – iQmetrix is pleased to announce it has ranked <span ljsid-5=\"\">10</span><sup ljsid-6=\"\">th</sup> among the <strong ljsid-8=\"\"><span ljsid-8-0=\"\">50</span> Best Small & Medium Employers in Canada</strong> for <span ljsid-10=\"\">2012</span>, up from <span ljsid-12=\"\">24</span><sup ljsid-13=\"\">th</sup> in <span ljsid-15=\"\">2011</span>, according to an annual study conducted by the Queen’s University School of Business and Aon Hewitt.":1,"#iQmetrix ranks <span ljsid-1=\"\">10</span><sup ljsid-2=\"\">th</sup> among <span ljsid-4=\"\">50</span> Best Small & Medium Employers in Canada for <span ljsid-6=\"\">2012</span>":1,"#iQmetrix and Ingram Micro Mobility Provide Retailers with Real-Time POS and Inventory Visibility":1,"#iQmetrix named one of Canada’s <span ljsid-1=\"\">10</span> Most Admired Corporate Cultures of <span ljsid-3=\"\">2014</span>":1,"#time the study has been conducted.":1,"#study marks the":1,"#Canadian-based permanent employees are eligible to participate. The":1,"#The study is conducted by the Queen’s Centre for Business Venturing, the Queen’s University School of Business and Aon Hewitt. Organizations that have operated in Canada for at least three years and have between":1,"#AllanP@iQmetrix.com":1,"#Cell:":1,"#Direct:":1,"#Allan Pulga":1,"#<span ljsid-0=\"\">“</span>We want to ensure our employees enjoy coming to work every day, that they’re fulfilled by the work they do, and that they can maintain a satisfying work-life balance,” he adds. <span ljsid-2=\"\"></span><span ljsid-4=\"\">“</span>Moving up in the list this year tells us we’re heading in the right direction.”":1,"#<span ljsid-0=\"\">“</span>We’re honoured to be included on the list again this year. It’s great to know that we’ve improved over time, but what’s even more important is how this study helps us identify the engagement and satisfaction levels of our employees,” says Christopher Krywulak, iQmetrix’s President and CEO.":1,"#by <span ljsid-1=\"\">Allan Pulga</span> on Feb <span ljsid-3=\"\">8</span>, <span ljsid-5=\"\">2012</span>":1,"#Foldable Smartphone Sales Will Grow in 2023, But Don’t Get Lost In…":1,"#Foldables are the only smartphone segment predicted to grow in 2023. However, the numbers might be exciting, but growth in foldables can’t “save” the…":1,"#iQmetrix | Foldable Smartphone Sales Will Grow in 2023, But Don’t Get…":1,"#It’s possible that in the coming years, increased choice and falling prices as well as the added benefit of new form factors offered by foldables might accelerate consumer demand for foldables. But whether they’re here to stay or not, foldables won’t be <span ljsid-1=\"\"></span><span ljsid-3=\"\">“</span>saving” the smartphone market any time soon.":1,"#Were they? Not exactly. Google Search Trends graphs of the term from <span ljsid-1=\"\">2010</span> to present tells a pretty definitive story:":1,"#Foldables are also new enough as a category to ask the question: are they a trend or a fad? Industry watchers have thrown term <span ljsid-1=\"\"></span><span ljsid-3=\"\">“</span>phablet” around a lot since the Q<span ljsid-5=\"\">3</span> launch of the Galaxy Z Fold<span ljsid-7=\"\">4</span>. But phablets are a fad that has already come and gone. From <span ljsid-9=\"\">2013</span> to <span ljsid-11=\"\">2015</span>, many media outlets breathlessly predicted that <span ljsid-13=\"\"></span><span ljsid-15=\"\">“</span>phablets were here to stay”, including <a ljsid-17=\"\">Fortune</a>, <a ljsid-19=\"\">HuffPost</a>, and <a ljsid-21=\"\">Ars Technica</a>.":1,"#While we acknowledge that social media isn’t exactly scientifically rigorous, when we asked if people could see themselves buying a foldable smartphone in the next two years, the responses were pretty tepid. Out of <span ljsid-1=\"\">127</span> responses, only <span ljsid-3=\"\">18</span>% said <span ljsid-5=\"\"></span><span ljsid-7=\"\">“</span>yes, absolutely”. More than half (<span ljsid-9=\"\">55</span>%) said no, with the remaining quarter (<span ljsid-11=\"\">27</span>%) answering <span ljsid-13=\"\"></span><span ljsid-15=\"\">“</span>maybe”. Which isn’t exactly ringing enthusiasm.":1,"#<span ljsid-0=\"\">2</span>. Uncertainty of demand begs the question: trend or fad?":1,"#Compared the rest of the market, the number of foldables being sold is still miniscule — the <span ljsid-1=\"\">9</span>.<span ljsid-3=\"\">1</span> million foldables that were shipped in <span ljsid-5=\"\">2021</span> represented only <span ljsid-7=\"\">0</span>.<span ljsid-9=\"\">7</span>% of total smartphone shipments for the year. When you’re dealing with numbers that small, it’s easy to have a huge percentage of growth result in what is still a pretty tiny number.":1,"#It’s easy to have huge growth in a tiny market segment.":1,"#Given the overall gloomy outlook for smartphones in <span ljsid-1=\"\">2023</span>, these growth projections can sound really exciting! But it’s important to maintain a sense of perspective. Why? There are two reasons.":1,"#Always the elephant in the room, Apple is notable in its silence regarding plans for a foldable offering, but given that Apple has both filed for and been issued several patents for foldable smartphones and tablets, it seems safe to assume that an Apple foldable will hit the market eventually.":1,"#In <span ljsid-1=\"\">2022</span>, the category was still nearly entirely dominated by Samsung, <a ljsid-3=\"\">which had <span ljsid-3-1=\"\">82</span>% market share</a>. However, that lead will start to dry up as HONOR, Motorola, and Xiaomi are expected to get serious with foldable offerings outside of China. Additionally, Huawei, OPPO, and Vivo are expected to launch new foldable products this year.":1,"#This year, foldables are predicted to rise above <span ljsid-1=\"\">20</span>% penetration of the ultra-premium smartphone category (phones that cost $<span ljsid-3=\"\">1000</span>+). As for total sales, analysts are varyingly optimistic, predicting between <span ljsid-5=\"\">30</span>% growth (<a ljsid-7=\"\">DSCC</a>) and <span ljsid-9=\"\">52</span>% (<a ljsid-11=\"\">Counterpoint Research</a>), with increasing competition anticipated to put downward pressure on prices.":1,"#Foldables are the only smartphone segment predicted to grow in <span ljsid-1=\"\">2023</span>.":1,"#The notable exception to these gloomy numbers? Foldables – which grew from <span ljsid-1=\"\">9</span>.<span ljsid-3=\"\">1</span> million shipments in <span ljsid-5=\"\">2021</span> to <span ljsid-7=\"\">14</span>.<span ljsid-9=\"\">9</span> million in <span ljsid-11=\"\">2022</span>.":1,"#Yikes.":1,"#<span ljsid-0=\"\">“</span>We have never seen shipments in the holiday quarter come in lower than the previous quarter,” said Nabila Popal, research director with IDC’s Worldwide Tracker team. <span ljsid-2=\"\"></span><span ljsid-4=\"\">“</span>However, weakened demand and high inventory caused vendors to cut back drastically on shipments. The weaker-than-predicted Q<span ljsid-6=\"\">4</span> numbers put previous predictions for a <span ljsid-8=\"\">2</span>.<span ljsid-10=\"\">8</span>% recovery in <span ljsid-12=\"\">2023</span> <span ljsid-14=\"\"></span><span ljsid-16=\"\">“</span>in serious jeopardy”.":1,"#<span ljsid-0=\"\">2023</span> looks set to be another challenging year for wireless retail. In addition to the <a ljsid-2=\"\">complex impacts of inflation and supply chain disruption</a>, weakening consumer demand is rocking the smartphone market as refresh rates are surpassing <span ljsid-4=\"\">40</span> months in most major markets. According to research by IDC, <a ljsid-6=\"\">smartphone shipments were down <span ljsid-6-1=\"\">18</span>.<span ljsid-6-3=\"\">3</span>% year over year in Q<span ljsid-6-5=\"\">4</span></a> and were down <span ljsid-8=\"\">11</span>.<span ljsid-10=\"\">3</span>% in <span ljsid-12=\"\">2022</span> overall — with the lowest number of annual shipments since <span ljsid-14=\"\">2013</span>.":1,"#The numbers are exciting, but growth in foldables can’t <span ljsid-1=\"\"></span><span ljsid-3=\"\">“</span>save” the smartphone market.":1,"#by <span ljsid-1=\"\">Ash Kreider</span> on Mar <span ljsid-3=\"\">2</span>, <span ljsid-5=\"\">2023</span> in <a ljsid-7=\"\"> Mobile Industry </a> <a ljsid-9=\"\"> Wireless Trends </a>":1,"#When you're a retailer who wants to stand out, how can you compete against stores who want the same thing? Experiential retail just may be what can set…":1,"#iQmetrix | Is Experiential Brick and Mortar Worth the Hype?":1,"#Glossier-Flagship":1,"#Mejuri-Press-11":1,"#Want to create great experiential experiences for your customers? It all starts with having the best retail software — the kind that it tailored to your unique business.":1,"#So, it’s safe to say that experiential brick and mortar is something worth investing in. But the buck doesn’t stop there. It’s almost become cliché to say <span ljsid-1=\"\"></span><span ljsid-3=\"\">“</span>retail is ever-changing” but it doesn’t make the statement any less true. Experience is the be-all, end-all of a successful business so be sure you’re giving your shoppers something to tell their friends about. Whether your retail store employs small enhancements like digital signage or next-level customer service to keep customers in the know or you’re planning to create an immersive retail journey, creating a memorable experience will be the key to success.":1,"#Even if you’re not a makeup aficionado, you have to appreciate their tact. Putting the fun in functional, Glossier has created a visual adventure for shoppers as they meander through the store in an<a ljsid-1=\"\"> effort to create an <span ljsid-1-1=\"\"></span><span ljsid-1-3=\"\">“</span>adult Disneyland.”</a> And with their touchscreen tablets near the products, customers can try an item then order on the screen. When they’re done, all products are wrapped and ready at the cashier’s desk.":1,"#Photo by Rosemarie Ho":1,"#Retailers today have come to the realization that the in-store experience needs to be one that relaxes a consumer and encourages their interaction with associates to help them find what they need. Glossier, an American-made makeup brand, recently launched their first flagship location after having been an online-only retailer for years. Putting down roots in New York City was a risk, considering the price of real estate, but <a ljsid-1=\"\">Glossier sure knew what they were doing</a>.":1,"#Even with technology at the helm of today’s great retail experiences, we can’t forget about what truly makes a shopping trip memorable. We’ve said it before: in-person retail isn’t dying,<em ljsid-1=\"\"> boring</em> in-person retail is. Think of any retail giant who has fallen like the proverbial Goliath — Toy’s R Us, Claire’s, B&amp;B Bachrach, and Bon-Ton are just a few of the notable names who filed for bankruptcy last year. And what did these merchants have in common? Walk into any of them and you’re greeted with cold, shelved corridors of product, terrible, fluorescent lighting, and school-gym-esque linoleum flooring. Not exactly the most welcoming retail environment if you ask me.":1,"#Atmosphere is Everything":1,"#Shoppers browse items on the rack, but when they’d like to try an item, they choose their size from an interactive touchscreen. Once they’ve completed their perusing, they go to the changeroom where their items are waiting for them; <a ljsid-1=\"\">it’s in-store drop ship making retail memories</a>. Not only that, but small touches like a customer having access to an aux cord for their room and the ability to change the lighting from warm to cool ensures shoppers truly feel like home.":1,"#Take <a ljsid-1=\"\">Reformation</a>, for example. With ethically-minded, unique, and sustainable products lining their shelves, Reformation knew that their clientele was looking to browse and would need to try items on to get their full effect. So, this women’s apparel brand made the changeroom experience fun.":1,"#Answering that single question can help your business plot your customers’ path to purchase, ensuring that you’re providing helpful technologies at every touchpoint that will streamline, not hinder, their in-store experience.":1,"#They don’t know what they’re looking for but know you’re the expert that can guide their way?":1,"#They know exactly what item (make, model, color, size, etc.) they’re looking for?":1,"#They know what they’re looking for but need more information to make a decision?":1,"#If you’ve been looking for retail technology to up your game, you know that the options are almost endless. Trying to understand what the best tech is for your business can be overwhelming when you’re evaluating price, functionality, usability, scalability, and so much more. To narrow the field of effective candidates, it’s important to know what kind of mission your shoppers are on. Do they turn to you when:":1,"#Your Perfect Technology Match":1,"#Photo by Mejuri":1,"#Not only does this interconnected style of retail help merchants provide next-level service to shoppers, but it also provides them with the opportunity to offer extended product lines, high-end items, and value-added services that put them ahead of the competition — all without taking upfront or back-end storage space. Canadian jeweler, <a ljsid-1=\"\">Mejuri</a>, has flagship stores where they only offer a limited selection of take-home items. Instead, they use their full-scale showroom to provide an aesthetically pleasing atmosphere to try on pieces and find the perfect look before ordering.":1,"#So, thinking back to the PJ-clad shopper who is browsing e-commerce sites, they likely are doing so because they know that through the power of online searches, they’ll find the item they’re looking for. But what if in-person retailers could offer the same guarantee? Technology has enabled brick-and-mortar storefronts to provide shoppers with a myriad of options that ensure customers never walk away without making a purchase. Imagine you’re looking for a dress shoe but just your luck, your desired size and color is sold out. That’s when an associate could offer you an iPad where you can pick the product you want, enter your shipping information, provide payment, and have the item shipped to your home.":1,"#If you’re a trend-watcher who keeps a pulse of what’s new in retail (and honestly, even if you’re not), you’ve likely heard about omnichannel, unified commerce, or both. The driving force behind both methodologies is customer experience; consumers expect their dealings with a retailer to be easy and frictionless and merchants have had to adjust their processes to ensure they are up to par. Shoppers want to know that wherever they turn, they’ll be able to find what they need.":1,"#Let’s start by understanding why shoppers turn to online stores. Is it really because they want to purchase the next best thing from the comfort of their couch while they’re still dressed in pajamas? I think it’s more than that, and research can back me up.":1,"#Understanding Consumer Preferences":1,"#Even with the new wave of retail where customers surf the web to find what they need, brick-and-mortar stores continue to thrive. So, what does this mean for retailers?":1,"#Brick and mortar isn’t dying — we promise. According to <a ljsid-1=\"\">a Google study</a>, <span ljsid-3=\"\">61</span>% of shoppers would rather browse, discover, and purchase items from brands in a physical retail store rather than an online one. The same study also found that <span ljsid-5=\"\">81</span>% of shoppers would go into a brick-and-mortar storefront when that location is sure to have an item they need or want immediately available.":1,"#by <span ljsid-1=\"\">Stephanie Boyle</span> on Jun <span ljsid-3=\"\">4</span>, <span ljsid-5=\"\">2019</span> in <a ljsid-7=\"\"> Retail Industry Trends </a>":1,"#Is Experiential Brick and Mortar Worth the Hype?":1,"#The Next-Gen Store of the Future":1,"#AI, VR, IoT—profitable or pointless?":1,"#How Will <span ljsid-1=\"\">5</span>G Impact Wireless Retailers?":1,"#The State of the Telecom Industry":1,"#Retailers should begin to future-proof their businesses by understanding which technologies and trends best suit their customers’ current needs. Not every solution will be ideal for every store; businesses must start by analyzing market demands and problem areas first. Next, they should consider a flexible, centralized retail management platform. By choosing a platform that takes future growth into consideration, retailers can begin to determine which technologies and services make the most sense. This approach clarifies which business strategies are fads and which will drive growth.":1,"#Given the new technologies available now and coming soon, retailers must remember that human connection will still be pivotal for in-store business. This is especially true given the shift toward service-based and experiential retail stores. Balancing technology and person-to-person care is key.":1,"#The Human Touch":1,"#<span ljsid-0=\"\">5</span>G will mean sharing even more data to the cloud but with faster speeds and less manual entry. Automated uploads reduce errors that can skew analytics. As technology improves, AI will scan the data to make it more useful for actionable insights in all store areas, from inventory to marketing. In the not-so-distant future, autonomous vehicles will deliver store shipments and items to customers. These operations will need to be connected through a powerful retail management system to connect businesses at all touchpoints.":1,"#The new <span ljsid-1=\"\">5</span>G world will allow better data collection, analytics, operations efficiencies, and more opportunities for business growth. Retailers that rely on multiple devices and sensors to communicate and aggregate data will see performance enhancements. This will allow more devices to be connected and with lower latency. Surveillance video or tracking technologies will also be faster and better utilized for shopper pattern recognition.":1,"#Efficiencies":1,"#Improved Operational":1,"#In addition to new rate plans or add-on services, there will continue to be more media and entertainment services. With the ability to stream or download content at increased speeds, there will be more service opportunities. Current subscription packages may become obsolete as new, more profitable services emerge.":1,"#Increased network benefits will allow carriers and wireless retailers to charge more for rate plans or even add new options. <span ljsid-1=\"\">5</span>G will be an expensive endeavor for carriers so it will be important to recover those costs.":1,"#Wireless devices will have more memory and improved connectivity. And just as <span ljsid-1=\"\">2</span>G phones could not connect to <span ljsid-3=\"\">3</span>G or <span ljsid-5=\"\">4</span>G networks, <span ljsid-7=\"\">4</span>G and LTE devices will not be able to connect to <span ljsid-9=\"\">5</span>G networks. This means an increase in sales all around with new wireless devices able to access improved networks and compatible accessories for those devices.":1,"#Enhanced Customer Experience":1,"#Incoming <span ljsid-1=\"\">5</span>G-data networks are poised to change the retail market. Faster speeds, lower latency, and increased connectivity will improve wireless devices and the way shopping is done. <span ljsid-3=\"\">5</span>G will likely be widely available within three years, and retail businesses need to be ready to capitalize on it.":1,"#<strong ljsid-0=\"\">Chatbots won’t replace human interaction.</strong> While chatbots provide a decent front-end customer experience, they are not an end solution for full service. They should be used within an escalation process or to better serve suggestions for human agents or intermingled workflows. Research by Aon Hewitt found a <span ljsid-2=\"\">3</span>% increase in revenue when sales associates use customer data gathered by chatbots.":1,"#Eventually, warehouse robotics and increased item-level tracking capabilities will be commonplace, but those functions are only possible with centralized, AI-enabled retail management systems.":1,"#Inventory optimization with these advanced features means establishing centralized product tracking. Additionally, supply-chain management can be done in real time. This ability can enable businesses to give same-day and nextday delivery. As AI technology improves, businesses can tailor the delivery experience to meet even more demands. For instance, if a customer indicates, <span ljsid-1=\"\"></span><span ljsid-3=\"\">“</span>I want my new phone delivered to my car within <span ljsid-5=\"\">20</span> minutes,” inventory management with AI functions can automatically arrange this transaction.":1,"#AI can quickly analyze shopper data to recommend what is needed. For example, AI can push promotions by finding the best combination of price and product to increase the likelihood shoppers will return. AI can also gather and act on external data, such as from competing carriers or other bigbox store offers in the market.":1,"#Retail management systems with AI and machine learning functions can optimize businesses in many areas, from marketing to inventory management to in-store monitoring and KPIs. All the data from across every business channel can be formatted by an AI component to make it more useful. By charting this information, changes can be made to revamp the online and in-store experience. Furthermore, machine learning can use this information to automate actions.":1,"#More Valuable AI and Machine Learning":1,"#Other retailers are testing the concept of providing customers with wearables to try as they walk in the store. Not only does the customer get to experiment with the device, but it can also aid them in getting an associate’s attention, scan product information, create shopping carts, take voice commands, etc. By syncing to other mobile devices, these wearables can also help complete a transaction. Data collected during this process can then be analyzed to better understand user preferences and behavior for future personalization.":1,"#Some retailers are even experimenting with connecting associate devices to customer wearables. Someday, a customer could walk into a store, and sales associates can know their current wireless device, rate plan, upgrade date, and even budget.":1,"#Personalized services based on data collection start online and follow customers into the store. Online log-in recognition, visual product recommendations based on the customer’s history, contextual marketing that predicts a shopper’s end goals, and behavioral heat mapping are all part of sales data optimization.":1,"#That said, finding the right balance is possible. <span ljsid-1=\"\">79</span>% of Deloitte Insights survey respondents in <span ljsid-3=\"\">2017</span> agreed that <span ljsid-5=\"\"></span><span ljsid-7=\"\">“</span>they would be willing to share their data if there was a clear benefit for them.” Customers expect brands to understand and even anticipate their needs.":1,"#Businesses should audit their customer data collection points to improve marketing and personalization, online and offline. This audit must account for consumer privacy, as many shoppers are concerned about their personal information. Not only that, but data regulations will continue to become more rigorous as markets adapt to a more connected world.":1,"#More Personalization":1,"#A unified commerce strategy bridges the customer’s experience with a brand; it also connects carriers and authorized retailers. With unified commerce, carriers can offer omnichannel solutions across all touchpoints, ensuring price control, streamlined product details and specifications, inventory management, and consistent promotions at all stores. Additionally, unified commerce gives authorized retailers streamlined access to rate plans and media services, and it allows them to reconcile carrier rebates.":1},"version":5143}]