[{"_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,"disableDateLocalization":false,"ignoreCurrencyInTranslation":false,"blockedComplexSelectors":[]},"version":4458},{"_id":"en","source":"en","pluralFn":"return n != 1 ? 1 : 0;","pluralForm":2,"dictionary":{},"version":4458},{"_id":"outdated","outdated":{"#Explore Interconnected Commerce":1,"#Discover how iQmetrix helps telecom operators unify digital and in-store experiences with an AI-native commerce platform built for the next era of retail.":1,"#Ready to move from fragmented retail to true phygital commerce?":1,"#Telecoms’ complexity makes it ideal for the mixture of the physical and digital in retail. That’s not going to change.”":1,"#I see telcos having large flagship stores that are full service, offering not only basic retail and device support but unique hybrid experiences,” he predicts.":1,"#This will inevitably reshape the role of physical stores. While Krywulak admits that there will <span ljsid-1=\"\"></span><span ljsid-3=\"\">„</span>likely be fewer physical stores” in the future, he sees stores evolving to focus less on transactions and more on solving complex customer needs, from repairs to upgrades and advice. At the same time, they may double as logistics points, enabling faster fulfilment for online orders.":1,"#<span ljsid-0=\"\">„</span>Shopping is not far from beginning at the AI agent level […] Agents will orchestrate the entire retail journey, from answering customer questions to building personalised packages,” said Krywulak.":1,"#At the same time, these AI agents will play a growing role within retail operations, supporting both customer journeys and employee workflows.":1,"#In this model, the customer journey increasingly begins outside traditional telco channels, with AI tools aggregating options and guiding decisions. This presents both an opportunity and a threat for the telcos. Those that adapt quickly can capitalise on a new route to customer acquisition, while those that fail to expose their offerings via APIs risk being excluded from these new buying pathways.":1,"#The next phase of retail disruption is rapidly approaching in the form of agentic AI, where digital agents can act on behalf of customers to navigate purchasing decisions.":1,"#Agentic commerce will demand change":1,"#<span ljsid-0=\"\">„</span>Apple is really the <span ljsid-2=\"\"></span><span ljsid-4=\"\">'</span>North Star’ for where telco should be headed,” said Krywulak. <span ljsid-6=\"\"></span><span ljsid-8=\"\">„</span>The company really understands that the digital and physical should be considered a single, unique final experience for customers. They are creating brand theatre in their stores. When customers come to your store regularly because they trust you to solve problems, not just sell products, then there’s so much commercial opportunity.”":1,"#Apple, frequently cited as a benchmark, exemplifies a model where digital and physical interactions are tightly integrated and designed around the user journey from the outset.":1,"#This lack of a top-down, experience-led strategy contrasts sharply with best-in-class retailers, like Apple, who design their retail strategy around the user journey from the outset":1,"#<span ljsid-0=\"\">„</span>What kind of experience do you want your customer to have? What problems do they have and how can you solve it for them? These are the key questions to ask, rather than leading with technology,” said Krywulak.":1,"#For Krywulak, this is a fundamental error, arguing that operators’ strategies should begin by defining the desired customer experience and expanding from there.":1,"#<span ljsid-0=\"\">„</span>There’s been a bottom-up reductionist approach to retail,” explained Krywulak. <span ljsid-2=\"\"></span><span ljsid-4=\"\">„</span>They do a piece at a time, rather than thinking about how the system works as a whole.”":1,"#This fragmentation is further entrenched by telcos’ tendency to approach change incrementally, aiming to solve problems in isolation rather than redesigning journeys holistically.":1,"#<span ljsid-0=\"\">„</span>They have their sales team, their marketing team, and their IT team, but no one’s really working on the shared strategy,” he said, describing a lack of ownership over the end-to-end customer experience.":1,"#While legacy systems and siloed data are often cited as the main obstacles to delivering a <span ljsid-1=\"\"></span><span ljsid-3=\"\">'</span>phygital’ channel experience, Krywulak argues that organisational structure and mindset are equally significant barriers. Operators are used to their various departments operating largely independent, each with its own priorities and little motivation to work across teams. This, Krywulak says, makes it inherently challenging to deliver a consistent customer experience.":1,"#Culture, not technology, is the primary barrier":1,"#<span ljsid-0=\"\">„</span>A lot of the plumbing that we do at iQmetrix is ensuring that the physical orchestration level is the same as the digital,” Krywulak explained. <span ljsid-2=\"\"></span><span ljsid-4=\"\">„</span>We need to be able to hand off from one service platform to the other while retaining the customers’ identity to deliver a unified experience.”":1,"#In practice, this means ensuring that the same systems and data underpin both environments. Key customer interactions, such as checking upgrade eligibility, trade-in value, or product availability, should be consistent regardless of channel.":1,"#<span ljsid-0=\"\">„</span>There is awareness that this customer experience really matters, but it has not really been solved at scale yet for telcos,” said Krywulak. <span ljsid-2=\"\"></span><span ljsid-4=\"\">„</span>There’s been much talk of multi-channel, omnichannel, but I like the term <span ljsid-6=\"\"></span><span ljsid-8=\"\">'</span>phygital’ – it literally blends the digital and physical together.”":1,"#Of course, addressing this challenge is no small feat. The telco industry has long discussed the challenges and benefits of creating a seamless digital – physical retail experience, but few have truly embraced the approach.":1,"#A <span ljsid-1=\"\"></span><span ljsid-3=\"\">'</span>phygital’ future":1,"#<span ljsid-0=\"\">„</span>Telcos have always been so focused on their networks that the channel is something of an afterthought. In their minds, it’s just the part at the end of the transaction, where it really needs to be part of the whole flow,” said Krywulak. <span ljsid-2=\"\"></span><span ljsid-4=\"\">„</span>Our best-in-class retailers create a continuous experience that moves from online to in-store seamlessly. That’s a great experience and it generates loyalty.”":1,"#This fragmentation is most visible when customers move between channels. Journeys that begin online frequently collapse in-store, resulting in a frustrating customer experience.":1,"#<span ljsid-0=\"\">„</span>The retail experience fundamentally still hasn’t changed significantly since the first introduction of mobile phones,” said Krywulak. <span ljsid-2=\"\"></span><span ljsid-4=\"\">„</span>It was very transactional and, from a carrier perspective, we have not yet really shifted. There’s no real appetite from telcos to take the lead and bridge their systems.”":1,"#The mobile industry has long suffered from a persistent failure to connect digital and physical channels into a seamless journey. Despite operators investing heavily in apps and online tools, the in-store experience often remains disconnected from the online experience.":1,"#Telco retail: fragmented and frustrating":1,"#Speaking to Total Telecom, Krywulak shed light on the broken customer retail experience, organisational inertia, and why operators must embrace AI and hybrid retail models.":1,"#Despite decades of technological change, from early mobile devices to eSIM, the core telco retail experience has remained largely static. For Christopher Krywulak, CEO and founder of iQmetrix, the industry now faces the harsh reality of a long-delayed transformation, with rising customer expectations and rapid AI advances pushing operators towards a more holistic retail model.":1,"#Originally published on <strong ljsid-1=\"\"><a ljsid-1-0=\"\">Total Telecom</a></strong>":1,"#by <span ljsid-1=\"\">Harry Baldock, Editor, Total Telecom</span> on Apr <span ljsid-3=\"\">8</span>, <span ljsid-5=\"\">2026</span>":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,"#, is a complete software solution designed for wireless retailers to manage people, business processes and strategic decision-making. Our new product, XQ Interactive Retail, is a suite of in-store digital media solutions that provide an engaging way to educate and guide customers through the process of buying a mobile device. iQmetrix is a privately held software as a service (SaaS) company with offices in Canada and the United States.":1,"#iQmetrix is the leading provider of retail management solutions for the North American wireless industry. We strive to create the ultimate retail experience for the consumer, the employee and the business. Our flagship product, RQ":1,"#time the study has been conducted.":1,"#th":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,"#Manager, Communications":1,"#Allan Pulga":1,"#Media Contact:":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,"#by <span ljsid-1=\"\">Ash Kreider</span> on Jun <span ljsid-3=\"\">13</span>, <span ljsid-5=\"\">2023</span> in <a ljsid-7=\"\"> Industrie mobile </a>":1,"#Proven — D":1,"#by Renee Mohr, Product Marketing Manager, iQmetrix on Feb <span ljsid-1=\"\">18</span>, <span ljsid-3=\"\">2020</span>":1,"#by Stephanie Boyle on Apr <span ljsid-1=\"\">22</span>, <span ljsid-3=\"\">2020</span>":1,"#by PayBright on Jul <span ljsid-1=\"\">27</span>, <span ljsid-3=\"\">2020</span>":1,"#by Devin Shrake, Co-Founder, Shiftlab on Sep <span ljsid-1=\"\">27</span>, <span ljsid-3=\"\">2021</span>":1,"#iQ Storefront + iQ Pay":1,"#by <span ljsid-1=\"\">Ash Kreider</span> on Apr <span ljsid-3=\"\">9</span>, <span ljsid-5=\"\">2024</span> in <a ljsid-7=\"\"> Interconnected Commerce </a>":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,"#by <span ljsid-1=\"\">Sive O’Neill</span> on Sep <span ljsid-3=\"\">18</span>, <span ljsid-5=\"\">2020</span>":1,"#iQmetrix’s solutions meet the highest of established security compliance standards, as assessed by external assessors — including PCI DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard) compliance. iQmetrix’s <a ljsid-1=\"\">Telecom POS</a> and retail management solutions are also <a ljsid-3=\"\">SOC (Systems and Organizational Control) <span ljsid-3-1=\"\">2</span>, Type <span ljsid-3-3=\"\">2</span> compliant</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,"#by Joannah Connolly on Nov <span ljsid-1=\"\">18</span>, <span ljsid-3=\"\">2024</span>":1,"#by John Lund of Entresmart, LLC on Nov <span ljsid-1=\"\">20</span>, <span ljsid-3=\"\">2024</span>":1,"#by Joannah Connolly on Dec <span ljsid-1=\"\">11</span>, <span ljsid-3=\"\">2024</span>":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,"#by <span ljsid-1=\"\">Niki Blott, Event & Growth Marketing Manager</span> on May <span ljsid-3=\"\">6</span>, <span ljsid-5=\"\">2026</span>":1,"#iQmetrix to Showcase Intelligent Commerce Operating System and…":1,"#COPENHAGEN, Denmark — May 6, 2026 — iQmetrix, the Intelligent Commerce Operating System for telecom, announced today it will exhibit, speak, and compete…":1,"#iQmetrix Announces First-Ever <span ljsid-1=\"\"></span><span ljsid-3=\"\">“</span>Telecom Retail Summit” at MWC Barcelona <span ljsid-5=\"\">2026</span>":1,"#iQmetrix is the global provider of Intelligent Commerce Operating Systems for telecom. It replaces fragmented legacy stacks with a modern, modular layer that orchestrates telcos, retailers, and OEMs into one intelligent flow across channels and markets. The result is less complexity, lower cost, and the speed to move ahead.":1,"#Schedule a meeting with the team in Copenhagen.":1,"#iQmetrix will be at <strong ljsid-1=\"\">Booth #<span ljsid-1-1=\"\">317</span></strong> throughout the event.":1,"#Meet iQmetrix at DTW Ignite <span ljsid-1=\"\">2026</span>":1,"#AM.":1,"#at":1,"#, June":1,"#The session will cover the evolution from omnichannel to agentic commerce, walk through the architecture of an Intelligent Commerce Operating System, and include a live product demonstration connecting AI-native workflows to real commerce outcomes. The future of commerce, Raymer will argue, will not be won by optimizing channels separately. It will be won by orchestrating the experience between them. The session will take place on Day":1,"#<span ljsid-0=\"\"></span><span ljsid-2=\"\">“</span>The Rise of Agentic Commerce: Why CSPs Need an Operating System for Phygital Experiences.”":1,"#Jason Raymer, Senior Vice President of Client Experiences at iQmetrix, will take the stage in The Loft (DTW Ignite’s destination for tech demos and disruptor stories) for a session titled":1,"#The Loft: The Rise of Agentic Commerce":1,"#— a project that demonstrates how agentic, standards-based architecture can power intelligent plan recommendations at scale, moving beyond static product catalogues toward dynamic, personalized commerce experiences. Attendees can visit the Catalyst kiosk to see composable, ODA-aligned components working together in a real-world proof of concept.":1,"#ODA PRISM: Recommending the Ultimate Telecom Plan (Phase II)":1,"#As part of the TM Forum Catalyst initiative, iQmetrix is showcasing":1,"#Catalyst Project: Powering Intelligent Plan Recommendations":1,"#<em ljsid-0=\"\"><span ljsid-0-0=\"\">“</span></em><em ljsid-1=\"\">Telecom isn’t being disrupted by AI. It’s being exposed by it. Consumers expect one journey, but the industry still runs on fragmented systems patched together, systems that resist AI at every layer,” </em>said Christopher Krywulak, Founder and CEO at iQmetrix.":1,"#AI isn’t improving commerce. It’s breaking the model. Journeys are becoming agent-driven and non-linear. CSPs are already selling to customers who arrive with agents that compare, negotiate, and transact on their behalf. The systems behind telecom commerce were not built for this. For years, iQmetrix has been connecting the disconnected: linking telcos, retailers, and OEMs into a single commerce flow across digital and physical channels. That interconnection was the prerequisite. What it enables is the outcome: a system that does not just move transactions through, but orchestrates intelligently. The result is an Intelligent Commerce Operating System, a foundational layer built to orchestrate every experience, for humans and agents alike.":1,"#DTW Ignite <span ljsid-1=\"\">2026</span><span ljsid-2=\"\"></span><span ljsid-4=\"\">’</span>s theme, <span ljsid-6=\"\"></span><span ljsid-8=\"\">“</span>The Future. Faster.,” captures the urgency facing communications service providers worldwide. Telcos have spent decades building world-class networks that consumers increasingly take for granted, yet that investment hasn’t translated into loyalty. Loyalty is now earned at the commerce layer: at the moment of discovery, purchase, activation, and support. Meanwhile, decades of accumulated complexity, from disconnected POS systems to fragile activation flows, are blocking the shift from AI-curious to AI-native.":1,"#The Future of Commerce Is Won at the Orchestration Layer":1,"#The debut marks a milestone in iQmetrix’s global growth strategy and deepens its partnership with TM Forum, following its recent recognition as an <a ljsid-1=\"\"><strong ljsid-1-0=\"\">ODA Component Directory Partner</strong></a>.":1,"#<strong ljsid-0=\"\">COPENHAGEN, Denmark — May <span ljsid-0-1=\"\">6</span>, <span ljsid-0-3=\"\">2026</span> — </strong>iQmetrix, the Intelligent Commerce Operating System for telecom, announced today it will exhibit, speak, and compete as a bronze sponsor at <strong ljsid-2=\"\">DTW Ignite <span ljsid-2-1=\"\">2026</span></strong> in Copenhagen from June <span ljsid-4=\"\">23</span> – <span ljsid-6=\"\">25</span>. The company will deliver a live product demo in The Loft, showcase its <strong ljsid-8=\"\">ODA PRISM</strong> Catalyst project alongside a consortium of global operators and technology partners, and exhibit at Booth #<span ljsid-10=\"\">317</span> throughout the event.":1,"#Bronze sponsor debut includes Catalyst project innovation, live platform demo, and a unified AI‑native commerce vision":1,"#iQmetrix to Showcase Intelligent Commerce Operating System and Catalyst Innovation at DTW Ignite <span ljsid-1=\"\">2026</span>":1,"#The Next-Gen Store of the Future":1,"#AI, VR, IoT—profitable or pointless?":1,"#iQmetrix | The Next-Gen Store of the Future":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,"#Unified commerce capabilities can also pinpoint frequent shoppers and administrate loyalty programs. Loyalty programs contribute to the overall brand and lifestyle experience more and more retailers aspire to offer.":1,"#Omnichannel has been a way for retailers to provide seamless customer service across all touchpoints, whether online or in-store. Unified commerce is the next step. It brings data from all business platforms into a single repository, tracks consumer insights, and helps offer services to customers during each interaction. In a <span ljsid-1=\"\">2016</span> survey of executives, Boston Retail Partners said <span ljsid-3=\"\"></span><span ljsid-5=\"\">“</span><span ljsid-6=\"\">81</span>% of retailers plan to have unified commerce within three years,” meaning the switch is already happening.":1,"#Evolve From Omnichannel to Unified Commerce":1,"#With charitable events, retailers should find causes that resonate with their brand and the local community. These events can help foster a positive brand reputation and showcase the in-store experience. Service-oriented organizations have the potential to win the hearts and minds of future generations.":1,"#Businesses can integrate themselves into communities by offering special initiatives such as educational classes, networking, and charitable events. Devices change quickly, so educating customers is increasingly important. Retailers can host events as new devices are launched or announced.":1,"#Hands-On Events":1,"#If a customer breaks a phone, wireless businesses should position themselves as the ones to solve that problem. After all, that’s likely where the customer got the device in the first place. By allowing the customer to come back to the store, associates can offer multiple options — repair the device or trade it in and upgrade. Customers don’t have that option at repair-only shops. In order to facilitate repair service, in-store and online technologies such as appointment scheduling and inventory management tools should be integrated into a store’s POS or labor management system.":1,"#A practical way to create unique experiences is to give services that complement product offerings for target customers — the dog wash at the dog food store or free coffee at the appliance outlet. More and more, brick-and-mortar retailers are building lifestyles around their merchandise. For example, athletic wear retailer Lululemon now provides yoga classes, workout programming, health foods, and meditation.":1,"#Adding Services to the In-Store Experience":1,"#How Do Businesses Create Experiential Retail?":1,"#So, what does the store of the future look like? While fantasies of flashy digital displays and minimal aesthetic designs might come to mind, the marketplace seems to be demanding more emphasis on offering unique customer experiences. Experiential retail or sensory retail are terms that describe the change from a product-focus to service culture. Retaining long-term customers now means hosting classes, events, and offering lifestyle benefits. And by <span ljsid-1=\"\"></span><span ljsid-3=\"\">“</span>experiences,” this doesn’t mean implementing VR or AR functions and expecting new customers. Stores must deliver meaningful experiences.":1,"#The elements discussed so far set the groundwork for becoming a store of the future and keeping up with changing demands and retail innovations. Ultimately, an integrated POS and retail management system with a strong IT network are critical for making these tools work together. Getting the right core system allows businesses to scale across all store locations as future technology becomes commonplace and customer expectations continue to evolve.":1,"#, Forrester,":1,"#The Top Retail Technology Investments In":1,"#Top Trends Driving Retail Growth: AI, Voice, & the Reimagined Store, Retail TouchPoints,":1,"#Trailblazers of The Top Five Retail Tech Trends, Forrester,":1,"#That said, expanded credit card options, cellular payment, e-commerce and buying functionality through social media platforms, and tap technologies are becoming the norm. Payment experiences through Uber, Ready, Alexa, and Google Home are driving change in other markets, and that type of innovation is coming to retail. Customers will demand seamless interfaces between stores and the apps they use. Integrations from social media, such as Instagram, into payment systems and point-of-sale systems may soon be critical.":1,"#Online retail and social media have set up customer expectations for quick and easy payment transactions. Companies like Amazon have been experimenting with <span ljsid-1=\"\"></span><span ljsid-3=\"\">“</span>just walk out” technology (as outlined above in the RFID section), allowing buyers to simply walk out of a retail store with their chosen items and have the purchase automatically completed through their wireless device. This function, while convenient, may not yet have practical market demand. <span ljsid-5=\"\">2018</span> data shows <span ljsid-7=\"\"></span><span ljsid-9=\"\">“</span><span ljsid-10=\"\">60</span>% of US online adults still prefer to check out with a store associate or a device provided by the store.” <sup ljsid-12=\"\"><span ljsid-12-0=\"\">5</span></sup>":1,"#More Payment Options":1,"#Associate wearables can accomplish several things. Firstly, associates can wear or carry portable devices to count inventory and better assist customers with product information, rate plans, accessories, and more. Secondly, paired with omnichannel and cloud POS, wearables can also complete sales transactions without the need of a till. In the wireless industry, associates may also be more likely to recommend products they are wearing and using. Retailers are also experimenting with associates using wearables in the form of fitness trackers. Employee safety is important in any business, and especially in a space where staff are on the floor all day or receiving shipments. By tracking exertion levels, retailers can ensure no one is pushing themselves too hard, reducing potential insurance claims and liabilities.":1,"#Associate Wearables":1,"#Retailers may be tempted to invest in same-day or next-day delivery, but careful cost-benefit analysis should be done before offering the service. Forrester has reported <span ljsid-1=\"\"></span><span ljsid-3=\"\">“</span>sameday shipping may not have the conversion and retention impact that a retailer expects,” despite <span ljsid-5=\"\">54</span>% of businesses showing interest in using it to compete with online and bigbox retailers. <sup ljsid-7=\"\"><span ljsid-7-0=\"\">4</span></sup> That said, some high-value products, such as cellphones and other wireless devices, can justify offering rapid delivery.":1,"#Same-Day and Next-Day Delivery":1,"#Advanced retail management solutions can use AI and machine learning to study buying trends, make personalized product recommendations, and streamline shipping and supply chain management. It’s no wonder a <span ljsid-1=\"\">2019</span> Retail Touchpoints study found <span ljsid-3=\"\"></span><span ljsid-5=\"\">“</span><span ljsid-6=\"\">55</span>% of retailers plan to leverage AI over the next three years.”<sup ljsid-8=\"\"> <span ljsid-8-1=\"\">3</span></sup>":1,"#Artificial Intelligence":1,"#<strong ljsid-0=\"\">You’ve got <span ljsid-0-1=\"\">99</span> problems and VR ain’t one.</strong> No matter what the technology is — make sure it serves a purpose and preferably resolves problems for customers during the retail experience.":1,"#Setting up a store for virtual reality (VR) or augmented reality (AR) features is an interesting concept but may not be practical for all businesses today. Customers can interact with digital versions of products using handheld devices or with in-store displays that demo electronics. For instance, at AT&T flagship stores, customers can wear VR headsets and participate in a Game of Thrones-themed experience. Fashion and beauty brands have also begun using VR and AR to live demo the look of clothing and makeup products with interactive mirrors.":1,"#Virtual Reality (VR) / Augmented Reality (AR)":1,"#Inventory management is made easier with the internet of things (IoT). As products are sold or rotated, smart shelves track these changes, inventory data is automatically updated, and electronic shelf labels can be set up to instantly roll out adjustments. This means no more manually printed shelf labels, and retailers can stay competitive with targeted sales that respond to market trends.":1,"#Connected Shelves and Electronic Shelf Labels":1,"#One challenge of RFID becoming mainstream is not all manufacturers put RFID tags in each product. It can be expensive and logistically difficult to implement. So, retailers who are not also manufacturers — and instead carry multiple products from various manufacturers — will see an even bigger challenge in using RFID. That’s why the technology is optional and should be monitored as better systems become available.":1,"#Many stores track their inventory using RFID technology, allowing staff to scan SKUs with handhelds. Newer systems can monitor products through their full lifecycle and even enable self-checkout options, meaning customers don’t need to go to a staffed till to pay for their goods. One innovative use of RFID can be seen at some Amazon Go stores. The company uses RFID for self-checkout.":1,"#Radio Frequency Identification (RFID)":1,"#Space management is always a challenge in brick-andmortar retail, and some businesses can make the most of their floor plan by implementing kiosks and digital signage. Kiosks can be used to educate customers on products and facilitate quick sales, helping them skip lines when they make spur-of-the-moment buys. Digital signage can also cut down on promotional clutter and roll out visual updates to keep up with new trends and products.":1,"#Kiosks and Digital Signage":1,"#Retail stores produce massive amounts of transactional and customer information, and that data can be captured and used to plan better processes. Retail management software can format this data to provide high-level, easyto-read charts and pinpoint problem areas. According to <span ljsid-1=\"\">2018</span> reporting by Forrester, many retailers refer to advanced analytics and data tools as the <span ljsid-3=\"\"></span><span ljsid-5=\"\">“</span>foundation” or <span ljsid-7=\"\"></span><span ljsid-9=\"\">“</span>source of truth” for everything else. <sup ljsid-11=\"\"><span ljsid-11-0=\"\">2</span></sup>":1,"#In-Store Analytics":1,"#Some in-store solutions, while innovative, may not be vital for all businesses. However, retailers should examine these tools to see how they can make workflows more efficient, speed up sales, and drive growth:":1,"#<sup ljsid-0=\"\"><span ljsid-0-0=\"\">1</span></sup> <span ljsid-2=\"\">29</span><sup ljsid-3=\"\">th</sup> Annual Retail Technology Study: Retail Accelerates, RIS, <span ljsid-5=\"\">2019</span>":1,"#More and more customers want to pay by credit card and wireless options including NFC. Offering chip and <span ljsid-1=\"\"></span><span ljsid-3=\"\">“</span>tap” payment means faster transactions, leading to an increased potential for spontaneous accessory and add-on sales. Digital payments are also more secure and easier to track and reconcile.":1,"#Digital Payments":1,"#Price points must shift quickly to adapt to the market. Carriers frequently update pricing in response to technology or service changes; however, this can create inconsistencies across channels. It can be difficult for carriers and authorized retailers to manage and maintain these updates. Furthermore, customers want competitive deals from big-box stores and online retailers, and they expect the same at specialty stores. In other words, in-store systems must have adaptive tools, such as digital price tags, to optimize pricing strategies. These solutions free up time for sales associates, who don’t have to manually adjust prices and can then focus on serving customers.":1,"#Pricing Optimization":1,"#Data from Retail Info Systems News shows the top workforce management technologies for investment in <span ljsid-1=\"\">2019</span> are: education and training, mobile workforce and/or HR applications, and labor scheduling.<sup ljsid-3=\"\"><span ljsid-3-0=\"\">1</span></sup>":1,"#The days of pen-and-paper and spreadsheet management for employee workflows are over. Modern retail management systems include permissions-based access. This means employees can find only what they need to do their job well. Furthermore, scheduling, education and training, and even guided selling practices or customer follow-ups for sales associates can all be accessed and tracked with centralized task-management solutions.":1,"#Task-Management Solutions":1,"#Customers assume retailers will have complimentary WiFi access. This lets them research products, read reviews, check availability, compare pricing, etc. There has been fear that enabling customers to browse online with their mobile devices encourages price comparing for out-of-store online buying, but the opposite is true. In a <span ljsid-1=\"\">2015</span> report completed by IHL Group, <span ljsid-3=\"\">28</span>% of retailers claimed they experienced a positive impact on customer loyalty as a result of offering instore Wi-Fi with an associated <span ljsid-5=\"\">2</span>% increase in sales.":1,"#In-Store WiFi":1,"#More and more, customers expect better service or value than what they get from online retailers. This means instantly getting product information and reviews and not standing in line to make purchases. Mobile POS takes this a step further. It allows associates to be on the sales floor with handheld devices that showcase customer history and allows them to provide additional product information. Associates can walk customers through the store to find what they need, suggest add-ons, and complete the buying process.":1,"#New POS Methods":1,"#Other must-have omnichannel features include the ability to ship products from the store to customers as well as to other store locations. Omnichannel means having real-time inventory visibility, simplifying those delivery processes and other needs, like returns. Many retailers have difficulty returning items that were ordered online because they lack a central system that holds inventory, customer information, and purchase histories.":1,"#This smooth functionality allows shoppers to buy products online and pick them up in-store. Additional omnichannel features like endless aisle reduce the need to stock high value or unique items; instead, customers can use in-store displays to order those products for convenient delivery.":1,"#Customers expect a seamless in-store experience, during which they can find the exact products they want, whether they are in-stock or not. They also anticipate a trip to a physical store will be consistent with a business’ online brand. Having an omnichannel business environment is the solution. This means connecting all touchpoints to give customers dependable service online and in-person.":1,"#Omnichannel Fulfillment":1,"#Before looking ahead at the incoming conveniences for future stores, there are many cutting-edge solutions businesses are using or should be using right now. These are considered must-have technologies stores need to keep up with current retail trends:":1,"#The <span ljsid-1=\"\">5</span>G Generation of Wireless Retail":1,"#What Wireless Businesses Can Do Today":1,"#Must Haves Wireless Services":1,"#The Near Future":1,"#A Future-Proof Retail Platform":1,"#Optional Technology":1,"#Now Technology":1,"#The future of retail can seem daunting as new technologies emerge — which tools are momentary fads, and which investments will help grow businesses? This guide outlines current technologies retailers should be using, optional solutions for some specific businesses, and how to get ready for next-gen marketplaces, including the impact of <span ljsid-1=\"\">5</span>G on wireless retail. While there are many challenges with new practices and technologies, they present an opportunity for success.":1,"#AI, VR, IoT — Profitable or Pointless?":1,"#From Now to Next-Gen Retail":1,"#New ways of retailing are making it easier to reintroduce your stores to your customers—and trust us, they’ve missed you.":1,"#iQmetrix | 8 Reasons Why New Retailing Methods Are a Must":1,"#Watch our webinar on How You Can Prepare to Enter the New Normal in Wireless Retail and Survive Longterm.":1,"#Keeping up during this pandemic has felt like a never-ending battle to stay innovative. But with new methods of selling emerging that support the special needs of wireless retailers, it’s becoming easier to reintroduce your stores to your customers — and trust us, they’ve missed you. Are you ready to set yourself up for success, near term, short term, and long term?":1,"#Set yourself up for near, short, and long term success":1},"version":4458}]