[{"_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":4433},{"_id":"en","source":"en","pluralFn":"return n != 1 ? 1 : 0;","pluralForm":2,"dictionary":{},"version":4433},{"_id":"outdated","outdated":{"#Explore Interconnected Commerce":1,"#Discover how iQmetrix helps telecom operators unify digital and in-store experiences with an AI-native commerce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 Ash Kreider on Sep <span ljsid-1=\"\">18</span>, <span ljsid-3=\"\">2023</span>":1,"#by Ash Kreider on Feb <span ljsid-1=\"\">22</span>, <span ljsid-3=\"\">2024</span>":1,"#by Ash Kreider on Mar <span ljsid-1=\"\">6</span>, <span ljsid-3=\"\">2024</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,"#Buy Now, Pay Later gives approved customers the flexibility to pay for devices or accessories over time. With a quick eligibility check and a seamless checkout flow through Remote Pay, retailers can offer a modern financing experience that can increase conversion and lift revenue.":1,"#Buy Now, Pay Later":1,"#Buy Now, Pay Later can unlock higher conversion, larger order value, and greater revenue by offering customers an easy and flexible way to complete their purchase. Offering BNPL as a payment option can help telecom retailers close more sales while delivering a smooth checkout experience.":1,"#Increase conversion and boost revenue":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,"#iQmetrix Store of the Future with iQ Storefront Telecom POS":1,"#iQ Storefront Telecom POS for Automatic Syncing":1,"#iQ Storefront Telecom POS for Carriers":1,"#Focus on Customers with iQ Storefront Telecom POS":1,"#Sell Sooner with iQ Storefront Telecom POS":1,"#iQ Storefront Point-of-Sale for Telecom Retail":1,"#iQ Storefront is modular and built for easy integration. This gives telecom retailers full flexibility to tailor iQ Storefront to their ecosystem while keeping everything consistent and scalable.":1,"#How does iQ Storefront integrate with other software vendors?":1,"#iQ Storefront unifies all orders in one system, allowing staff to manage online and in store purchases, pickups, returns, upgrades, and accessories in a single workflow. With real time inventory and integrated payments, it delivers a consistent omnichannel telecom experience including buy online, pick up in store (BOPIS), click and collect, return anywhere, and curbside pickup.":1,"#How does iQ Storefront support omnichannel selling?":1,"#iQ Pay paired with iQ Storefront showcases that our next generation of products are going to be geared towards addressing real pain points in the retail space, while also ensuring our clients can always offer the best experience for both their customers and their employees.":1,"#iQ Storefront uses iQ Pay for secure, seamless payment processing. iQ Pay is an embedded, all-in-one payments solution designed to evolve with your business, giving users a streamlined, single-vendor experience where payment processing, support, hardware, and reporting are all consolidated — simplifying payments management and reducing operational friction. It also enables a mobile-first payment hardware option, supporting businesses’ mobile retail strategies.":1,"#How does iQ Storefront work with iQ Pay and why is this important?":1,"#Yes. RQ served telecom retail well for many years, but iQ Storefront is its modern successor, redesigned for today’s mobile, omnichannel retail experience and future innovation.":1,"#Is iQ Storefront replacing RQ Retail Management?":1,"#iQ Storefront is purpose built for telecom and delivers fast checkout on any device, real-time inventory, integrated payments, and a seamless online to in store flow. Direct carrier integrations make iQ Storefront the smartest way to run wireless retail because users enter information once and the system handles the rest, cutting errors and saving time instantly. With built-in AI that automates routine work and surfaces insights for users, it helps teams move faster, serve customers better, and grow sales while keeping operating costs low.":1,"#Why is iQ Storefront considered the best Telecom POS?":1,"#iQ Storefront FAQs":1,"#Step Into the Future of Wireless Retail":1,"#iQmetrix Unveils Its Next Generation Interconnected Commerce Retail Suite: iQ Storefront, iQ Hub, and iQ Pay":1,"#iQ Storefront Press Releases":1,"#Automatically sync sales, inventory, and rebate data with your back-office from every location to support smarter, faster decisions.":1,"#Sync Everything":1,"#One platform means fewer vendors, less training, and smoother day-to-day operations so your team spends more time selling and less time troubleshooting.":1,"#Run Smoother":1,"#When technology gets out of the way, reps can focus on the person in front of them. iQ Storefront helps them create those memorable in-store moments that keep customers coming back.":1,"#Focus on Customers":1,"#Launch new locations, roll out products, and onboard employees with less effort. iQ Storefront is simple and everything reps need is in one place, so they can start selling sooner and with confidence.":1,"#Sell Sooner":1,"#Why iQ Storefront is the best POS for Telecom Retail":1,"#Seamlessly integrate with carrier systems to automatically pull subscriber data from recent activations and account changes, optimizing operations across your POS.":1,"#Whether for workforce management, marketing, or beyond, bring the tools you rely on right into your sales flow.":1,"#Embedded Partners":1,"#Quickly receive shipments, transfer stock, and complete counts to stay on top of what you have.":1,"#Simple, straightforward, and secure. Track every cash in and out to keep your team accountable and your tills balanced.":1,"#With iQ Pay, get one provider, predictable fees, and mobile-first design that’s built for telecom to make every payment fast, secure, and simple.":1,"#Integrated Payments":1,"#Start fast with a pre-loaded catalog of products, pricing, and promotions that stay up to date automatically.":1,"#Ready-to-Sell Catalog":1,"#Handle every sale whether it’s in-store, online, or pickup from one screen.":1,"#iQ Storefront Telecom POS Features":1,"#Quick and Seamless Transactions for Telecom Retail":1,"#iQ Storefront + iQ Pay":1,"#Every extra step at checkout risks losing the sale. iQ Storefront is built to cut steps and reduce confusion, so transactions move quickly, errors drop, and customers leave happy.":1,"#Fewer Clicks, Faster Sales":1,"#When reps are stuck behind a counter, the experience can feel transactional. iQ Storefront works on desktop, tablet, or mobile so your team can meet customers where they are and keep the interaction personal and easy.":1,"#Serve Customers Anywhere":1,"#Disconnected systems slow teams down and cause mistakes. iQ Storefront Wireless POS puts activations, payments, inventory, and more into one platform so every store runs the same playbook and runs it well.":1,"#All-in-One Sales":1,"#It’s about giving customers a reason to come back, keeping teams confident and efficient, and making every transaction feel effortless. iQ Storefront Telecom POS brings every part of the sale, online, in-store, and everything in between, into one simple platform. Built for wireless retail, it keeps service personal, processes smooth, and operations in sync.":1,"#Running a Successful Retail Operation Is More Than Making a Sale":1,"#Cloud-Based POS for Wireless & Telecom Retail":1,"#by Renee Mohr, Product Marketing Manager, iQmetrix on Dec <span ljsid-1=\"\">1</span>, <span ljsid-3=\"\">2025</span>":1,"#The Store of the Future Is Here and It Is Changing Everything":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,"#by Courtney Miller, Market Research and Intelligence Analyst on Nov <span ljsid-1=\"\">19</span>, <span ljsid-3=\"\">2025</span>":1,"#Retail Evolved: Telecom Retail Stores Are Becoming Commerce Hubs":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},"version":4433}]