Retail

In this era of multi-channel delivery it is the most innovative retailers that are succeeding.

From the booming online only fashion retailers to the fast emerging success of the reserve online and collect from store model, and the adoption of highly tailored SMS marketing campaigns, the competitive landscape is changing fast.

But the economic situation remains challenging. Effective cost control is priority. Retailers face a tough challenge to improve operational performance, drive up efficiency and minimise costs whilst juggling a complex, multi-channel strategy.

Maximise existing investment:

• By exploiting existing voice and data assets as long as possible.
• An evaluation of requirements will typically result in the fixed line estate being reduced significantly.
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Control costs:

• Opting for a proven managed service provides financial savings from day one, with fixed fees for technology management and support, as well as transparent communication costs and built-in technology refreshes.
• Consolidating data, voice and mobile requirements with one organisation delivers significantly better value.
• Replace the voice network with a single solution that leverages VoIP to drive down costs.
• Or leverage the drop in mobile costs to replace the fixed voice infrastructure.
• Flexible financing can enable a smooth transition from an outdated voice and data infrastructure to a new IP infrastructure. Find out more »

Enable rapid expansion: For retailers looking to exploit the availability of high street property, speed of store fit out is key.  Rather than missing six weeks trade waiting for a full data connection, retailers can be up and running within 48 hours with a basic voice/data solution; evolving to an interim DSL solution within 20 days. Find out more »

Support multi-channel strategies: Retailers are still diversifying, adding brands & fascias and looking to maximise the multi-channel model to boost profits. Tight multi-channel integration is essential to creating a consistent customer offer. Combining effective contact centres with SMS, email, instant chat and social networking can transform customer relationships. Find out more »

Deliver innovation: With the right sized data network that cost effectively meets business needs, retailers can begin to exploit a raft of innovation technologies to deliver significant business value. 

• Wireless voice technology can be used by delivery drivers to automatically update in store stock information – supporting the increasingly popular reserve online and collect in store service. 
• Retailers can use customer’s bluetooth enabled mobiles to track behaviour in store.
• Analysis can automatically drive relevant offers via email or SMS.
• Centralised temperature control via the data network reduces the reliance on local staff to regulate temperatures, driving down costs and improving the environmental record.
• IP and/or mobile SIM alarms improve store and warehouse security by reducing the reliance on voice networks alone.
• Fashion retailers can leverage mobile apps to provide customers with new season updates as well as tailored offers to drive mobile sales and improve the personal customer experience.
• In-store wireless networks allow customers to try out new technology by browsing their favourite web sites.

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With innovation driving successful retail, how can retailers balance traditionally low key requirements for voice and data networks with opportunities to leverage new technologies such as in store bluetooth tracking and the use of mobile apps?

British Retail Consortium www.brc.org.uk
Retail Week www.retail-week.com