A new report compiled together with Isobar and RWRC Connect By Ascential looks at the tech strategies that buisnesses should focus on in 2019 and assesses the results that can be obtained.
The whitepaper questions the changing retail sector, which has been under increased pressure following the sucess of the digital economy and rapid evolution of technology.
Coresight Research has already recorded the closure of 5500 retail stores in the US this year, suggesting that the total number of closings will likely surpass 2018, which stood at 5539, and could possibly even beat the record number of US closings in 2017 at 8139.
While it’s no secret that the way consumers shop has changed, retailers want to know exactly what will deliver a ROI for them.
Isobar found that technology spend is likely to increase in the global retail sector, with the biggest investment spend coming in from software purchases.
With careful digital transformation and roadmap planning, the whitepaper suggests various sectors for retailers to focus on to maximise their success in the retail landscape.
Realising the importance of becoming customer-centric is crucial. Creating exceptional experiences both in-store and online will help to retain customers and build a relationship between them and the brand.
Isobar suggest retailers consider investing in progressive web apps, visual and voice search, as well as augmented and virtual reality, citing several reasons that these technologies can attract shoppers – and keep them returning.
While front-end applications of technology are essential, the whitepaper also concentrates on the back-office transformation needed, namely the importance of getting the right web platform and using AI and robotics.
Isobar provides a practical roadmap with logical next steps for retailers to map out their business objectives and achieve sustained CX success.