Paul Hellings is director of Wi-Fi at Arqiva Six ways technology is changing the way we shop Burberry and Topshop reap the rewards of connected retail Virtual reality and wearable tech offer opportunities for retailers To get weekly news analysis, job alerts and event notifications direct to your inbox, sign up free for Media Network membership.
The objectives of all retailers should be the same: creating a symbiotic relationship between the retail and digital experience that drives increased customer value – one that works seamlessly regardless of a customer's access point, giving the customer the connected journey they not only want, but expect, without thought or effort.
In retail banking, they haven't capitalized on the benefits of size (like lower borrowing costs) to cut prices for their customers, the way big retailers like Wal-Mart do.
But two months after the anniversary of the Rana Plaza factory collapse in Bangladesh, when most of those injured and bereaved by the disaster are still waiting for compensation – though Primark, unlike other retailers who have admitted to a presence in the factory, has contributed to the compensation fund – the secret message hidden inside a piece of women's clothing is a startling image.
He also denied that Obeid was called in to help when NSW Maritime, the landowner, moved to seek expressions of interest from potential new lessees without giving existing retailers preference.
It is only well-managed, market-leading retailers, such as Kingfisher, that can afford to make such long-term bets – but it is encouraging that they are starting to do so.
Ashley told analysts that the company's performance had been hit by the warm autumn but perhaps less so than the rest of the UK's fashion retailers.
I intend to engage and issue guidance to manufacturers, retailers, installers and users to address core concerns.
So when it comes to injecting your site with content, where should retailers start?
"If we can create a platform that understands the main interests of consumers – such as films, food, clothing brands – then local retailers can send out targeted messages to people's mobile phones as they walk past," he says.
Clearly, connecting digital and physical experiences, whether through store theatre or day-to-day shopper experience is a race retailers can't opt out of.
