Kagan: Old checkout lanes will choke retail stores

The old days with old ways of doing business are over. Either stores update or risk closing like countless others we have witnessed in recent years. The checkout lane is one example of an area that needs to be updated by every retailer. Either update or you run the very real risk of being a loser in a changing marketplace.

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POS Solutions, Ecommerce Merchandising

Impact of Cashless Transactions on Third-Party Payments

Article | June 7, 2024

In recent years, with the progression and development of information technology and the Internet, the third-party payment platform has experienced immense up-gradation. This has resulted in facilitating people's lives to a great extent and simplifying and transforming the method of payment. With the accelerated advancement in the era of the Internet and the significant rise in the scale of third-party payment transactions, in comparison to the conventional mode of payment, these solutions have substantially increased people's consumption power by not only making operations more convenient and reducing transaction costs, but also by safeguarding the rights and interests of both parties. Shift Towards Cashless Transactions Bolstering the Third Party Payments There is a rapid shift towards the use of cashless point-of-sale (POS) solutions, driven by the growing digitalization. According to a study, nearly 82 percent of the population in the U.S. are using digital or cashless payments—defined to include in-app or browser-based online purchases, QR codes, in-store checkout using a mobile phone, and person-to-person (P2P) payments. Citing the trend, about 27% of consumers and around 32% of business owners said they believe the U.S. will become a completely cashless society in the coming future. Third-party payment solutions add functionality to the cashless transactions and act as payment aggregators, providing freedom and flexibility to customers to select the solutions they find most favorable to meet their financial needs. Therefore, with increasing cashless transactions, third-party payment solutions will gain huge traction across the POS sector. What’s Next? With the improvement in the urbanization level, the continuous growth of the urban population, and the appeal of third-party payment solutions, it is crucial to tap into the spending potential of customers. Hence, leading POS solution providers are emphasizing on development and introduction of new third-party and mobile POS systems. For instance, Paynear Solutions Pvt. Ltd., a financial technology company, announced the launch of a third-party omnichannel cashless solution under an umbrella through a mobile PoS solution, enabling all the business owners signed up with Paynear to seamlessly accept UPI transactions.

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POS Solutions, POS Retail, Ecommerce Merchandising

Streamlining Product Catalogs: Best PIM Software Unveiled

Article | June 7, 2024

Explore the best PIM software solutions for operational excellence. Understand how efficient product content management elevates ecommerce experiences and drives businesses forward. Contents 1 Mastering Product Data Complexity 2 Elite PIM Software Arsenal 2.1 inriver 2.2 Feedonomics 2.3 Salsify 2.4 Stibo STEP 2.5 Pimberly 2.6 Dynamicweb eCommerce Suite 2.7 Creative Force 2.8 censhare 2.9 Brandquad 2.10 Netcore Unbxd PIM 3 Envisioning the Future of PIM Strategy 1 Mastering Product Data Complexity In the digital age, where ecommerce and online presence are pivotal for business success, managing product information efficiently is more important than ever. The need for robust Product Information Management (PIM) software has become imperative as companies grapple with an ever-increasing volume of product data and a growing number of sales channels. PIM software offers a unified solution to manage product data, streamline catalog management, improve customer experience, and ultimately drive sales. At the heart of PIM lies its ability to centralize product information, providing a single source of truth that feeds into all retail and digital marketing channels. This centralized approach not only enhances operational efficiency but also ensures consistency in product information, which is crucial for maintaining brand integrity across diverse platforms. By leveraging the best PIM software, businesses can rapidly adapt to market changes, update product listings in real-time, and deliver accurate product information to customers, thereby reducing return rates and increasing customer satisfaction. The implementation of the right PIM software is a game-changer for businesses aiming to refine their product management workflows. Optimal PIM systems are designed to address the multifaceted nature of product data management, offering features that consolidate disparate information into a unified repository. This consolidation maintains data accuracy, a core component that directly influences customer trust and business credibility. Moreover, PIM software automates the process of data collection and dissemination. Automation reduces the manual labor associated with data management, allowing businesses to focus on strategic initiatives that drive growth and competitiveness. By streamlining data processes, PIM tools not only facilitate operational efficiency but also empower businesses to respond swiftly to market changes and customer needs. Fundamentally, mastering product data complexity through PIM software is not just about managing information but about transforming how businesses interact with their data. It's about creating a robust framework that supports scalability, enhances customer experience, and promotes brand consistency across all digital touchpoints. 2 Elite PIM Software Arsenal For decision-makers, identifying the best PIM software is crucial for optimizing product catalog management. Here's an overview of an elite PIM software arsenal, offering insights into each tool's capabilities and benefits: 2.1 Inriver Inriver PIM is a formidable tool tailored to the demands of omnichannel commerce professionals. It enables frictionless buying experiences by providing complete and consistent product data, including sustainability information. It goes beyond the initial sale, enhancing personalized digital experiences, building buyer loyalty, and ensuring compliance and traceability. The key features of Inriver PIM can be encapsulated as follows: 2.1.1 Centralized Product Information Management Unified Data Hub: Acts as the definitive point of reference for all product information, guaranteeing uniformity throughout various sales outlets. Multilingual Support: Facilitates product information management in multiple languages, expanding global reach. 2.1.2 Enhanced Omnichannel Experience Frictionless Buyer Journeys: Delivers seamless and cohesive buying experiences across all channels, from online to in-store. Customer Engagement: Enhances personalized digital experiences, fostering loyalty and repeat business. 2.1.3 Data Quality and Compliance Comprehensive Data Integrity: Maintains high-quality, accurate product data, including sustainability details, to meet regulatory standards. Traceability and Compliance: Ensures products meet industry and market-specific compliance requirements. 2.1.4 Streamlined Operations and Analytics Efficiency in Syndication: Automates the distribution of product information to various channels, streamlining operations. Actionable Insights: Leverages analytics to improve business productivity and market responsiveness. 2.1.5 Flexibility and Accessibility User-Friendly Interface: Offers an intuitive platform that is accessible to users of varying technical skill levels. Customizable Workflows: Adapts to business processes with flexible, configurable workflows to meet unique needs. 2.2 Feedonomics Feedonomics combines cutting-edge technology with expert service to optimize and manage product feeds across multiple e-commerce channels and marketplaces. It addresses the complexities of online product listing and advertising, helping users enhance visibility, improve efficiency, and boost sales. 2.2.1 Comprehensive Feed Optimization Dynamic Data Transformation: Automates the customization of product data to meet the unique requirements of each marketplace and advertising platform. Advanced Rule Engine: Allows for the creation of sophisticated rules to dynamically optimize titles, descriptions, and other product attributes for better search visibility and conversion. 2.2.2 Full-Service Management Expert Feed Management: A dedicated team of feed specialists provides hands-on support for feed optimization, error handling, and strategic advice. 24/7 Monitoring and Support: Ensures continuous operation with proactive monitoring and immediate resolution of issues, backed by round-the-clock expert assistance. 2.2.3 Multichannel Integration Global Marketplace Reach: Seamlessly lists products on over 1000+ global marketplaces and advertising channels, including Google Shopping, Amazon, Facebook, and more. Seamless Platform Integration: Offers robust integrations with major ecommerce platforms and ERPs, facilitating smooth data synchronization and management. 2.2.4 Performance Analytics and Insights Actionable Analytics: Delivers insights into feed performance, highlighting opportunities for optimization and growth. ROI Tracking: Measures the impact of feed optimizations on sales and advertising ROI, enabling data-driven decision-making. 2.2.5 Customized Solutions Personalized Setup and Optimization: Tailors feed management strategies to meet specific business needs and goals, enhancing product visibility and sales potential. Data Governance and Compliance: Ensures product data meets channel-specific requirements and adheres to data quality standards. 2.3 Salsify Salsify's PXM Platform has revolutionized product presentation in the digital domain. By amalgamating product content management with an extensive commerce ecosystem, it assures that brands deliver top-tier shopping experiences everywhere online. Its PXM platform centralizes product content and automates critical processes. Thus, it ensures the best possible product experiences at every selling destination. 2.3.1 Comprehensive Product Content Management Unified Product Information: Centralizes data to create a single source of truth for all product information, ensuring consistency across platforms. Digital Asset Management: Integrates and organizes digital assets like images and videos with product listings, enhancing the visual appeal of product presentations. 2.3.2 Expansive Commerce Ecosystem Integration Seamless Channel Syndication: Connects with a vast network of retail, marketplace, and ecommerce platforms to facilitate effortless product listing and updates. Dynamic Data Syndication: Automatically adapts product information to meet the unique requirements of each sales channel, improving listing accuracy and compliance. 2.3.3 Automation and Efficiency Workflow Automation: Streamlines operations with automated workflows for product information management, reducing manual efforts and enhancing productivity. Optimization Tools: Features AI-driven recommendations for content improvements, helping brands maximize product visibility and conversion rates. 2.3.4 Collaboration and Compliance Cross-Functional Collaboration: Facilitates collaboration between teams, ensuring that all stakeholders contribute to and access up-to-date product information. Compliance and Quality Checks: Automates compliance checks and quality control, ensuring product listings meet channel-specific requirements and brand standards. 2.3.5 Global Reach with Local Precision Multi-Lingual Support: Offers capabilities to manage and publish product content in multiple languages, supporting global brands in localizing their digital presence. Cultural Adaptation: Customizes product experiences to reflect local tastes and preferences, enhancing consumer engagement in diverse markets. 2.4 Stibo Systems Stibo STEP is a comprehensive Master Data Management (MDM) platform by Stibo Systems designed to empower organizations with the ability to manage, centralize, and share their operational data effective It is engineered to support businesses in enhancing customer experiences, driving growth, and facilitating digital transformation through superior data management. 2.4.1 Centralized Data Management Consolidates Master Data: The consolidation is done across domains such as products, customers, suppliers, and assets into a single, authoritative system. It ensures consistency, accuracy, and accessibility of critical business information. Data Quality and Governance: Implements robust data governance policies to maintain data quality and compliance. Flexible Data Modeling: Offers flexible data modeling capabilities that adapt to business-specific requirements. Supports multidomain master data management, allowing businesses to manage multiple data domains (for example, product, customer, supplier) within a single platform. 2.4.2 Integration and Syndication Seamless Integration: It seamlessly integrates with existing business systems (ERP, CRM, ecommerce platforms) through robust APIs and connectors. Also, it facilitates the syndication of consistent and accurate data across internal and external channels, marketplaces, and digital touchpoints. Scalability and Performance: Engineered to scale with business growth, capable of handling large volumes of data across global operations. High-performance architecture ensures swift data processing and responsiveness. 2.4.3 Analytics and Reporting Insightful Tools: Includes analytics and reporting tools to derive actionable insights from master data. Helps organizations make informed decisions based on accurate and up-to-date data. Proven Success: Features include data validation, cleansing, and deduplication to ensure the integrity of master data. 2.5 Pimberly Pimberly is a cloud-based product information management system that effortlessly bridges suppliers and distributors. It facilitates a seamless flow of accurate and engaging product information, propelling businesses towards digital excellence. Pimberly is a game-changer for online presence enrichment. 2.5.1 Centralized Data Management Unified Product Repository: Consolidates all product data into a single, accessible cloud platform, simplifying management and distribution. Automated Data Synchronization: Ensures real-time updates and consistency across all sales channels, eliminating data silos. 2.5.2 Speed to Market Rapid Product Launches: Accelerates the process of bringing new products to market with streamlined workflows and automated data handling. Global Market Readiness: Supports international expansion with multilingual and multicurrency data capabilities, making global commerce effortless. 2.5.3 Enhanced Online Experiences Rich Product Descriptions: Enables the creation of detailed and compelling product narratives that capture consumer interest. High-Quality Data Assurance: Focuses on maintaining the integrity and accuracy of product information, boosting consumer trust and conversion rates. 2.5.4 User-Friendly Interface Intuitive Design: Offers a straightforward, easy-to-navigate dashboard that reduces training time and increases productivity. Accessibility and Flexibility: Cloud-based nature allows for access from anywhere, providing flexibility to teams and facilitating remote collaboration. 2.5.5 Customer Engagement and Satisfaction Seamless Omnichannel Presence: Delivers consistent product experiences across all customer touchpoints, from online marketplaces to social media platforms. Data-Driven Insights: Empowers businesseswith actionable analytics to refine product strategies and enhance customer interactions. 2.6 Dynamicweb eCommerce Suite Dynamicweb's eCommerce Suite offers a holistic online business platform, blending PIM, CMS, and e-commerce functionalities. Its integration prowess with CRM and ERP systems, backed by a robust partner network, empowers brands to forge lasting customer relationships and drive growth. Here’s a breakdown of its core functionalities and benefits: 2.6.1 Unified Platform Cloud-Based Solution: Utilizes the latest in cloud technology to provide a scalable, secure, and accessible platform for businesses of all sizes. MACH Architecture: Built on modern principles, including Microservices, API-first, Cloud-native, and Headless, ensuring flexibility and speed. 2.6.2 Advanced Integration Capabilities Open Integration Framework: Simplifies the integration process with CRM and ERP systems, notably with MS Dynamics suite, enhancing operational efficiency and data consistency. Supports Digital Business Processes: Facilitates various digital business operations, allowing for a unified approach to e-commerce, marketing, and sales. 2.6.3 Versatile Digital Marketing Tools Robust E-commerce Solutions: Offers comprehensive ecommerce capabilities, from product management to checkout optimization, tailored for B2B and B2C markets. Integrates advanced digital marketing features to engage customers across multiple channels. Dynamic Content Management: Provides powerful CMS features for creating and managing digital content with ease, enhancing the user experience. 2.6.4 Enhanced Customer Experiences Operational Efficiency: Streamlines business operations through integration and automation, reducing manual effort and errors. Delivers personalized customer journeys across all digital touchpoints. Revenue Growth: Supports businesses in their growth objectives by enhancing online visibility, customer engagement, and sales conversions. 2.7 Creative Force Creative Force is tailored to the high-volume demands of eCommerce content production. With a suite of automation tools and integrations, it streamlines the creation of top-notch eCommerce and editorial content, making it a go-to for leading brands seeking operational excellence in content management. Creative Force is trusted by global brands as it provides visibility and control over creative operations. Some of its key benefits are mentioned below: 2.7.1 Advanced Sample Management Tracking Production: Offers sophisticated tools for managing physical product samples through every stage of content production. Automated task assignments and progress tracking minimize bottlenecks. Status Updates: Barcode and RFID tracking for easy sample location and status updates. Integrated check-in and checkout processes to monitor sample movement. 2.7.2 eCommerce Content Production Efficient Planning: Streamlines the entire content production process from planning to publishing, ensuring timely and efficient project completion. Real-Time Updates: Centralized scheduling and tracking of all content production activities. Real-time updates and notifications to keep all team members aligned. 2.7.3 Workflow Automation Customizable Workflow Templates: Templates can match specific project requirements. Employs intelligent automation to optimize workflow efficiency and reduce manual intervention. Collaborative Tools: Shared workspaces and communication tools to foster a collaborative environment. Role-based access control to ensure secure and relevant data sharing. 2.7.4 Cloud-Based DAM Central repository: Provides a robust (DAM) system for organizing, storing, and retrieving digital assets. Central repository for all digital content assets, including images, videos, and documents. Advanced search capabilities and metadata tagging for quick asset retrieval. Software Integrations: Offers integration with industry-standard software and systems to enhance productivity and connectivity. Plug-and-play integration with eCommerce platforms, ERP systems, and creative software. API support for custom integrations to fit unique business needs. 2.8 censhare censhare unites DAM, PIM, and CMS into an omnichannel content management powerhouse. It enables precise audience targeting across diverse channels and geographies, bolstering business growth. Favored by industry heavyweights, censhare adapts to workflows, enhancing operational efficiency. This advanced solution empowers businesses to deliver precisely targeted messages to diverse audiences across a wide range of channels, languages, and regions. 2.8.1 Integrated Platform Cohesive System: Combines DAM, PIM, and CMS into a singular system for streamlined content and product information management. Digital Asset Management: Centralizes and manages digital assets, facilitating easy access, sharing, and distribution of multimedia content. 2.8.2 Market Responsiveness Agile Content Management: Facilitates quick adaptation to market changes and consumer trends through agile content management and distribution capabilities. Consistent Brand Messaging: Ensures uniform brand representation across all channels, enhancing brand recognition and customer loyalty. 2.8.3 Content Management System Pro-Engagement: Allows for the creation, management, and optimization of content, enhancing engagement and interaction with target audiences. Product Information Management: Offers robust tools for managing detailed product information, ensuring consistency and accuracy across all sales and marketing channels. 2.8.4 Omnichannel Delivery Consistent Experience: Enables organizations to craft and distribute personalized content across various channels, ensuring a consistent and engaging customer experience. Designed to fit seamlessly into existing business processes, censhare can be customized to meet the unique needs and workflows of any organization. Global Reach: Supports multiple languages and regional adaptations, making it suitable for global companies looking to connect with audiences worldwide. Grows with your business, accommodating expanding product lines, entering new markets, and evolving marketing strategies. 2.9 Brandquad Brandquad offers a PXM platform that simplifies product content lifecycle management. It equips brand manufacturers with tools for strategizing, creating, and optimizing product content, ensuring exceptional digital marketplace performances. It caters specifically to the needs of brand manufacturers aiming for digital excellence and stands out for its robust capabilities and user-friendly interface. 2.9.1 Centralized PIM Unified Data Hub: Centralizes all product information, offering a single source of truth for brand manufacturers. Smooth Integration: Easily integrates with ERP, CRM, and ecommerce platforms, ensuring data consistency across all systems. 2.9.2 Digital Asset Management Asset Linking: Connects product information with relevant digital assets for a cohesive content strategy. Rich Media Support: Manages a wide array of digital formats, from images and videos to PDFs and presentations. Features advanced search and tagging capabilities. 2.9.3 Product Data Syndication Broad Distribution: Enables the publication of enriched product data across multiple channels and formats. Ensures product information is consistently updated and accurate across all digital touchpoints. Marketplace Adaptability: Customizes content to meet the specific requirements of various online marketplaces and retail sites. 2.9.4 Ecommerce Intelligence Performance Analytics: Delivers in-depth insights into product content performance on the digital shelf. Enables brands to make informed decisions based on actionable data and analytics. Competitive Benchmarking: Analyzes market trends and competitor performance to optimize product positioning and strategy. Provides the tools and insights needed for brands to stand out in highly competitive marketplaces. 2.10 Netcore Unbxd PIM Netcore Unbxd PIM harnesses AI to deliver unparalleled product information accuracy. As a central repository for all product data, it streamlines ecommerce operations, enhancing shopper experiences and boosting conversions. This powerful tool is not just about managing data; it's about leveraging information to create exciting, accurate, and engaging product narratives that captivate customers and lead to successful conversions. 2.10.1 Centralized Data Repository Product Information Hub: Eliminates data silos by aggregating product data in one accessible location. AI-Powered Data Accuracy: Leverages advanced AI algorithms to maintain the highest levels of data integrity and accuracy. Automatically enriches product listings with detailed, accurate descriptions. 2.10.2 Efficient Data Management Optimized Data: Simplifies the complexities of product information management, from import to publication. Facilitates easy import and bulk editing of product information, saving time and resources. Enhances searchability and discoverability of products through optimized data. Superior CX: Allows for the quick rollout of product updates across multiple channels simultaneously. Ensures that customers have access to detailed, accurate, and consistent product information. 2.10.3 Robust Integration Unified Commerce Experience: Effectively connects with ecommerce platforms, marketplaces, and ERP systems. Enables a unified commerce experience by integrating with existing business systems. Streamlines workflows and reduces the need for manual data entry. Analytics and Insights: Offers detailed analytics and reporting features to monitor and optimize product performance. Tracks product performance across different channels to identify trends and opportunities. Provides actionable insights to improve product listings and marketing strategies. 3 Envisioning the Future of PIM Strategy The progression of PIM software is a testament to the dynamism of its technology and its adaptive applications. Its future trajectory is poised to significantly refine how businesses manage their product information with a slew of cutting-edge enhancements. One can anticipate more sophisticated integrative features in the best PIM software, where seamless synchronization with other critical business systems, such as ERP and CRM solutions, becomes a standard. This fosters more streamlined and effective exchanges of data across various sectors and sales conduits. The infusion of AI and machine learning into PIM is set to redefine the efficiency of data management operations. These technologies promise to introduce automation in routine data tasks, refine the accuracy of the data, and underpin predictive analytics, all contributing to improved consistency of product data. As decision-making increasingly becomes data-centric, PIM tools are expected to be at the forefront, ensuring the integrity and uniformity of product data, which is indispensable for sound governance. Advanced PIM systems are increasingly moving towards enhancing customer experiences with tailored personalization. By customizing product information to align with individual customer preferences, PIM solutions are envisioned to significantly boost customer satisfaction and foster loyalty. Additionally, with the global expansion of businesses, PIM tools will become more versatile, accommodating a multitude of languages and currencies, and accommodating local market regulations, thus enabling effective global market penetration. PIM systems will also likely expand their capabilities in analytics and reporting, providing businesses with more nuanced insights into product performance and consumer trends, which are vital for shaping strategic decisions. The commitment of PIM tools to support an omnichannel approach will also remain critical, ensuring coherent product information is accessible across all customer engagement points. In an era where consumers are increasingly demanding transparency in product sourcing and sustainability, PIM systems are expected to become a trusted platform for communicating such information, strengthening the bond with socially responsible consumers. PIM software are becoming more deeply ingrained in the fabric of business operations, adapting to ongoing digital shifts, managing the growing complexity of product information, and catering to the increasing consumer appetite for tailored, transparent, and fluid customer experiences.

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POS Solutions, POS Retail, Ecommerce Merchandising

Diversify Your 3PL Warehouse for Ecommerce

Article | June 10, 2024

In today’s changing landscape for third-party logistics warehouses, the ability to evolve is more important than ever. One of the best ways to meet this challenge is to shift from traditional B2B fulfillment to ecommerce workflows. With more than 2 billion digital buyers worldwide, and the total global retail ecommerce sales estimated to reach $4.13 trillion this year, warehouses looking to adapt will be able to continue to help their customers meet the growing demands of online buyers. In this webinar, you will learn the best practices used by 3PLs looking to make the move to ecommerce or how to enhance their ecommerce operations.

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POS Solutions

We Have No Idea What We’re Doing

Article | December 15, 2020

Prior to the pandemic and quarantine, less than 8% of commerce was online. As of Q3FY20 eCommerce grew north of 14% of all commerce. So while the Retailpocalypse was in its last phase, physical retail still outsold eCommerce by at least 7:1. The failure rate of crowdfunding campaigns is 85%. The failure rate of eCommerce store owners ranges from 80 to 97%. What if there were a way to bridge the gap between these three failure rates? What if we could bridge what people consume online with what they purchase offline before waiting for brain-computer interfaces (BCI)? In short what if we could bridge social and commerce? (Example use case.) Mostly missing are the memorable, meaningful, measurable and monetizable responses from people interested in stories about beagles, princesses and pitbulls, pets, car repair, raspberry blueberry vinaigrette gyros, budget-saving techniques for holiday travel, getting stuck at airports in blizzards, rental cars and Cup o’ Noodles, My Fair Lady and @Instacart, dining out at the delicious Banana Leaves café, cooking kosher halal gelatin-free, blue #1 artificial dye-free egg nog flavored marshmallows, 50th anniversaries and chocolate ganache, adventures camping with youth groups, birdhouses built by kids, rainbow hair dye, artificial dye-free cakes DIY for your child’s birthday party, and Halloween gingerbread houses and Greek Mount Olympus costumes. Other than ad revenue Youtube collects which most of it’s video posters see little of, monetizing the DIY craze has proven quite tricky. Ditto for Christmas shopping, smartphone accessories, buying a new luxury Subaru online with no salesman, how to get hard to find contact lenses and vitamins for kids, how Amazon often has thrift store prices on inventory thrift stores rarely carry, the challenges of buying clothes on Amazon that don’t fit but you don’t realize that until the clothes arrive, DIY car repair, funny car repair, glorious victory of car repair, diaper cakes and muscle aches, drones and honey scones, Triple A baseball and blue-tailed skinks, favorite foods, fasting, and Boston, fused vertebrae and buried treasure, where to buy school supplies when most stores are sold out, creameries and charcuterie, Bridging social media with eCommerce has been the white rhino of many investors and start-ups for many years. Instead of working toward such solutions, we have VC’s and stockholders asking about vanity metrics: - How many people looked at your website? Instead of: How many people subscribed or how many purchased an item?- - How many downloads per month does your app have? Instead of: How many of the people who downloaded your app have note removed it less than 30 days later? - What’s your ad revenue? Instead of: How can your product capture or create more value? In reply entrepreneurs answer these questions, they often present their increased spend on marketing followed up with vanity milestones: “We’re using Google Analytics and similar providers to track every movement of the supply chain, to ensure when the purchaser’s journey is completed, there’s no delay in delivery. This will lead to more frequent purchases ideally of higher priced products, and… We are pitching to Chipotle on Friday!” This leads to concentrated research on Chipotle’s SWAT, followed up with an excellent pitch including a demo via Zoom. The result of this pitch is usually: 1. The person loved the pitch and accepts your invitation to meet again with his/her manager next week. 2. The person you pitched to is not the decision-maker 3. The person you pitched to doesn’t quite understand what you’re pitching 4. The person you pitched to had 3 other projects due by COB and wasn’t fully present and listening to your 10-minute pitch 5. You provided too many facts too quickly, trying to build rapport 6. You shared how you’re product can reduce shrink, increase ROI, decrease costs, increase retention, and cure cancer. The person you pitched to doesn’t believe all those promises. 7. The person you pitched to is afraid of advocating change; the risk from change that results in lesser results can lead to negative repercussions. The risk of “business as usual” is minimal. Forgotten by almost all eCommerce platforms and store owners are the facts that: - People behave differently when they are observed (best behavior vs. average behavior). Despite this, we are seeing an incredible number of start-ups that offer to help track everything your customers do. “We’re Palantir for eCommerce” is essentially the ethos of these companies. - The Paradox of Choice by Barry Schwarz – too many choices overwhelm the person making the choice, to the point that no decision is made. If you don’t train your mind to buy what you want even if you have to look on pages other than Amazon and Google Shopping, you might end up buying the product you almost wanted. - The concept of incentivized virality – when PayPal gave $20 to each person who referred another person who joined, and when DropBox offered free data storage to people who referred friends who joined – which Reid Hoffman and Chris Yeh brilliantly detailed in Blitzscaling: The Lightning-Fast Path to Building Massively Valuable Companies. So now each eCommerce platform tries to copy Amazon who built their model on the opposite of physical retail. Consider your last experience renting a car at an airport vs. Amazon: - Do you want to refill the gas tank or would you like us to? - Would you like liability only or more comprehensive types of insurance coverage? - Would you like a GPS? - Would you like to join our exclusive members club? etc., etc. Adding to what @ElevateDemand said, “ B2B marketing is broken,” Raj De Datta, CEO and cofounder of @Bloomreach said, “The future of B2C marketing looks like B2B marketing,” Kevin Marasco, CMO of @Zenefits correctly said “marketing is going back in time from B2B to B2C” or person to person. Smart speakers in every phone, tablet, laptop PC, TV, and car succeeded by BCI, which @Facebook and @Neuralink are pioneering, hold great potential. Until those products arrive or after their R&D phase, @Homemaide’s object recognition and image recognition models can provide the sorely needed bridge between Social and Commerce.

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At Thumbtack, we help people care for their home from top to bottom, whether it’s a minor repair or a major remodel. Through the Thumbtack app

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POS Retail

Leading Wireless Retail Platform Provider Real Time Technologies Continues Growth and Expansion With Acquisition of Your Ware Software

Real Time Technologies (RT²) | January 24, 2024

Real Time Technologies, Inc (RT²), the largest enterprise front-end software platform serving Fortune 500 companies in the U.S. wireless industry, announced today its acquisition of Your Ware Software, a provider of customized business intelligence, sales, and compensation reporting for the wireless retail postpaid channel. Trusted by tier-one telecom carriers to provide retail activation, point-of-sale (POS), payments, business intelligence, and inventory management solutions, RT²'s acquisition of Your Ware Software adds key capabilities to its burgeoning retail wireless store solutions, enabling further expansion into postpaid channels for customers. The purchase is expected to add access to another 4,000 postpaid locations for RT²'s industry-leading wireless retail platform, setting the company up for another banner year in 2024. "The acquisition of Your Ware significantly expands RT²'s presence in the postpaid retail environment and adds to our long-standing success as the leading enterprise POS and Payments provider in prepaid wireless channels," said Omar Azrag, CEO of RT². "The Your Ware team has similar DNA to RT² and brings a world-class level of service specializing in building and deploying customized solutions for the postpaid channel. We are thrilled to have them part of the RT2 family," says Ali Koumaiha, Founder & CPO of RT². "For 22 years, Your Ware Software has designed POS, inventory management, and commission-tracking software for authorized retailers representing tier-one U.S. telecom carriers. Our team of world-class developers and engineers are excited to join the RT² family and continue to serve our customers with the industry-leading products and services they've come to expect. This deal is a triumph for our employees and our customers," says Chris Jones, CEO of Your Ware Software. Neither party disclosed the terms of the deal at this time, and it will remain confidential. In August of 2022, RT² acquired IAS, formerly Qpay from InComm Payments, specializing in customizable payment and technology solutions and the payment processor of choice for retailers, master agents and wireless carriers. RT² has since transformed and simplified the payment offering with an industry-first service model, much to the delight of their long-term customers. About Real Time Technologies (RT²) RT² offers the most flexible cutting-edge Retail Management Solutions that encompass POS, inventory management, payment services, frontline employee management & engagement, business intelligence, and digital automation tools for the wireless industry. RT² support Fortune 500 companies unify their customer experience and remove pain points across multiple retail touch points. Now serving over 14,000 retail locations across the US, Territories, and Canada. RT² prides itself on fostering a family culture and a dynamic work environment where team members are set up to make meaningful contributions across the organization. Learn more at www.rt2.com.

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POS Solutions

XY Retail Introduces Cutting-Edge Order Management System for Luxury Retailers

XY Retail | January 08, 2024

XY Retail, a leader in innovative retail solutions, today announces the launch of its latest product, an advanced Order Management System (OMS) that comes fully pre-integrated with the XY Point of Sale (POS) and Clienteling solutions. In response to evolving retailer needs, XY Retail has engineered a comprehensive OMS that not only streamlines order processing but also works seamlessly with the existing XY POS and Clienteling systems. This integrated approach marks a significant leap forward in providing retailers with a unified platform to enhance operational efficiency, customer engagement, and overall business performance. The XY Retail OMS offers: End-to-End Integration: The XY OMS is intricately woven into the fabric of the XY POS and Clienteling systems, fostering a holistic retail ecosystem. This end-to-end integration ensures a fluid and synchronized customer experience across all touchpoints. Effortless Order Processing: With a user-friendly interface, the OMS simplifies and accelerates order management, from initiation to fulfillment. Retailers can now seamlessly track and fulfill customer orders with precision. Real-Time Inventory Visibility: Leveraging the synergy with the XY POS, the OMS provides real-time visibility into inventory levels. This empowers retailers to optimize stock, minimize overstock or stockouts, and enhance overall inventory management. Clienteling Enhancement: The integrated OMS elevates the clienteling experience by consolidating customer information from POS transactions and order history. Sales associates can access a comprehensive view of customer interactions, preferences, and purchase history, enabling personalized and targeted engagement. Data-Driven Decision Making: Harnessing the power of interconnected systems, the XY Retail OMS enables data-driven decision-making. Retailers can gain valuable insights into customer behavior, inventory trends, and sales performance, facilitating strategic planning and business growth. "We're excited to introduce our integrated Order Management System, marking a significant step in advancing retail operations,” said Susan Jeffers, CEO of XY Retail. “By seamlessly merging order management with our POS and Clienteling systems, we provide retailers with a powerful tool to navigate the complexities of modern commerce efficiently and strategically. This integration underscores our commitment to delivering innovative solutions, enhancing operational efficiency, and empowering our clients to stay ahead in a dynamic industry." About XY Retail XY Retail is a trailblazer in the world of unified commerce solutions, revolutionizing the retail landscape with cutting-edge technology and innovation. Our microservices based, API-first, cloud-native platform seamlessly and vertically integrates mobile point of sale, order management, clienteling, and omnichannel capabilities, empowering global brands to deliver unparalleled customer experiences. With a commitment to excellence and a vision for the future of retail, XY Retail is at the forefront of shaping the next generation of innovative and dynamic commerce.

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POS Retail

GK Announces GK Engage, a Highly Personalized Loyalty Solution for Any Retail Touch Point Including Mobile Devices and Point-of-Sale

Business Wire | September 28, 2023

GK today announced its latest solution, GK Engage, a modern, comprehensive and AI-powered loyalty program for every omnichannel retail touch point. This solution empowers retailers to create highly contextualized and personalized outreach including messaging, discounts and rewards that improve customer lifetime value and enrich a retailer’s competitive differentiation. GK Engage was announced at GK’s first-ever Retail Innovation Summit for the Americas, which is taking place Sept. 25-26 in Raleigh, North Carolina. Attendees can view GK Engage, alongside other GK solutions, at the newly unveiled GK Customer Experience Center. GK is a world leader in point-of-sale (POS) technology and, as a result, its product team has talked with retailers who wanted more out of their loyalty systems. To fill this gap, GK developed GK Engage, a modern take on loyalty. The solution draws inspiration from two successful GK solutions, MCA, GK’s mobile loyalty program, and T+ Loyalty. These predecessor technologies have serviced more than one billion transactions per year for over six million registered users. Now, GK Engage customers will reap these benefits at scale using one comprehensive platform that works across a diverse range of online and in-store retail touch points. GK Engage provides retailers with real-time, AI-driven, personalized loyalty offers that surprise and delight customers. The complete solution creates loyalty tiers that automatically track all customer interactions and generate relevant campaigns to safeguard long-term retailer relationships and customer lifetime value. GK Engage can be integrated with merchandise master data and customer data to ensure all recommendations, promotions, coupons and more are beneficial to the individual customer, as well as the retailer’s current inventory availability and financial goals. What’s more, GK Engage is already integrated into GK’s OmniPOS solution across all touch points including traditional POS, self-checkout kiosks, mobile, and frictionless store technology like GK GO. “GK Engage was created for any retailer, regardless of where they are in their loyalty journey,” said Michael Jaszczyk, chief digital transformation officer, GK and CEO, GK Americas. “The solution is extremely flexible. For some retailers, GK Engage will serve as a complete solution, while others may integrate the solution into a CRM or an existing customer offer system. I look forward to presenting GK Engage alongside our other innovative solutions at the now unveiled GK Customer Experience Center.” Today and tomorrow, GK customers and partners from across the U.S., Latin America and Canada are gathering at GK’s US headquarters in Raleigh, North Carolina to take part in the 2023 GK Retail Innovation Summit. In addition to hearing from renowned retail experts like Greg Buzek, founder and president, IHL Group, attendees can visit GK’s new Customer Experience Center. The center showcases GK technology and allows viewers to envision a modern, efficient and exceptional shopper experience across various key touch points including the point-of-sale, the fuel pump and the e-commerce site. At the Customer Experience Center, prospective retail customers can hear from solution experts who will help them to design the best solution deployment for their end-customers. The technology featured in the center includes GK Engage, GK OmniPOS, self check-out, GK Drive, GK GO, GK AIR (artificial intelligence for retail) and fraud prevention solutions from Fujitsu, which invested in GK as a strategic investor earlier this year. About GK GK breaks down the barriers to unified commerce with its open CLOUD4RETAIL platform and a broad portfolio based on it, like OmniPOS for point of sale, mobile POS, mobile customer engagement and a full range of store/back-office solutions. The company is a recognized leader in omnichannel retail, offering a single, global software platform for all retail formats and touch points. Ten of the Top 50 retailers worldwide rely on GK, and GK is the fastest growing global POS provider in new installations over the last three years. For more information, visit www.gk-software.com.

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POS Retail

Leading Wireless Retail Platform Provider Real Time Technologies Continues Growth and Expansion With Acquisition of Your Ware Software

Real Time Technologies (RT²) | January 24, 2024

Real Time Technologies, Inc (RT²), the largest enterprise front-end software platform serving Fortune 500 companies in the U.S. wireless industry, announced today its acquisition of Your Ware Software, a provider of customized business intelligence, sales, and compensation reporting for the wireless retail postpaid channel. Trusted by tier-one telecom carriers to provide retail activation, point-of-sale (POS), payments, business intelligence, and inventory management solutions, RT²'s acquisition of Your Ware Software adds key capabilities to its burgeoning retail wireless store solutions, enabling further expansion into postpaid channels for customers. The purchase is expected to add access to another 4,000 postpaid locations for RT²'s industry-leading wireless retail platform, setting the company up for another banner year in 2024. "The acquisition of Your Ware significantly expands RT²'s presence in the postpaid retail environment and adds to our long-standing success as the leading enterprise POS and Payments provider in prepaid wireless channels," said Omar Azrag, CEO of RT². "The Your Ware team has similar DNA to RT² and brings a world-class level of service specializing in building and deploying customized solutions for the postpaid channel. We are thrilled to have them part of the RT2 family," says Ali Koumaiha, Founder & CPO of RT². "For 22 years, Your Ware Software has designed POS, inventory management, and commission-tracking software for authorized retailers representing tier-one U.S. telecom carriers. Our team of world-class developers and engineers are excited to join the RT² family and continue to serve our customers with the industry-leading products and services they've come to expect. This deal is a triumph for our employees and our customers," says Chris Jones, CEO of Your Ware Software. Neither party disclosed the terms of the deal at this time, and it will remain confidential. In August of 2022, RT² acquired IAS, formerly Qpay from InComm Payments, specializing in customizable payment and technology solutions and the payment processor of choice for retailers, master agents and wireless carriers. RT² has since transformed and simplified the payment offering with an industry-first service model, much to the delight of their long-term customers. About Real Time Technologies (RT²) RT² offers the most flexible cutting-edge Retail Management Solutions that encompass POS, inventory management, payment services, frontline employee management & engagement, business intelligence, and digital automation tools for the wireless industry. RT² support Fortune 500 companies unify their customer experience and remove pain points across multiple retail touch points. Now serving over 14,000 retail locations across the US, Territories, and Canada. RT² prides itself on fostering a family culture and a dynamic work environment where team members are set up to make meaningful contributions across the organization. Learn more at www.rt2.com.

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POS Solutions

XY Retail Introduces Cutting-Edge Order Management System for Luxury Retailers

XY Retail | January 08, 2024

XY Retail, a leader in innovative retail solutions, today announces the launch of its latest product, an advanced Order Management System (OMS) that comes fully pre-integrated with the XY Point of Sale (POS) and Clienteling solutions. In response to evolving retailer needs, XY Retail has engineered a comprehensive OMS that not only streamlines order processing but also works seamlessly with the existing XY POS and Clienteling systems. This integrated approach marks a significant leap forward in providing retailers with a unified platform to enhance operational efficiency, customer engagement, and overall business performance. The XY Retail OMS offers: End-to-End Integration: The XY OMS is intricately woven into the fabric of the XY POS and Clienteling systems, fostering a holistic retail ecosystem. This end-to-end integration ensures a fluid and synchronized customer experience across all touchpoints. Effortless Order Processing: With a user-friendly interface, the OMS simplifies and accelerates order management, from initiation to fulfillment. Retailers can now seamlessly track and fulfill customer orders with precision. Real-Time Inventory Visibility: Leveraging the synergy with the XY POS, the OMS provides real-time visibility into inventory levels. This empowers retailers to optimize stock, minimize overstock or stockouts, and enhance overall inventory management. Clienteling Enhancement: The integrated OMS elevates the clienteling experience by consolidating customer information from POS transactions and order history. Sales associates can access a comprehensive view of customer interactions, preferences, and purchase history, enabling personalized and targeted engagement. Data-Driven Decision Making: Harnessing the power of interconnected systems, the XY Retail OMS enables data-driven decision-making. Retailers can gain valuable insights into customer behavior, inventory trends, and sales performance, facilitating strategic planning and business growth. "We're excited to introduce our integrated Order Management System, marking a significant step in advancing retail operations,” said Susan Jeffers, CEO of XY Retail. “By seamlessly merging order management with our POS and Clienteling systems, we provide retailers with a powerful tool to navigate the complexities of modern commerce efficiently and strategically. This integration underscores our commitment to delivering innovative solutions, enhancing operational efficiency, and empowering our clients to stay ahead in a dynamic industry." About XY Retail XY Retail is a trailblazer in the world of unified commerce solutions, revolutionizing the retail landscape with cutting-edge technology and innovation. Our microservices based, API-first, cloud-native platform seamlessly and vertically integrates mobile point of sale, order management, clienteling, and omnichannel capabilities, empowering global brands to deliver unparalleled customer experiences. With a commitment to excellence and a vision for the future of retail, XY Retail is at the forefront of shaping the next generation of innovative and dynamic commerce.

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POS Retail

GK Announces GK Engage, a Highly Personalized Loyalty Solution for Any Retail Touch Point Including Mobile Devices and Point-of-Sale

Business Wire | September 28, 2023

GK today announced its latest solution, GK Engage, a modern, comprehensive and AI-powered loyalty program for every omnichannel retail touch point. This solution empowers retailers to create highly contextualized and personalized outreach including messaging, discounts and rewards that improve customer lifetime value and enrich a retailer’s competitive differentiation. GK Engage was announced at GK’s first-ever Retail Innovation Summit for the Americas, which is taking place Sept. 25-26 in Raleigh, North Carolina. Attendees can view GK Engage, alongside other GK solutions, at the newly unveiled GK Customer Experience Center. GK is a world leader in point-of-sale (POS) technology and, as a result, its product team has talked with retailers who wanted more out of their loyalty systems. To fill this gap, GK developed GK Engage, a modern take on loyalty. The solution draws inspiration from two successful GK solutions, MCA, GK’s mobile loyalty program, and T+ Loyalty. These predecessor technologies have serviced more than one billion transactions per year for over six million registered users. Now, GK Engage customers will reap these benefits at scale using one comprehensive platform that works across a diverse range of online and in-store retail touch points. GK Engage provides retailers with real-time, AI-driven, personalized loyalty offers that surprise and delight customers. The complete solution creates loyalty tiers that automatically track all customer interactions and generate relevant campaigns to safeguard long-term retailer relationships and customer lifetime value. GK Engage can be integrated with merchandise master data and customer data to ensure all recommendations, promotions, coupons and more are beneficial to the individual customer, as well as the retailer’s current inventory availability and financial goals. What’s more, GK Engage is already integrated into GK’s OmniPOS solution across all touch points including traditional POS, self-checkout kiosks, mobile, and frictionless store technology like GK GO. “GK Engage was created for any retailer, regardless of where they are in their loyalty journey,” said Michael Jaszczyk, chief digital transformation officer, GK and CEO, GK Americas. “The solution is extremely flexible. For some retailers, GK Engage will serve as a complete solution, while others may integrate the solution into a CRM or an existing customer offer system. I look forward to presenting GK Engage alongside our other innovative solutions at the now unveiled GK Customer Experience Center.” Today and tomorrow, GK customers and partners from across the U.S., Latin America and Canada are gathering at GK’s US headquarters in Raleigh, North Carolina to take part in the 2023 GK Retail Innovation Summit. In addition to hearing from renowned retail experts like Greg Buzek, founder and president, IHL Group, attendees can visit GK’s new Customer Experience Center. The center showcases GK technology and allows viewers to envision a modern, efficient and exceptional shopper experience across various key touch points including the point-of-sale, the fuel pump and the e-commerce site. At the Customer Experience Center, prospective retail customers can hear from solution experts who will help them to design the best solution deployment for their end-customers. The technology featured in the center includes GK Engage, GK OmniPOS, self check-out, GK Drive, GK GO, GK AIR (artificial intelligence for retail) and fraud prevention solutions from Fujitsu, which invested in GK as a strategic investor earlier this year. About GK GK breaks down the barriers to unified commerce with its open CLOUD4RETAIL platform and a broad portfolio based on it, like OmniPOS for point of sale, mobile POS, mobile customer engagement and a full range of store/back-office solutions. The company is a recognized leader in omnichannel retail, offering a single, global software platform for all retail formats and touch points. Ten of the Top 50 retailers worldwide rely on GK, and GK is the fastest growing global POS provider in new installations over the last three years. For more information, visit www.gk-software.com.

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