Unlock Retail Success with Mobile Devices

Store Operations and Mobile Devices

Store operations personnel, often considered highly mobile-dependent and crucial for shopper satisfaction, are the least likely to have dedicated mobile devices. A staggering 42% of them go without, highlighting a disconnect between their needs and the provision of necessary tools. This lack can lead to inefficiencies and a less than optimal shopping experience for customers.

Imagine the chaos that can occur when store operations staff lack the ability to access real-time information and communicate effectively. It hampers their ability to handle tasks promptly and provide the personalized service that customers expect. Without dedicated mobile devices, they are at a disadvantage in meeting the demands of a modern retail environment.

Merchandising and Mobile Devices

Merchandising teams, responsible for presenting products attractively and managing inventory, also face a significant shortage of dedicated mobile devices. With 37% not having their own, they struggle to keep up with the fast-paced nature of the retail industry. This can result in delays in restocking, inaccurate product displays, and ultimately, a negative impact on sales.

For example, when merchandisers don't have mobile devices to quickly update product information or check inventory levels, they may miss out on opportunities to meet customer demands. It becomes difficult to ensure that the right products are in the right places at the right time, affecting the overall shopping experience.

Store Floor and Mobile Devices

Employees on the store floor, who directly interact with customers and play a vital role in shaping their shopping journey, are also affected by the lack of dedicated mobile devices. A notable 34% of them do not have their own, which can lead to missed sales opportunities and a less engaging shopping environment.

Without mobile devices, store floor staff may have difficulty providing immediate assistance to customers, accessing product details, or processing transactions efficiently. This can result in customer dissatisfaction and a loss of business for the retailer.

Other Business Functions and Mobile Devices

Field mobility and operations, warehouse operations, inventory management, omni-channel and fulfillment operations, and checkout experience also face challenges due to the lack of mobile devices. With percentages ranging from 34% to 29%, these functions are all impacted in different ways.

For instance, in warehouse operations, without mobile devices, workers may struggle to locate items quickly, leading to delays in fulfilling orders. In inventory management, the inability to access real-time inventory data can result in overstocking or understocking, affecting the bottom line.

Reasons for Not Equipping Employees with Mobile Devices

U.S. retailers provide several reasons for not equipping their employees with mobile devices. Skills and talent shortage (35%), data and security concerns (31%), vendor lock-in and standards (29%), management approval and support (28%), technical issues and maintenance (28%), cost of implementation (27%), ROI uncertainty (26%), insufficient IT infrastructure (25%), and complexity of integration (25%) are some of the common factors.

These reasons highlight the challenges that retailers face in providing mobile devices to their employees. However, it is crucial to address these issues to unlock the potential benefits that mobile devices can bring to the retail industry.

Expected Benefits of Equipping Employees with Mobile Devices

Respondents ranked improved employee satisfaction, improved operational efficiency, and better customer satisfaction as the top three benefits. Increased efficiency of daily operational tasks, enhanced communication between staff members, and integration of various payment methods were also rated highly.

When employees have dedicated mobile devices, they feel more connected and empowered. They can perform their tasks more efficiently, communicate better with colleagues, and provide a better service to customers. This leads to increased job satisfaction and a more positive work environment.

Moreover, mobile devices enable retailers to streamline their operations, improve inventory management, and enhance the overall shopping experience. They provide real-time data and tools that allow for better decision-making and faster response times.