Cybertill’s recent customer survey found that retailers’ confidence levels are high and many are in bullish moods with 54% of respondents replying they are ‘very confident’ about the next twelve months. Only 9% of respondents stated they were ‘not very confident’ and all the responses for the latter cited the economy and the cost of living as why they did not have a confident outlook.
There were many different reasons cited for this confidence although there were central themes that resonated across responses including, ecommerce driving growth, providing excellent customer service and operating in retail sectors that were thriving. Such sectors included charity retail and cycle retail. Although when asked if the Olympics would affect their business 54% of respondents replied it would have no or minimal effect on my business. The 19% that responded it would increase sales were predominately either based in the London area or sold sporting goods that expected a fillip from the Olympics.
Mobile PoS
Other questions asked if they were considering rolling out mobile EPoS in their stores over the next 12 months. Only 18% responded ‘Yes’ with 41% saying ‘Maybe’. The remaining 41% said they would not be deploying mobile EPoS. The types of retailers interested in rolling out mobile EPoS were wide and varied, they included: sports, furniture, charity, fashion, footwear, cycles.
Ian Tomlinson, CEO of Cybertill, commented that “The results from the survey are a fillip for retail but also highlight that there are businesses doing well and confident despite the on-going negativity surrounding the economy. It was refreshing there were a variety of reasons for the confidence. It also highlighted that if retailers do the simple things well of excellent customer service, backed by knowledgeable and well trained staff they can thrive in this environment.”
Cybertill surveyed their customers, in excess of 600 retailers nationwide, throughout May and June 2012. “It was interesting that 18% of customers are looking to roll out mobile PoS,” explained Tomlinson. “I believe mobile EPoS systems are a great tool for added customer service, but I also believe that mobile PoS should be deployed to add value and not just as an expensive gimmick. I think when this question is asked in twelve months’ time however mobile PoS will have gained greater traction in the retail environment and be a proven solution and more retailers will be looking to deploy it across their business.”
