How Technology is Shaping the Retail Job Market

How Technology is Shaping the Retail Job Market

From how we pay and shop to how we work, there’s no question that technology is changing it all. Customers are paying with smartphones instead of plastic or paper. Shoppers are researching online before heading in-store to make a purchase. And employees are relying more on technology to simplify their jobs.

Yes, technology is permeating the retail world but what does that mean for the future of business?

With e-commerce expected to hit $327 billion by 2016 and 44% of retail sales to be influenced by the Internet, according to Bazaarvoice, it’s imperative that you and your team are technologically prepared. Without the proper preparation and technological tools, your company is less competitive both with consumers and with top job seekers.

Here are a few ways you can wire up so your business is better equipped to handle today’s market.

Dig Into Data

One of the perks of having more technology in your business is having more data. This data tells you what’s working, what isn’t, where you can make more money and where you can become more productive.

Dig into the data you have available and use it to fuel your growth both technologically and business-wise.

Hire Techy Types

When your customer comes in and wants to pull up her favorite outfit offline or needs to pay with her smartphone, will your team know how to help? And what happens when you start using apps to manage your business so you can save time and resources on things like employee scheduling or payroll?

Having techy types on your team makes the transition from old-fashioned shopping and management habits to new school ways of the retail world easier.

Join the Conversation

Customers today have more opportunities to talk about your business than ever, thanks to the Internet and social networking. As the saying goes, “if you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em.”

Joining into the conversation your customers are already having on Facebook, Snapchat or Twitter gives your brand an edge. It lets your customers know you’re listening and you care about their experiences however they want to share them with you – online or offline.

Have You Taken the Tech Plunge?

Now, more than ever, technology is being used to manage customer and employee experiences. By taking the plunge into the world of technology, you open your company up to new opportunities to attract more customers and better employees. Have you taken the plunge?

Author Profile Jon Forknell is the Vice President and General Manager of Atlas Business Solutions, Inc., a software marketing company specializing in employee scheduling software, including ScheduleBase employee scheduling software, and other business software solutions. In the past, Jon has been recognized by the U.S. Small Business Administration as a SBA Young Entrepreneur of the Year. Atlas Business Solutions was named as one of Software Magazine’s Top 500 Software Companies in 2004 through 2007 and again in 2010, 2013 and 2014.