Retail Systems Research (RSR)

Exhibits at the recent NRF 2019 “Big Show” conference confirm how universal artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming in retail, according to Retail Systems Research.

A retail transformation is well underway, and it is being lead by retailers’ investments in technologies that improve the customer experience.

As retailers continue to combine online and offline elements of the shopping experience, POS systems are helping to bridge the gap at the store level.

Three brands lead the pack when it comes to offering high performing online experiences, but many retailers continue to struggle.

Paula Rosenblum, co-founder and managing partner at Retail Systems Research, spoke with Chain Store Age about the potential of Blockchain, and what it means for the retail industry.

To stand out in a highly saturated digital marketplace, retailers’ must deliver fast speeds that drive top-notch experiences.    This is according to “E-commerce Performance: What Works, What Doesn’t, and What’s Next?” The report, from Retail Systems Research (RSR), evaluates 80 major retail websites on page speed performance, as well as end user experience.   

The omnichannel evolution has begun — and more retailers are adopting the business strategy to better meet shoppers’ needs.   That’s according to “Retail Insight: Moving Beyond Omnichannel,” a report from SPS Commerce and conducted by Retail Systems Research. The study, which is based on responses from more than 500 retailers, suppliers and logistics firms worldwide, said that more than 35% of retailers are on track with their omnichannel execution, up nearly 200% year-over-year.  

Digital disruptors continue to change the pace of retail — and Neiman Marcus is ready.   Like many retailers, the luxury department store chain continues to introduce more mobile technology at store-level, a move that supports both in-store operations and consumer-driven tasks, from browsing through procurement.    “It is a trend that requires our network to be a mission-critical lifeline at every store,” said Scott Emmons, head of the Neiman Marcus Innovation Lab (iLab). 

Supply chain visibility is important in omnichannel success. The Internet of Things could be the perfect tool to keep inventory hiccups throughout the demand chain to a minimum.

“While many retailers have a mind-set that IoT is about satisfying customers and not moving product, supply chain IoT use cases still interest retailers,” said Steve Rowen, managing partner at Retail Systems Research.