Mobile can unlock retail innovation
Mobile tech can boost customer engagement (and sales) for savvy South African retailers, writes Leon Coetzer, UK CE at redPanda Software. Much attention has been given to the phenomenal rise of e-commerce, as consumers delight in the convenience of shopping from the...
AI helps retailers predict new product line success
All retailers have models for predicting market response to new products, but with cutting edge new fashion items and revolutionary products that have no historical sales data, it can be difficult to gauge the market success the items might enjoy. Artificial...
Unlocking retail personalisation with WiFi
The exponential rise of disruptive technology trends has added a new dimension to consumer expectations. Connectivity is now one of the most critical differentiators and businesses have no choice but to provide customers with internet connectivity while they are...
One-second tap-and-go on Table Mountain
Table Mountain, recognised as one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature and a top tourist experience, has a fast-moving food & beverage (F&B) environment. Approximately 1,2-million transactions per annum take place, made up of card and cash payments by local and...
Tech gives retailers respite in shrinking economy
As business confidence in South Africa plummeted six points in June on the back of disappointing gross domestic product figures for the first quarter, South African retailers battle to achieve profitability, compounded by a PwC survey that names South Africa as the...
Pargo partners with The Body Shop on pick-up network
Smart logistics company Pargo has announced a partnership with The Body Shop that will enable consumers to use the The Body Shop stores as parcel drop-off and pick-up points. Online retailers such as OneDayOnly, Spree and bidorbuy use Pargo's click-and-collect...
Massdiscounters enables omnichannel model with SAP
With changing customer aspirations forcing retailers to quickly adapt their value propositions; improve convenience; and deliver true omnichannel customer experiences; retailers are seeking technology partners that can help them digitise their entire business...
Put premium brands back in the aisle
One of the most bizarre placements found in retail stores, at least for customers, is the positioning of baby formula, shaving blades, face and neck creams, condoms, medication and battery brands at the cigarette kiosk. Apart from the re-queuing inconvenience, a...
Sureswipe launches new SME service
Sureswipe has introduced a new online service, Self Sign up, that allows retailers to order and pay for their card payment machines online and start processing customers' credit cards within days. Paul Kent, MD of Sureswipe, says: "We believe that all retailers across...
Making technology in retail work
A shop sends its valued customer, John, a text message about a sale on a brand of shower gel. It is John's favourite scent, the perfect size, priced at a discount, and timed just as John arrives home to discover he's run out of shower gel, which means he has a few...
Embrace a connected retail environment
The increased connectedness of consumers is contributing to a more dynamic environment - one where expectations on what the buying experience must entail are evolving. By Leon Coetzer, UK CEO of redPanda Software Thanks in part to the African mobile phone market that...
No EFT payments loses revenue for e-tailers
Research conducted by the Boston Consulting Group (BCG) last year reveals that on the surface, South Africa is a financially-progressive country. Around 76% of South African adults are banked, and many of these transaction accounts come with a debit, cheque or other...