Robotic Stock, Digital Signage, Mobile Coupons, Email Lists, New Full Color POS Printer

A sign of the times, the technological times. This weeks round up features automated shelf stocking, a way to change your advertising in less than 10 minutes and using your cell phone to redeem coupons. I have also included a couple articles that will help any small retailer with customer service, using email lists to contact customers and the release of a fast full color point of sale printer.

1. Witron system aims to fully automate shelf replenishment – Never frustrate a customer with empty shelves again. Wiltron, a German logistics company has introduced SRS or Shelf Replenishment System. The concept of this system is to let machines replenish your stock from the back side of selves so there is no interference with the customer. Although the design would need to make room for such things as conveyor belts, lifts and sensors you have to admit this is a great idea.

The article states that a system like this would never be able to stock an entire store automatically, which leaves room for the human touch. Keep reading about this interesting concept at Retail Customer Experience by clicking the title of the story.

2. Research: Retail digital signage market to triple by 2013 – The Retail Customer Experience is at it again! Delivering a great article on digital signage and retail business.

Retail digital signage comes in an array of display types and functions. They can be LCD screens or video displays used indoor or outdoor for merchandising, brand communication and special advertising.

“Competition is getting fierce among retail outlets, and they are seeking innovative ways to attract new customers and increase average transaction size and frequency of visits among existing clientele — making digital signage a perfect fit for their needs,” said Sanju Khatri, principal analyst for signage and professional displays at iSuppli.

Not to mention the response time is rapid between the changing of the sign and when the customer actually sees it. You could easily run a 50% off sale in a matter of minutes letting all your potential customers know.

3. Mobile Coupons – This is a great new way for manufacturers and retailers to entice customers by letting them save money without cutting the conventional coupon. Grocer such as Kroger, Randalls and ShopRite are teaming up with companies such as Samplesaint and Cellfire to let customers select and use mobile coupons that interest them.

An estimated nearly 3 billion mobile coupons will be issued at nearly 7 billion dollars in discounts by 2011. What a way to run customer service with an incredible convenience.

4. Study Looks at What Works for Building Email Lists – If you’re a brick and motor small retailer you may not think this article applies to you, BUT it does! Email marketing is essential to building strong relationships with customers which in turn increases sales of any type.

Many large retailers have already implemented this type of advertising and communication. Have you been to a store and they ask for your email address as you are checking out at the point of sale? This is an effective strategy to reach your target customers in a whole new way. A way that is convenient to them and a way you can build a solid trust offering them valuable content about your products or services.

This is a must read for any business that is either familiar or unfamiliar with email marketing. Bring your business to a whole new marketing level that will have your profits soaring.

5. Primera’s Full-Color POS Printer is Now Shipping – Great news for the point of sale industry…Primera has released an incredibly fast POS printer that is compatible with any Windows or Mac that allows USB connectivity. The PX450 is small and compact making it easy to place on a counter top and it can print an average size coupon in less than 5 seconds! Read our review of Primera’s PX450 Full Color Point of Sale Printer.