Twenty-five percent of diners consider a restaurant’s technology when deciding where to eat, according to the National Restaurant Association. Among millennials (ages 18-34), it’s even higher: 32 percent, when they’re choosing among quick-service restaurants. One of those technologies is pay-at-the-table, which 63 percent of all customers surveyed say they’re willing to use, up from 48…

When I learned that one of my favorite stores had introduced the purchase option to buy online and pick up in the store (BOPIS), I was delighted. Then I tried it. I expected to be able to pick up my purchase quickly, bypassing the checkout lines. Instead, I was directed to the back of the…

With competition growing, retailers are looking for even more ways to operate efficiently while providing the kind of shopping experiences that will keep customers in stores longer and returning more often. The good news: There’s no shortage of new technologies. Now the bad news: There’s no shortage of new technologies. And even more are on…

Recently, I drove to a large, brick-and-mortar bookstore in search of a specific novel. Although the book was on best-seller lists only a few years ago, the store didn’t have a copy in stock. A sales associate offered to order it for me, telling me I could drive back to the store and pick it…

For retail companies, the point-of-sale (POS) system is the heart of every transaction, so choosing the right POS solution to suit your needs is an important decision. Whether you’re selecting a point-of-sale system for the first time, or upgrading your old POS to a new system, there are many factors to consider. One of these…

Retail technology is evolving remarkably. With the right applications and data analytics, retailers can effectively personalize shoppers’ in-store experiences. They can seamlessly integrate brick-and-mortar stores with their online presence. And they can manage inventory with unprecedented efficiency, letting them meet customer demand without having to overstock product. But advanced applications and analytics aren’t enough. Amid…