5 Ways Mobile Can Change the SA Retail Landscape

The South African business environment is in flux right now, but retailers have a secret weapon in their belts – mobility

South African retailers are in the midst of an exciting period. Their middle class consumer base is rising but so too are the prices of essentials like electricity and petrol. By introducing greater mobility into their network architectures, retailers can take best advantage of the growth in their potential consumer base while mitigating spiralling operational costs.

SAP’s portfolio of specialised retail solutions offers companies the toolbox they need to revitalise their operations, whatever their needs and initial budget. Here are five ways in which integrated mobility solutions can make a difference.

Cheaper Goods

It hardly seems possible to promise that retailers would be able to sell their products cheaper in this economic landscape but this is exactly what mobility can achieve. Greater mobility allows for more streamlined distribution channels by allowing for workers to communicate more effectively on the field and for real-time handling of problems. Companies are able to save costs on procurement and pass those savings onto customers.

More Productive Employees

High employee turnover is a persistent problem in the retail industry. An HR strategy based around mobility not only facilitates the recruitment of new and skilled people but helps companies maintain and train their already existing talent. Data analytics allow for a more personalised approach to employee relations, thus ensuring a happy, healthy workplace that promotes productivity.

Happier Customers

Customer relations are something that no retailer can afford to ignore. One of the most exciting applications of mobility is the way in which it can so easily allow for a customer-centric strategy. The degree of personalisation afforded by mobility leads to a customer who feels as if they are always first – a priority in a world where their choices are nearly unlimited.

Better Sales

Tied into greater customer satisfaction are better sales. Point of sale mobility is becoming a trend among retailers and for good reason. It allows companies to compile and instantly target individual customer preferences. This data makes in-store shopping more relevant for customers by offering them individualised marketing prompts, loyalty programmes and targeted campaigns.

Faster Growth

All of these aspects working together in sync lead to much faster growth. No longer will retailers have to weigh their need to expand against high operational costs or sluggish sales. Retailers are able to streamline operations so that they have in essence the “perfect store” – one that easily beats out its competitors and gobbles up large chunks of market share.

The full potential of mobility in the retail sector is only just now being tapped. South African stores would do well to explore all of the possibilities it offers.