NEW YORK -- Retail advertising platform provider MaxPoint Interactive hit the show floor of the National Retail Federation's 101st annual convention and expo (the "Big Show") in New York City this week--themed "Retail's New Rules"--to learn attendees' new rules for retail in 2012. A survey of 101 retailers, vendors and consultants found four common themes: mobile adoption, creating a seamless cross-channel customer experience, security and customer service.
- Mobile adoption. Whether it was launching a mobile shopping app or enabling mobile payments, attendees placed great emphasis on the need for a mobile strategy in 2012.
- Creating a seamless cross-channel customer experience. Attendees recognized the continued need to provide a seamless cross-channel experience. One attendee commented, "It shouldn't matter what channel my customer comes in through or whether they use multiple channels before ultimately making their purchase. They should receive the same experience at every touchpoint."
- Security. From PCI compliance to securing customer information, security is a top priority for many show attendees this year.
- Customer Service. A number of respondents shared that they will be placing more emphasis on better customer service and satisfying the customer at every interaction in 2012 because "people remember good service."
"Our survey revealed that retailers and the vendors that serve them have reverted back to the very first rule of retail--put the customer first. Many of the rules attendees shared--whether it was the enablement of mobile payments or focusing on regional relevance--came back to creating the best possible experience for the consumer," said MaxPoint's vice president of marketing Lynn Vitello. "But one attendee summed it up best when he commented that 'there is no rule' because he doesn't want to restrict himself to what he can do this year. His comment captures the innovative nature of this show perfectly."
To see all 101 New Rules for Retail, click here.
Raleigh, N.C.-based MaxPoint Interactive's retail advertising platform drives in-store traffic for retailers and brands. Its Digital Zip technology delivers scalable neighborhood-level online campaigns. MaxPoint can pinpoint qualified customers interested in purchasing a product.
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