Rich Ackerman
Today’s consumers expect more than convenience — they expect a seamless, intelligent, and personalized experience every time they enter a store. According to the 2024 Global Shopper Study, 76% of retail decision-makers agree that increasing the use of technology in-store improves the customer experience, and 78% of shoppers say they’re more likely to return to a retailer that enables a fast, easy, and connected visit. The message is clear: digital transformation at the edge isn’t optional. It’s a critical path to customer loyalty and operational agility.
Retailers can no longer rely on legacy tools to meet the rising expectations of digitally fluent shoppers. In-store technology must go beyond basic point-of-sale—it must power a fully integrated, real-time environment where employees are empowered, inventory is accurate, and customers are supported at every touchpoint. The foundation of this transformation lies in connected hardware and mobile solutions that create better visibility, efficiency, and engagement on the sales floor and in the stockroom.
Devices That Deliver
In today’s retail environment, technology should empower—not overwhelm—the customer. The most effective in-store devices are those that work intuitively, reduce friction in the shopping journey, and provide real-time access to information or assistance. Whether it’s speeding up checkout, offering personalized product insights, or helping staff respond faster, these tools should enhance convenience and boost confidence, not introduce confusion. Below are some of the key technologies that successful retailers are deploying to create smoother, more connected customer experiences.
- Handheld Mobile Computers
These devices enable retail associates to access real-time product information, inventory levels, and customer details directly on the sales floor. By equipping staff with mobile technology, stores can reduce the time customers wait for assistance and provide faster service, improving overall efficiency. - Interactive Kiosks
Interactive kiosks provide customers with the ability to search for products, check inventory, or place orders for out-of-stock items without needing assistance from store staff. They serve as self-service points that enhance the customer experience by offering more control and convenience during their shopping visit. - Rugged Tablets
Rugged tablets are built to withstand the demands of retail environments, offering mobility for associates to assist customers on the go. They support a variety of functions, such as product searches, customer service, and order management, making them useful for tasks like click-and-collect or in-store customer engagement. - Mobile Point-of-Sale (mPOS) Devices
mPOS systems allow transactions to be processed anywhere in the store, improving checkout speed and flexibility. These devices are particularly useful for managing high-traffic situations, such as during sales events or busy hours, by reducing customer wait times and offering payment flexibility. - Smart Label Printers
Smart label printers are used to print product labels, pricing tags, and shelf tags directly on the store floor. These devices can help maintain up-to-date product information, reduce errors in pricing, and support quick adjustments to reflect promotional pricing or stock changes. - Wearable Scanners
Wearable scanners are typically used in inventory management and order fulfillment. These hands-free devices allow employees to scan items while keeping both hands free, making it easier to carry out tasks like restocking shelves or picking online orders without interrupting customer service. - RFID Readers
RFID technology is used to track products throughout the store and back-of-house operations, allowing for more accurate and efficient inventory management. This technology can help reduce stockouts, ensure better product availability, and provide customers with the confidence that the products they need are in stock.
Putting Technology to Work Where It Matters Most
Technology’s true value lies in its ability to support human connection. With the right tools in place, retail employees can spend less time wrestling with systems and more time focusing on customer engagement. Real-time data improves decision-making, while mobile devices help teams act on that data—faster and with more confidence. Whether it’s reducing walkouts due to long lines, empowering customers to find what they want independently, or ensuring online orders are picked accurately, modern devices unlock measurable gains across the store.
Creating a Seamless In-Store Experience
While consumers are eager for more digital convenience in stores, implementation matters just as much as innovation. According to a 2024 SOTI study, 94% of U.S. consumers have used in-store technology, yet many are frustrated when it doesn’t meet expectations—69% cite a lack of assistance at self-checkout, and 48% experience poor in-store connectivity. These issues don’t just disrupt the shopping experience—they erode customer trust and loyalty. That’s why deploying technology in a thoughtful, integrated way is critical. A holistic retail experience connects front-of-house devices like mobile POS systems and self-checkouts with back-end support, network performance, and real-time data access. Done right, it streamlines operations and strengthens customer satisfaction. That’s where a trusted Managed Service Provider (MSP) plays a vital role—ensuring retail technology isn’t just installed, but thoughtfully integrated, maintained, and supported to deliver a seamless and consistent experience for both customers and staff.
Acuative & Zebra: The Partnership Behind the Experience
As a certified Zebra Technologies partner, Acuative brings together leading-edge hardware and expert implementation services to help retailers modernize with confidence. From technology procurement and pre-deployment staging to on-site installation and long-term support, we make your digital transformation turnkey. We don’t just supply devices—we build the infrastructure and workflows to make them effective from day one.
Whether you're expanding your omnichannel strategy, optimizing fulfillment, or upgrading your checkout systems, Acuative is here to help you deliver the experience your customers expect—powered by Zebra’s industry-leading solutions.
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About Rich Ackerman
Rich is a co-founder of Acuative and has over 30 years of experience in voice and data communications working with large enterprises and service providers.
Rich's experience gives him the ability to tackle complex opportunities that require collaboration with other organizations to develop innovative and responsive solutions.