Stores keen to check out new technology

With necessity being the mother of invention in these recessionary times, retailers are thinking increasingly outside the box to remain competitive.

That’s according to a new survey on IT in the retail sector from BT. Results from the study suggest that more and more high street operators are now investing in new mobile technologies. to not only improve internal systems but also offer the multi-channel options demanded by their tech-savvy customers.

The survey reveals that in just four years the number of retailers adopting such technologies has doubled from 30 to 60 per cent and use of transactional websites have risen from 68 to 75 per cent in the past 12 months.

Richard Lowe, chief executive at BT’s specialist solutions division, BT Expedite, said: “Despite obvious cutbacks, there are some bright spots for retail investment in IT, particularly in e-commerce, multi-channel, and payment and credit card industry standard compliance.”

He added: “Where bottom line improvement can be demonstrated, retailers are more than willing to embrace new technology.”