Connected Consumers Create Pressures For Retailers To Embrace Mobile Technologies New Omnico Group Study Reveals

Duluth, GA /PRNewswire/ - Global retail technology expert Omnico Group today released results from its latest national primary research campaign revealing that consumers are increasingly using an omni-channel approach to shop, adding pressure to retailers to embrace technology to ensure a seamless customer experience.

The study shows that those aged 25-34 lead the way in smartphone usage, comparing prices, reading reviews, buying products and engaging with brands on social media while in store.

"It's important for retailers to have a multichannel strategy and for those with a younger demographic it's key," said Anne Grackin, CEO, Chain Link Research. "For the retailer, being able to join up all of the interaction a customer has with you and learn from their buying behavior is essential in providing a flawless and profitable customer experience."

The Omnico study looked at how U.S. retailers are currently offering consumer-facing technology to aid retail decision-making and improve the customer experience. It picks up on the current big modern retail dilemmas such as how to introduce line-busting mobile technology; how to deliver voucher and loyalty programs using the customers' smartphone; and whether to embrace show rooming.

"Consumers are using digital technologies and devices in all stages of their buying journey," said Bill Henry, Omnico Group's chief executive officer. "Long gone are the days when a retailer can expect to remain competitive with a single channel view of creating customer loyalty. A personal experience that integrates the advantages of physical stores with the information-rich experience of online shopping is increasingly the way to win repeat business."

A more detailed analysis of these results is available as a whitepaper. Some highlights include:

• The top three technologies that will improve the average customer's in-store experience are self-checkout, free Wi-Fi and "click and collect" (order online, pick up in-store) technology.
• Controlling price and reward programs are the most effective ways to encourage Americans to be loyal customers. Coupons are also well received.
• Millennials are more likely to become loyal shoppers of retailers that are able to provide order history and have the ability to predict other items that they might want to purchase.

Omnico will be discussing these recent findings and exhibiting its solutions in booth #15 at the IRUG (International Retail User Group) 37th Annual Conference May 18-21, 2014, being held at the Renaissance Orlando SeaWorld. For more information please also visit the company's website www.omnicogroup.com.

About Omnico Group, Inc.
Omnico Group helps businesses worldwide offer a complete retail experience, joining up stores, e-commerce and mobile, and providing a better understanding of the customer to drive engagement and loyalty. Bringing over 20 years' experience and forging the combined know-how of Digipos and Clarity, Omnico Group works with brands in the US such as Safeway, Catalina, Price Smart, Melrose Family Fashion and theme parks such as Six Flags to offer solutions that can be deployed rapidly and help to reduce total cost of ownership.

Omnico serves the complete retail market, from high street retailers to hospitality, leisure and entertainment businesses. With US office headquarters in Duluth GA Omnico has a presence in 28 countries and a turnover of over $100 million. For more information about Omnico, please visit the company's website www.omnicogroup.com or follow @omnicogroup on Twitter.