Industry commentators are unanimous in their view that this recession is the most challenging the UK has ever seen. They cite huge pressures on the cost of doing business, (labour, raw materials and utilities) coupled with one of the most competitive marketplaces in the world, making UK and European retailing the toughest of environments in which to succeed.
Historically, when trade is this tough, retailers (both large and small) typically fall into two very distinct technology camps – In the first, there are those retailers that will batten down the hatches, stop investing and innovating, and hope to ride out the storm adopting a ‘if it ain't broke don't fix it’ type approach – in the second camp, there are those retailers that actively seek out new ways to make up the shortfalls in margin they may be experiencing and actively invest in the customer experience to differentiate themselves from the crowd, capitalising on the opportunity to gain custom and market share (normally from those sitting in the first camp!).
ZBD’s electronic shelf labelling solution is one technology that presents retailers with a very real opportunity to re-engineer business processes whilst at the same time enhance customer service and perception through improved merchandising, availability and promotional price management. As recent speculation of VAT increases to 20% seem to be becoming more real, the latest threat of new legislation to ban retailers from being able to offer ’Buy one, Get one free’ type promotions will do nothing to slow down the inevitably huge volumes of price changes these initiatives will attract.
If you're interested in finding out more about how we can help your business succeed in the face of this ever changing retail landscape, email me – I think I have part of the answer.
Rob Morgan
Business Development Manager
Rob.morgan@zbdsolutions.com
