To engage consumers in physical stores and compete with rising online sales, retailers must provide an unforgettable experience within the brick-and-mortar space. At the NRF Big Show, January 15-17, 2017 in New York City, Direct Source will provide a look at the newest digital marketing tools, in-store systems and customer-facing technologies to help retailers create a digital experience in the store.

For an unbiased view from the leading retail technology consultant in the space, retailers should stop by the Direct Source booth #3143.

Direct Source analyzes each retailer’s goals and objectives, future technology needs and pain points to create the optimal in-store experience. With more than 20 years in retail, Direct Source provides unbiased and in-depth product knowledge and reviews for retail technologies. The most common solutions today are designed to bridge the gap between the physical store and the digital shopping experience, where a high level of personalization and customization are part of the experience.

“In 2017, it’s all about providing technologies that enable seamless connection points between the retailer and the customer. For example, unified commerce connects POS, mobile and e-commerce payment capabilities for easy transactions both in-store and online,” said Brad Fick, president of Direct Source. “These technologies improve the overall customer journey, and help provide a consistent and personalized experience with every brand touchpoint.”

Solutions showcased in the Direct Source booth this year include:

Unified Commerce: The Cayan Genius platform allows shoppers to pay how and where they want so they can be on their way quickly – through traditional payments, lightning-fast chip card transactions or phone-based mobile payments. With the cloud-based architecture of this unified commerce solution suite, retailers always have the latest software, without any hassle. This connectivity also helps retailers track shopper purchases to build customer profiles and provide customized promotions or offerings.

Payment Terminals: InVue transforms tablets into sales tools by combining flexibility, convenience and security in one solution. When attached to a secure base, tablets become sleek self-service kiosks or POS displays that take up minimal counter space. Verifone and Ingenico retail terminals are designed for the most demanding retail environments to accelerate check-out, facilitate in-store integration and enhance consumer engagement. Additionally, terminals from Verifone and Ingenico provide payment solutions to cover all points of transactions (unattended, multilane, in-store and mobile).

Intelligent Printers: Epson compact printers with dual interface and wireless options are ideal for small footprint counter spaces and designed for tablet-based POS. With Epson's unique ePOS-Print technology, retailers can print directly from any mobile device running iOS, Android or Windows with a fast and easy setup.

Retail Kiosks: Retail kiosks enhance customer engagement and improve ROI by increasing store traffic, reducing overhead and personnel, expediting orders and compiling customer data. Solutions from Olea and Elo offer retailers sophisticated kiosks that can be configured to fit unique transactional needs. Aila Technologies’ interactive kiosk supports iPad Pro and iPad Air, offering retailers a powerful combination of eye-catching displays, Aila’s signature scanning technology and the market’s sleekest form factor.

All-in-One Systems: All-in-one systems from HP are designed for businesses who want a small footprint with the power of a full-sized desktop. These easy-to-use and easy-to-setup computers require limited IT support and work well with wireless hardware to keep work areas clear of excess wiring. All-in-one systems provide retailers with flexibility, addressing a more mobile workforce, while increasing durability, manageability and security within the store.

POS: Retailers looking for cost-effective ways to help employees check inventory levels, create orders for customers to combat “out-of-stocks,” scan bar codes, print receipts and securely process mobile payments can leverage new mPOS and convertible fixed and flexible POS technologies from Elo. Additionally, Elo’s industry-leading POS systems use commercial formats like the iPad, iPod touch and iPhone, and Windows- or Android-based devices.

Services: Retailers can tap Direct Source for expert consulting and deployment, equipment leasing, maintenance and management services. With options to have onsite technicians, Direct Source offers fast equipment replacement so in-store teams can focus on the customer experience instead of equipment maintenance.

About Direct Source
Headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Direct Source (www.directsource.com) is a nationwide consultant and technology solutions provider for tier-one retail, travel and lodging industries, with a network of more than 2,500 installation specialists. Direct Source’s hardware procurement, software development and deployment services are designed to help maintain a competitive edge and improve site productivity and customer service. Always vendor-neutral, the company draws upon its innovative and industry-encompassing experience to recommend technologies that help clients operate faster, smarter and more profitably. For more information on Direct Source, please visit www.directsource.com.

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