We live in a world where technology is mainstream.

We live in a world where technology is mainstream. More than half of British adults own a smartphone, one in 10 owns a tablet device, and more than £50bn was spent by British consumers online last year. Meanwhile, it’s hard to read a newspaper without seeing mentions of social networks, augmented reality, QR codes, search engines or digital downloads.

This creates an environment where retailers have to be involved with technology to communicate effectively with their customers to give them a better experience.

A few decades ago, it was assumed that technology would remove much of the human element from life. Instead, it has become increasingly integrated into our daily routines – we walk down the high street with our smartphones in our hands catching up on LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter, checking email or navigating our way with online maps. There’s been a convergence between online and offline that blurs the distinctions between old-fashioned retailing and the cutting-edge, digital world.  

We look at the results of that convergence, from the devices and software driving change to the innovations that will shape the future. It’s an exciting time to be in retail.

Free webinar

Retail Week and The Cloud are hosting a webinar with Boots and Aurora Fashions to discuss how digital – and particularly mobile – technology is beginning to impact the high street shopping experience.

Register to view the webinar live at 10.30am on the 22nd March or to watch the replay.