This is a fascinating study about how tablet computers and smartphones are being considered by retailers for in-store use.
We’ve written here about the rapid acceptance of tablet computers by consumers and we’ve seen several studies that indicate consumers are using smartphones at retail already. Amazon even has an app that allows consumers in a store to scan a product bar code and then Amazon gives the consumer their price and chance to order from their phone, right in the store.
Most independent retailers aren’t closely following all of these changes in technology, so while others may say the chart above indicates that dealers aren’t thinking too much about using tablet computers by sale associates, I’m rather impressed with these numbers.
41.7% of retailers are currently piloting or thinking of having store associates use a table computer in the next twelve months. ( Heck, only 50% or retailers think Elvis is dead.)
We’ll keep an eye on this percentage but as more retailers use their own tablet computers at home or see consumers using them in their store, the faster the idea will hit them.
For someone involved in retail advertising for a brand there is no time to waste. Once the tablets are in the store, in the hands of a consumer or a sales associate the more important it is to have more and better digital content available for the retailer to co-brand and present to the consumer.
Imagine your online ad builder/marketing portal where the dealer adds his content, price and promotion to your promotional template for that product. This e-promo page instantly becomes part of the retailers site and is readily accessible on the associates’ tablet consumer and/or smartphone to show to interested consumers. No paper, no delay and probably loaded with great video.
Bring it on.