March 8, 2011
According to InsideRetailing.com, more retailers are expected to begin incorporating Apple’s iPad into store operations. The shift seems to be retailers' response to consumers’ multi-channel shopping habits.
Some retailers are using iPads as mobile catalogs, equipping sales associates with iPads to gather customer data and testing the device's potential as a portable cash register.
"It is taking retail outside the four walls to where the customers are," said Sandeep Bhanote, CEO of Global Bay Mobile Technologies, a New Jersey-based mobile retail software firm. "You're talking about changing the way you do business. That's what this is all about."
The British retailer Burberry uses iPads in some of its stores to allow customers to view its London runway shows and place orders. JC Penney announced that it will roll out iPads in 50 of its fine jewelry departments, allowing shoppers to look at ring styles, cuts, sizes and metals not in offered in the store and compare ring features side by side. Converse and Puma are currently using iPads to allow shoppers to design their own shoes.
