Profit margins within the retail sector are being pushed down due to a variety of factors including the pressures of globalization. Issues such as the relaxation of trade tariffs and the deregulation of domestic economies are driving change. In face of rising operational costs retailers are using technology to increase operational efficiency and counterbalance soaring costs.

Scope

An examination of the key technologies - RFID, NFC, digital signage and self service cash registers Datamonitor believes will best aid retailers. Attention is given to the suitability of the technologies for specific retail sectors and their integration with other store systems.

Highlights

A major barrier to the uptake of RFID is multiple, incompatible standards across vendor offerings and geographies, both regional and international. International frequency coordination is required in order to enable global interoperability and obviate the need for translating interfaces between various standards. By 2010, there will be 4 billion mobile phones globally. Given the penetration rates of mobile phone technology, Datamonitor believes that the use of NFC enabled e-cash deployments is set for strong growth, with Europe following Japan's lead where the preferred deployment of NFC payments is via handsets.

Reasons to Purchase

Understand how technology is effecting change in the retail landscape. Discover how to evaluate various vendor offerings and decide on the most pertinent technological solutions.