Coincidentally, I have recently received the findings of the HP sponsored Aberdeen Group research showing that personalisation of the in-store shopping experience will be key for retailers over the next two years. It suggests that interactive solutions including audio and video communications should be employed to help shoppers to find products in the store and identify the ones that are right for their needs. The research advises retailers to make customer-centric store improvements that utilise digital signage, PoS systems and self-service technologies to personalise their experience.

People coming to your stores want more than they can obtain from surfing the internet but at the same time they wish to have at their fingertips all the information which would help them to take the right decision. The ‘personalised in-store’ journey may be the answer for the hesitant customer.

Finally, please take a few minutes to look at the nominations for the Independent Business Awards and cast your vote for those which you consider to be the best. This is the only awards programme in which the achievements of electrical goods manufacturers are determined by independent retailers.

Anna Ryland, Editor

aryland@datateam.co.uk