Unconnected retailers are losing out on revenue and loyalty

Wireless Nation Research

Consumer research released today has revealed the true impact in-store connectivity can have on boosting sales and increasing customer loyalty for UK retailers - with one in four shoppers admitting to leaving when they couldn't get online.

The Wireless Nation report, which questioned over 800 UK consumers, found that connectivity is now so important that 27 per cent would think twice about coming back and 25 per cent would leave as soon as possible, if wireless connectivity wasn't available.

Typical connected behaviour on mobile devices in-stores includes; checking prices (49 per cent), researching products (44 per cent) and looking at reviews (35 per cent). The results also show that older shoppers are just as likely to use online information to inform offline spending as younger generations. In fact, almost a third of customers aged over 61 check prices online.

For those retailers who have already invested in free connectivity, the financial benefits are clear:

Generate more revenue 20 per cent of shoppers would spend more

Maximise customer interaction 34 per cent would extend their stay

Increase customer loyalty 46 per cent are more likely to visit again

Some businesses are performing better than others. Hotels are leading the way, with 49 per cent of customers being able to connect every' or 'most' times they visit. Others lag behind however, particularly high street shops (12 per cent), supermarkets (11 per cent) and department stores (10 per cent).

It's clear that unconnected businesses are not only losing custom, they're also missing out on additional marketing benefits. Consumers are increasingly open to being targeted via mobile devices. More than 1 in 4 customers want to be targeted with relevant offers while visiting retailers and 29 per cent want to receive special offers on their device when they're nearby (rising to 43 per cent of 25-30 year olds). Customers are also liking, sharing and tweeting while visiting retailers (58 per cent, rising to 88 per cent among 18-30 year olds).

Our Managing Director of Telecoms, Nicolas Ott, said:

These results indicate that many retailers are still lagging behind consumer demand when it comes to connectivity. There is a real sense of frustration from consumers who can't get on line, and this needs to be addressed. Without connectivity, an increasing number will go elsewhere, and may never come back.

The good news is that offering connectivity pays dividends, bringing real benefits and giving retailers a competitive edge. A connected, Wireless Nation' will spend more money, keep coming back and recommend your brand to others. It also presents an opportunity to target and engage with your customers in new ways building stronger relationships and driving brand loyalty.

Jonathan Webb, Co-Founder and Joint CEO Retail in Action said:

Traditional UK retailing is under threat, as online shopping surges. Some high streets are no longer viable. Retailers are under more pressure than ever to deliver valuable shopping experiences in store, online and on the move. Retailers therefore need to adapt, and recognise that shoppers are increasingly going online to improve their offline shopping experience. Catering to this by offering in-store connectivity will be key to ensure the survival of bricks and mortar retail.

Download the full report here: www.wireless-nation.arqiva.com/retail

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Retail

wireless network

Leisure

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