Cover Story

In the midst of a slow-but-relatively steady economic rebound, retailers big and small faced the challenges of the marketplace head-on during 2011, putting the big three – originality, imagination and ingenuity – to work in new and exciting ways. We’re talking inventive apps for smartphones and tablets; vending machines dispensing fresh-baked goods; blizzard forecasts in the heat of summer; and even more convenient delivery options. Great concepts, all springing from a germ of an idea — and all worth a second look.

Successful retail operations typically revolve around one critical aspect of the business — inventory. Will you have the items a customer wants — in the desired size, color or configuration — when she wants to buy them? Potential sales can be lost due to anomalies within inventory management systems.

But there’s good news for retailers: Burgeoning mobile retail technologies and applications are creating opportunities for merchants to enhance store operations and inventory management. Even better, they can meld a retailer’s sales channels into one system.

Not since the dot-com boom has a consumer trend single-handedly turned the retail industry upside down. As shoppers become more comfortable with smartphones and tablets, they are demanding their favorite retailers do the same by adding mobile-centric solutions that will personalize and improve the shopping experience.