In the world of retail, every square foot of store space is valuable real estate. Traditional retailers often dedicate significant portions of their floor space to check-out lines and customer service areas, justifying this investment as essential for delivering a positive customer experience. While it’s true that offering these services enhances the shopping journey, the compromise of sacrificing merchandise space for these areas has long been a challenge. This is why many retailers jam additional products along the path to checkout, aiming to capitalize on casual purchases.
However, cramped lines and crowded spaces can quickly degrade the customer experience, especially during high-volume periods like back-to-school season or the holidays. Traditional checkout systems often amplify these challenges. Dedicated checkout counters take up valuable floor space that could otherwise be used to showcase merchandise, while long lines and cluttered layouts frustrate shoppers and detract from the overall experience. At the same time, associates are confined to fixed stations, limiting their ability to engage customers or provide assistance elsewhere in the store. Without access to real-time inventory or mobile tools, transactions become slower and less flexible — leaving both employees and shoppers feeling the strain.
Enter the mobile point-of-sale (mPOS) system — a game-changing solution that’s transforming how retailers approach checkout and customer service. By embracing mPOS technology, merchants are not only improving the shopping experience but also unlocking new revenue potential.
What is mobile point of sale?
Traditional mPOS systems are specialized handheld devices that function as payment terminals. They allow sales transactions to happen anywhere in the store, or even outside physical locations, but are still limited by their specialized hardware. Today, new POS vendors are taking a mobile-first approach. What once required a Windows-based terminal or fixed register now runs as an app on a mobile device. This shift empowers retailers to get more value from their mobile devices — using them not just to accept payments but to manage operations, access data and serve customers more effectively.
A modern mPOS uses software-based point-of-sale technology, known as SoftPOS, which runs directly on a mobile device. It enables tap-to-pay transactions through the device’s built-in NFC chip or a paired card reader, removing the need for traditional payment terminals altogether.
How mobile POS transforms the retail experience
Mobile POS systems empower store associates with slim, multipurpose devices that streamline operations and enhance customer interactions. Here’s how mPOS is revolutionizing retail:
- Flexible checkout: Associates can process transactions anywhere in the store, eliminating long lines and reducing wait times.
- Real-time inventory access: Associates can check stock levels, find sizes and even place orders for out-of-stock items without leaving the customer’s side.
- Enhanced customer engagement: By moving away from fixed counters, associates can focus on building relationships with customers, creating a more personalized and human experience.
- Optimized store space: Reclaiming checkout areas allows retailers to offer more merchandise or create inviting spaces that enhance the shopping journey.
The benefits of mobile POS for retailers
Beyond improving daily operations, these mPOS capabilities translate directly into business gains for retailers including:
- Improved customer experience: Faster checkouts and personalized service lead to happier customers who are more likely to return.
- Increased sales opportunities: Associates can upsell or cross-sell products while assisting customers, driving additional revenue.
- Empowered staff: Real-time access to inventory and order capabilities empowers associates to act and provide exceptional service.
- Efficient use of space: Reducing the need for dedicated checkout areas allows retailers to optimize their floor plans for maximum profitability.
Real-world success stories
Top brands are already leveraging mPOS systems to redefine the retail experience including:
- Nordstrom: Associates use mobile devices to assist customers with inventory checks and personalized recommendations, enhancing both service and sales.
- Starbucks: Mobile POS enables baristas to take orders and payments directly at the counter, reducing wait times and improving efficiency.
Why mobile POS is the future of retail
The shift to mPOS systems isn’t just about technology — it’s about creating a more human, connected and efficient shopping experience. By empowering associates with the tools they need to engage with customers and streamline operations, retailers can unlock new revenue potential while enhancing brand loyalty.
Take action today
Ready to transform your store’s checkout experience and unlock its full revenue potential? Embrace the power of mPOS systems and join the ranks of retailers who are redefining the future of retail.
Start your journey today and discover how mobile POS can revolutionize your business — speak to a Samsung business solutions expert today.
