Frontline retail associates have grown up with smartphones in their hands. They swipe, tap and multitask instinctively—so when the tools they’re given at work feel just as familiar, productivity soars. But too many retailers still rely on clunky, outdated devices that slow employees down and cause frustration.
Rugged, smartphone-style devices with intuitive interfaces bridge that gap, helping associates move faster, stay connected, and focus on what matters most: the customer. In a business built on speed and connection, retailers can’t afford for their teams to fight their tech instead of using it to engage and sell.
The cost of outdated tech
A recent Dell Technologies study found that 80% of Gen Z workers expect their employer to provide modern devices, and 91% say a company’s tech would influence whether they take a job. But other research finds that only 23% of frontline employees feel they have the digital tools they need to be productive. That disconnect has real consequences: 45% of frontline workers are likely to consider changing employers within a year, citing burnout and inadequate tools among the top reasons.
When technology gets in the way, workers waste time and lose patience. When it works the way they expect it to, everything changes.
How better tech changes the workday
For many retailers, the difference between outdated and modern technology is felt minute by minute. With older technology checking stock or verifying prices can mean juggling multiple devices—or walking back to a terminal while a customer waits. With a single, mobile-native device that combines communication, scanning, and inventory access, associates can stay on the floor, answer questions instantly, and complete sales anywhere in the store. The result: fewer steps, faster service, and a smoother experience for both employee and customer.
Simplicity is the new differentiator
How can technology shape the employee experience? Devices that feel intuitive from day one can shorten onboarding and training time while boosting confidence and engagement on the floor. When associates can navigate tools as naturally as their own phones, customers feel the difference.
That’s why many retailers are shifting toward consumer-grade simplicity—fast, familiar interfaces that mirror how employees already live and work—while still maintaining enterprise-level durability and security. Rugged smartphones and tablets built for retail environments combine both, giving associates the power and protection they need in one device.
Devices built for retail need to strike a balance: familiar enough to feel natural from day one, but durable enough to withstand constant use. Rugged smartphones and tablets built with consumer-style interfaces do exactly that—offering the speed, gestures and layouts workers already know, while standing up to the demands of the sales floor. That combination of simplicity and strength helps associates stay focused on customers instead of troubleshooting their tools.
Retail success starts with the people on the floor. Give them the tools they actually want to use—ones that look, feel, and perform like the devices they already love—and you’ll see measurable gains in engagement, retention, and customer satisfaction.
Because when the tech feels natural, work does too—and that’s when great customer experiences really begin.
Great experiences start with the tools associates use every day. Modern, intuitive devices make the difference—on the sales floor and beyond.
Interested in learning how Samsung’s technology solutions can empower your retail associates? Contact us and we will set up an appointment with someone on our retail industry team.
