07 May 2008


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Torex and Martec publish IT in Retail report


Technology

Source : Torex Retail Holdings
Torex Retail Holdings Limited, the leading European-based global provider of software and solutions to the extended retail marketplace, has joined forces with Martec International to publish the 2008/9 UK IT in Retail Report.

The report, now in its sixth year, provides a comprehensive guide to IT investment trends among the UK’s largest retailers.

The IT in Retail Report is based on primary research carried out with the UK’s 100 leading retailers which together represent 76% of the UK retail sector, with annual sales of £170 billion and 50,000 stores.

Key findings of the report include:

> Store systems remain the main investment priority for retailers followed by merchandising systems and website and e-commerce systems;

> Multi-channel retailing is of growing importance to UK retailers. The majority (68%) now have a transactional web site and an overwhelming 91% expect non-store sales to increase;

> Mobile technology is a rapidly growing area of investment with the majority (56%) using or planning to use this technology to improve store productivity;

> There is an increase in outsourcing in most applications with website, marketing, B2B and data warehousing leading the way;

> Overall there is little growth in IT spend with retailers trying to do more for the same money.

“This latest report from Martec makes it clear that technology plays a vital role as retailers automate more of their processes and strive to create compelling multi-channel environments.
"Applications such as POS, merchandise management, financials and human resources are now considered vital to the running of a retail business.

"Other types of technology, such as mobile, marketing and e-procurement systems are rapidly gaining acceptance as they also prove to deliver operational efficiencies and an enhanced customer experience,” said Doug Hargrove, Chief Marketing Officer, Torex.

“Martec is committed to helping retailers achieve significant benefits from technology investments. We hope that the findings of this report will encourage technology providers to align their solutions with retailers’ demands to keep their customers satisfied and drive forward innovation in the overall retail sector,” said Brian Hume, Managing Director, Martec.

The Martec 2008/9 UK IT in Retail Report covers IT investment priorities for the next three years and examines 19 areas of spending including store systems, merchandise management, logistics, multi-channel retailing, outsourcing, HR and finance.

New sections added this year include loss prevention and electronic funds transfer.

The report also identifies the main suppliers in 15 key application areas including EPOS, labour scheduling, financials and planning.

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