IT Essentials: Retail

11th June 2025

What technology should retailers be shopping for?

Do you ever carry cash anymore? It is funny think that not too long ago it was the main way that we would pay for items in shops, but now I only ever use is on occasion. Honestly, I rarely take my wallet if I’m going to the supermarket – everything I need is available on my phone.

If you are a retailer, no matter if a small-scale enterprise or household name, consider these IT systems: are you missing any (if so, why?) or would an upgrade help to boost performance and sales?

Infrastructure: while having customer Wi-Fi will be important for many retailers, the emphasis is on connecting technology across the store, so it all works in sync. Handsets and scanners need to be able to communicate to track stock and sales. If the internet goes down, so do these devices, and subsequently, sales.

Point of Sale (POS): this includes self-checkouts with scanners and printers, mobile apps that can be used to scan and sell as well as payment processes like card readers. As with general connectivity, this is essential to reducing lines and permitting sales.

Software: other software includes a staff portal for organising shifts, a CRM to track customer interactions, a customer feedback system, a warehouse management system, click-and-collect integration and much more.

Cyber Security: as the recent attacks on chains including M&S prove, cyber security is essential for retailers. Many of them have loyalty schemes, online shops or other services that hold personal customer information that needs to be kept safe. For details on the best cyber security practices, visit Interfuture Security.

Communication: this is internal – between staff, either within a branch or beyond – and external, with phone systems needed to help customers with issues. If the right infrastructure is in place, VoIP systems can make this very simple.

IT Support: if any of these elements fails, it means a loss of sales for the business. For minimal downtime, having an IT team you can rely on, either onsite or remotely, is key.

Evidently, for retailers there are a lot of different technologies being used to keep the whole store running (including things I haven’t mentioned such as security cameras). As we continue to use cash less and less, shops of all sizes need to have technology they can trust to keep bringing in sales.

If you are a retailer, big or small, and would like some advice on how to manage and implement your IT, then please contact Interfuture Systems HERE.