Smaller retailers wake up to digital benefits, Daisy Group

The number of small to medium-sized UK retailers with formal digital transformation strategies has doubled over the past 12 months, according to a survey of almost 2,000 businesses across all sectors, commissioned by Daisy Group.

This found that 56% of retailers said they have a formal digital transformation strategy. However, on average 63% of similar sized UK businesses said the same thing. Kendal Stacey, Retail Accounts Specialist, Daisy Group, says: “It is great news that smaller retailers are waking up to the benefits and opportunities that digital technology can bring to all areas of their business. The big retail chains have been investing for some time so it is exciting to see new technologies such as IoT, AI and robotics making their way onto the agenda of smaller retailers."

There is, however, a digital divide on the High Street. While many premium retailers are investing in tools like proximity marketing, virtual reality, queue busting Point of Sale technology and maximising the use of customer data, others are falling behind. "The problem is many retailers are being held back from embracing digital transformation by lack of resources, legacy technology and skills gaps. They need to invest in their digital plumbing. With the right network, WiFi and by moving into the cloud, they will quickly be positioned to improve their service to customers, create a more efficient supply chain and cut costs.”