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  • India’s organised retail to surpass $600 billion by 2030, capture 35% of total market

    India’s organised retail to surpass $600 billion by 2030, capture 35% of total market

    India retail market set to reach $2 trillion in next decade: Report

    India retail market set to reach $2 trillion in next decade: ReportIANS

    India’s overall retail sector is poised to become more than $1.6 trillion opportunity by 2030, offering immense headroom for sustained growth for the organised retail industry, according to a new report on Wednesday.

    While essential categories will continue to drive the majority of spending, discretionary spending is expected to lead the next wave of expansion, said the report by Redseer Strategy Consultants.

    Offline and online organised retailers are actively solving for inefficiencies in the market through better sourcing strategies, improved application of technology and infrastructure innovations.

    “As a result, organised retail is projected to become a $600 billion+ segment by 2030, capturing over 35 per cent of the total retail market,” the report noted.

    Amid regional diversity, price sensitivity and complex supply chains, 350 Indian brands have crossed the $100 million revenue mark.

    However, the supply landscape remains fragmented and is expected to remain so, with regional and unbranded brands expected to contribute over 70 per cent of the market by 2030, the report mentioned.

    “Scaling ahead will require organised retail models to also address the regional and unbranded consumption, in addition to the branded segment that they’ve traditionally targeted,” said Kushal Bhatnagar, Associate Partner, Redseer Strategy Consultants.

    India retail market

     India retail market set to reach $2 trillion in next decade: ReportReuters

    Offline and online players are adopting a mix of strategies, such as backward integration, private labelling, and supply aggregation, to target this opportunity, he mentioned.

    The heterogenous consumer preferences in India have led to the emergence of extensive range of stock keeping units (SKUs), further underscoring the supply fragmentation.

    India’s culture, language, and tastes change every few kilometers, leading to high SKU proliferation across categories such as snacks, spices, food grains, apparels, jewellery, and home decor.

    A large share of consumers favour small-ticket transactions, and prioritise affordability over other factors, while making purchase decisions, the report said.

    Multiple unorganised intermediaries exist at both sourcing and distribution levels, making efficient supply chain management a challenge.

    General trade (GT) has also thrived due to its accessibility, ability to enable small transactions, and deep integration with local supply chains. It effectively caters to hyper-local consumer preferences, said the report.

    (With inputs from IANS)

  • The ROI of retail digital signage and media solutions for small businesses

    In just a few years, shopping has undergone a revolution. With digital options exploding in number, it’s increasingly important for small businesses to take advantage of technology to keep up in the market. This starts with a full embrace of the digital world — and the features people love about it. Rather than seeing the digital and physical as separate, it’s time to focus on integrating them.

    Retail digital signage is an effective tool to blend the digital world with the brick-and-mortar environment and create a more seamless journey for customers. The latest generations, such as Samsung displays, can do far more than just flash static ads. When matched with loyalty programs, content management systems, geolocation and other digital assets, they can achieve the frictionless, personalized experience that shoppers have come to expect today. This drives engagement, boosts loyalty and increases return on investment (ROI).

    Here’s how digital displays can help small business retailers thrive.

    Personalized shopping experiences that drive sales

    As data-driven marketing becomes more sophisticated, shoppers expect high levels of convenience and personalization. That goes for small businesses, too. Retailers that step up to meet these expectations by supplying data-driven, personalized offers are seeing growth in basket size, upsells and ROI. This requires not just the hardware but also the software. In-store digital signage with a robust and dynamic content management system (CMS) is the key to success.

    How digitizing retail experiences boosts ROI

    Explore customer behavior with and the operational benefits of a complete digital retail ecosystem.
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    Samsung VXT, an innovative, cloud-based CMS, enables small businesses to easily create, schedule, manage and monitor content specifically for digital signage, improving outcomes. For example, with VXT Canvas, retailers can create custom content tailored to specific brands, promotions, events and even weather to drive sales. Software partner Sprinklr offers yet another platform to do the same on Samsung displays. Another feature shows the displays connected to each event and the success or failure of each screen, helping managers assess performance and strategy.

    The graphic element adds more options to make a visual impact and target attention. In addition to thousands of fonts, templates and preloaded images, users can upload their retail media and VXT Art (sold separately) to apply more than 10,000 pieces of content from world-class art museums and galleries — often an ideal pairing for luxury brands.

    Batteries Plus, a consumer electronics chain, offers an example of how digital signage integrated with VXT can enhance ROI. The company uses Samsung 4K UHD LED displays as “silent salespeople” to promote products triggered by real-time weather alerts.

    Self-service capabilities for faster transactions

    In retail, fast, frictionless transactions are the goal, which helps explain why so many consumers prefer self-serve technologies. In fact, Salesforce’s 2024 State of the AI Connected Customer report shows that 61% prefer self-service for simple issues. Its State of Service report shows the impact of self-service on success, with 80% of high-performing service organizations providing a self-service option. These perspectives make digital kiosks a particularly powerful upselling and cross-selling tool.

    Samsung Kiosk allows businesses to implement self-serve technology quickly and easily. The intuitive, interactive kiosk boasts an all-in-one ordering and payment system that accepts cash, credit cards and contactless solutions such as barcodes, QR codes and near-field communication for digital wallets.

    For restaurants in particular, Samsung Kiosk can come preinstalled with GRUBBRR proprietary restaurant management software, or other menu platforms like Bite, PAR or Nanonation. Using AI and machine learning, the system knows how to daypart and feature more popular or profitable items higher on the digital menu board. As at Batteries Plus, restaurants can connect products with weather events, promoting soup or hot chocolate on a cold day and ice cream and slushies on a scorching one. Self-checkouts also never forget to upsell, which increases profit-building activity and ROI. And partners like PopID simplify ordering and make transactions even smoother with easy kiosk login.

    Lucrative loyalty programs

    Another way retailers can increase wallet share is by integrating in-store technologies with lucrative loyalty programs. That pays off quickly. Research from the 2024 Achieving Customer Amazement study noted that 81% of customers prefer companies offering personalized experiences. That perception of improved customer service significantly impacts business, as the same report noted that 85% of customers will go out of their way to go to a company with better customer service.

    The personalization that Samsung digital displays and software enables transfers to loyalty programs. When customers feel like a business knows them and understands their purchasing patterns, they will likely stay loyal to that business. Samsung Kiosk partners with loyalty programs like Punchh to help achieve this through consumer data collection. Using these insights, brands can create and deploy customized, hyper-personalized loyalty campaigns that convert customers and increase basket sizes.

    Fast adaptation to customer and market needs

    Digital signage allows retailers to adapt messaging and promotions in real time to customer behavior, inventory levels, emerging trends, market shifts and other variables. For example, restaurants can quickly add and remove items from menu boards. During the holidays, stores could also customize displays to feature the season’s trending gifts.

    Speed is essential, too, and a key benefit of Samsung displays. Businesses can change content quickly and easily, be it updating pricing, displaying new products or promoting limited-time offers. Additionally, interactive digital displays can provide customers with valuable extra information that just might inspire conversion. This could include product details, reviews and recommendations.

    One novel way retailers can respond to customer and market needs is through traffic analysis. By incorporating solutions like FastSensor, which leverages AI and heat mapping to gather and analyze foot traffic data, retailers can quickly adapt to customer needs by managing queues and determining which in-store marketing messages work — and which don’t.

    Samsung Kiosk models perfectly complement this. The kiosks come in three installation types — floor stand, countertop, and wall-mounting — which allow them to fit into a wider range of spaces within the traffic flow. Their sleek, modular, space-saving design and gray-white color blend in with practically any aesthetic, too.

    The digital future of retail

    As the retail landscape evolves, businesses that embrace small business technology will be able to provide enhanced customer experiences and reap the ROI rewards of digital transformation. The tangible returns on investment in cost savings, revenue growth and customer engagement make a compelling case for retailers to make Samsung displays and end-to-end solutions an integral part of their business strategy.

    Sign up for a VXT free trial. Explore Samsung’s wide selection of digital signage and commercial displays and how they can help drive retail traffic and sales.

  • Empowering mobile workforces: The role of Galaxy A15 in healthcare, banking, retail and hospitality

    In industries with a mobile workforce, employees must stay connected and productive while on the move — and smartphones can provide the performance, features and convenient form factor they need.

    With a smartphone in hand, workers in healthcare, banking, retail and hospitality can wirelessly access necessary applications and data. They can communicate and collaborate with their colleagues, serve their customers and complete tasks, regardless of their location.

    In fact, according to an IDC report, more than two-thirds of U.S. enterprises deploy multiple mobile devices per employee to enhance worker productivity, increase revenue and improve customer satisfaction.

    Organizations in different industries can benefit from equipping employees with smartphones, such as Samsung’s Galaxy A15 5G. This affordable, secure and easy-to-manage mobile device offers fast performance and long-lasting battery life.

    Improving healthcare and enabling remote patient monitoring

    Smartphones are prevalent in healthcare. Physicians and nurses use mobile devices like Galaxy A15 for real-time patient monitoring, resulting in improved patient care and cost savings.

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    In fact, according to a recent study in the Health Informatics Journal, more than 80% of physicians use smartphones for their clinical practice.

    Smartphones enable physicians to access electronic medical records, order diagnostic tests or prescriptions, and use them for decision support, telehealth meetings, and documentation, including dictation of patient reports.

    Galaxy A15 smartphone has a 2GHz or 2.2 GHz processor, 5G speeds, and 4GB to 8GB of RAM, ensuring doctors and nurses can access applications and data fast. Its Super AMOLED 6.5-inch display with up to 800 nits brightness, a 90Hz refresh rate and low blue light reduces eye strain.

    Camera improvements also ensure clinicians can take high-quality pictures and videos to make a diagnosis, monitor disease or treatment progress, and seek advice from colleagues. Galaxy A15 offers a three-lens rear camera system, including a 50MP main camera, a 5MP ultra-wide camera, and a 2MP macro lens. Galaxy A15 also features a 13MP front camera for high-quality video if doctors need to do telehealth visits with their patients.

    Galaxy A15, with Bluetooth support, enables at-home remote patient monitoring. Medical teams can remotely track patients by equipping them with A15s and Bluetooth-enabled devices, such as consumer wearables, pulse oximeters, and blood pressure and glucose monitors. This allows clinicians to remotely check their patients’ vital signs and intervene if their health changes.

    Increasing productivity and efficiency for bank employees

    Bank employees increasingly use smartphones to increase their productivity and efficiency and improve the customer experience. While banks equip staff with laptops and desktop computers, branch employees prefer to use smartphones or tablets for many of their daily tasks, according to an IDC white paper.

    Galaxy A15’s large 6.5-inch display allows bank employees to multitask and use two apps simultaneously on a split screen. With full high-definition resolution, the content on the screen looks crisp, clear and vibrant.

    That’s important because it allows bank staff to use Galaxy A15 to simultaneously access customer data and research different products and services before an important client meeting. They can also use Galaxy A15 to open new accounts for customers and have them digitally sign the necessary documents.

    With 4GB to 8GB of internal storage (expandable to 128GB), users won’t run out of storage space.

    Enhancing employee and customer experiences in the retail setting

    In the retail sector, smartphone employees can personalize customer experiences on the sales floor, including checking the pricing, availability, and location of products, ringing up customers, and processing payments. If items are out of stock, sales associates can use their smartphones to find the products at other nearby locations or order them online for customers.

    When retail staff are busy assisting customers, smartphone batteries can drain fast. But that’s where the Samsung Galaxy A15’s battery shines. A Galaxy A15 battery can last up to two days on a single charge. And when employees need to charge their phones, Galaxy A15 has Super Fast Charging* capabilities.

    If retail workers are near store windows assisting customers in bright sunlight, Galaxy A15’s high-definition resolution display and enhanced brightness ensure optimal visibility. The screen’s low blue light promotes all-day eye comfort, even during extended usage.

    Strengthening day-to-day hotel operations in hospitality management

    By issuing smartphones to hospitality staff, hotels can improve communication and better manage hotel operations, such as housekeeping and maintenance, resulting in improved guest services and more efficient operations.

    With a Galaxy A15, for example, housekeepers can check their schedules on their mobile phones to see which rooms they need to clean. When they finish cleaning a room, they can mark it as clean, providing supervisors with real-time updates on progress.

    Staff can also manage hotel maintenance on their phones. Managers can create work orders and prioritize requests, while staff can provide real-time updates and send alerts when tasks are completed.

    In both cases, Galaxy A15’s fast processor, ample RAM and 5G speeds allow hospitality staff to access apps and data quickly. The phone’s high-capacity battery and intelligent power management lets employees accomplish all their tasks and still have battery life at the end of their workday.

    Staying secure with Samsung’s Galaxy A15 mobile device

    Security and customer privacy are critical in the healthcare, banking, retail and hospitality industries. Galaxy A15 features a side fingerprint sensor that can only be unlocked by employees’ unique fingerprints.

    Also, for the first time, Samsung is bundling its hardware and software to make it simpler and more cost-effective for organizations in different industries to configure, manage and secure a large fleet of devices.

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    Customers who buy Galaxy A15 can also purchase the Samsung Knox security and device management solution all in one package.

    Samsung Knox protects devices from intrusion, malware and malicious threats, while the Samsung Knox Suite is a comprehensive set of cloud-based tools that allow IT departments to remotely deploy, manage, secure and lock down their devices in bulk.

    For example, organizations can deploy Knox E-FOTA to schedule device updates and make sure every device is using the correct version of the Android OS and has all the required firmware updates.

    Furthermore, as part of the bundle, Samsung is expanding the lifecycle of Galaxy A15 from one year to three years, which enables a stable hardware and software platform.

    How your organization can benefit from Galaxy A15

    The Samsung Galaxy A15 5G is a perfect solution for the healthcare, banking, retail and hospitality industries. The affordable, entry-level device features a 6.5-inch display and offers a brighter screen, longer battery life and more storage than its predecessor.

    Organizations in these four industries can use Galaxy A15 for all their needs, from accessing important business apps and scanning barcodes to personalizing customer service and taking mobile payments. Employees can also communicate through email, texting, voice and video chats.

    Learn how you can improve worker productivity, empower your mobile workforce and optimize business operations with Galaxy A15 smartphones. And if you’re not currently an Android or Galaxy user, make sure to try Galaxy for Work on your current device today.

    *1Wall charger sold separately; use only Samsung approved chargers and cables. To avoid injury or damage to your device, do not use incompatible, worn or damaged batteries, chargers or cables. Supports up to 25W charging.

  • Investing in efficient retail operations with digital solutions

    To improve retail operations without increasing the workload for staff, many retailers are looking to technology tools like digital signage, self-service kiosks and interactive displays. With strategically placed digital displays, for example, retail operators can engage with consumers in new ways about products, educate them on the features and even provide self-checkout. This frees associates to take care of the more complicated tasks, like stocking inventory, organizing the store or assisting customers with more in-depth support.

    This is especially critical during the ongoing labor shortage, especially as the retail industry sees higher turnover rates than others. Smart retail technology and integrated IT solutions allow retailers to meet changing consumer expectations and level up operations. These solutions can upgrade the in-store shopping experience — making it more convenient and profitable.

    Let technology do the selling

    According to Capital One, shoppers still spend far more — around 85% of the total retail revenue — in brick-and-mortar stores than online websites. In fact, the numbers show that 45% of consumers shop primarily in person, and 72% do so every week. Retail technology offers a critical way to tap these preferences and profit more from them.

    How digitizing retail experiences boosts ROI

    Explore customer behavior with and the operational benefits of a complete digital retail ecosystem.
    Download Now

    Self-service kiosks, tablets and LED displays don’t just serve these customers more efficiently, they provide them new ways to interact with products. Saatva, an online mattress retailer, uses two-sided displays to greet customers with customized messages as they enter the store. Next to each mattress, an interactive display educates guests about specific features and production processes.

    Batteries Plus, meanwhile, uses Samsung 4K UHD LED Displays behind their checkout area, where they act as “silent salespeople,” offering customers timely, location-specific messaging, such as promotions for relevant products triggered by real-time weather alerts. Besides freeing up associates for other more involved tasks, these screens act as a conversation starter for salespeople to talk to customers.

    Maintain inventory and streamline retail operations

    In today’s omnichannel shopping environment — where orders come from inside the store and online, as well as native apps and third-party shopping sites — retailers must maintain accurate inventory management. Digital displays can be used in both the front and back of the house to keep track of inventory, locate items or update out-of-stock SKUs, ensuring retailers always have the most up-to-date and accurate information as they assist customers.

    Samsung Kiosk, for example, can be programmed to mark out-of-stock items as unavailable and allow customers at self-checkout to order the product for home delivery. Samsung rugged tablets equipped with barcode scanning technology provide convenient handheld units for workers to take inventory and manage restocking. If a particular store is out of an item, associates can use their handheld devices to help shoppers locate the item at another nearby location. With the help of cloud-based software, such as Samsung VXT content management system (CMS), inventory is always up to date, as the store’s ordering system can connect to its vendor databases.

    Mitigate risks with IT experts

    Most retailers know they need to take advantage of digital technology but do not know where to start. Factor in staff shortages, and operators must get even more creative about maintaining efficient workflows, including the IT department that monitors their tech stack. The Samsung software integrated into the display can help manage IT by supporting and enabling custom content scheduling — all protected by Samsung Knox, a defense-grade mobile security platform. That’s a boon for smaller businesses and brands that may not have the budget for these.

    Samsung VXT CMS also extends a lifeline for time-strapped marketing managers and small teams without a dedicated IT department, as it routinely performs health checks on the equipment and software, alerting retailers to real-time issues.

    Innovating to retail productivity and success

    While online shopping is here to stay, brick-and-mortar retailers are leading the way when it comes to innovative, omnichannel strategies. Digital displays backed by a cloud-based CMS let retailers deliver customized content and self-service kiosks, even with limited staff and budget resources — and especially then.

    See how retail brands like Good American seamlessly bridge online and in-person commerce with Samsung displays and VXT software in this case study. Also learn more about how digital signage drives retail traffic and sales.

  • Experiential retail: What is it, and how is it changing the shopping experience?

    Retail isn’t solely transactional – it’s experiential, too.

    As sellers have embraced the experiential retail concept by offering hands-on, engaging moments, you’ll likely have experienced workshops, displays, events, entertainers, interactive kiosks and more on sales floors and in dining establishments. Why? These unique experiences can’t be replicated online, encouraging consumers to shop in person.

    A retail report predicts 2025 is the year retailers will prioritize experiential moments in their stores. A poll of 15,700 customers across 10 countries shows that 59% of consumers expect more than half of the retail stores they visit to provide enhanced shopping experiences. And they’re willing to pay for it, too. The majority (81%) of those surveyed will shell out extra cash at stores offering games and other creative activities.

    Gamify your brick-and-mortar retail space

    Retailers can implement gaming elements — including the option to win prizes, earn points, engage with others and more — to boost customer loyalty, shopping enjoyment and revenue, according to MarketScale.

    How digitizing retail experiences boosts ROI

    Explore customer behavior with and the operational benefits of a complete digital retail ecosystem.
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    Gamification might be a rewards program that accrues cash-back rewards or points redeemable for merchandise and services. Some retailers may implement a prize wheel to spin or scratch-off tickets as a creative way to offer a percentage off your purchase rather than advertising a store-wide sale.

    Buona Beef, a restaurant chain in Chicago, updated its food ordering experience to offer convenience to its in-store customer base. By implementing touchscreen Samsung Kiosks in restaurants, hungry patrons can order and purchase food, access reward options and accumulate points in their My Buona Rewards loyalty program. This all-in-one solution not only informs customers quickly of their rewards status, which can help motivate upsells, but it also expedites the ordering process. Win-win!

    Personalize the in-store shopping retail experience

    Elevate your consumer experience by speaking directly to the shopper, thanks to data analytics and creative software.

    For example, when you scan a loyalty card or pull up a customer’s in-house charge account, you likely see their name on the POS screen. Use it. Thanking the customer by name for their transaction can make the moment more personal and memorable.

    Consider tailoring in-store displays to your target audience. Panico Salon in Ridgewood, New Jersey, personalizes its high-end customer journey with 40 large format displays (LFDs), including QBR Series and QB13R-TM Series UHD LED displays, to create awareness for its products and services. At each stylist’s station, an LED display showcases before and after photos of happy patrons, making the pampering session even more exciting and memorable.

    Or, personalize your clothing, cosmetics, eyeglasses (and more!) sales floor with a Samsung VXT visual merchandising display. Customers can approach them at leisure and use the touchscreen interface to select products that match their style and needs, virtually try them on, and even customize products to their liking before placing an order.

    Sensitize your sales floor and public spaces

    Tantalize consumers by appealing to their core senses through sound, scent, sight, touch and taste. Experiential retailers are implementing the following:

    • Ambient music creates a calm environment, encouraging lingering and longer shopping experiences.
    • Voiceovers can educate consumers about sales, new product offerings and loyalty programs.
    • Aromatherapy influences mood, such as relaxation in a spa or focus in a car dealership.
    • Touchable samples, including fabric swatches in a furniture store or dress shop, allow customers to physically experience the materials.
    • Food samples in a grocery store or deli-style eatery entice customers to try new products or encourage immediate purchases.

    When it comes to appealing to the senses of sight and sound, interactive displays can show consumers how they will look or feel by using the retailer’s products. This storytelling approach builds a deeper connection to the brand while informing the consumer in a new way.

    Clothing retailer Good American offers inclusive fashion for women wearing sizes 00 to 32. In the store’s Los Angeles location, a 55-inch large format Samsung Interactive Display showcases the company’s top-selling denim collection. Users can easily tap and scroll to effortlessly view the various fits and styles.

    Offer your customers memorable retail experiences

    Shoppers want more than racks and shelves to browse. Help them become part of your business and mission through interactive moments, fun rewards programs, educational displays, sensory experiences and interactions with friendly salespeople.

    Learn more about Samsung’s digital display options, including custom video walls, LED signage, interactive educational displays, and digital menu boards, and how they can enhance the brick-and-mortar shopping experience for your clientele.

  • Green spaces: Improve brand loyalty with sustainable retail design

    Adopting environmentally conscious practices in-store builds brand loyalty among green shoppers by showcasing solutions that minimize waste, reduce energy consumption and align with growing consumer demand for sustainability.

    The PwC 2024 Voice of the Consumer Survey polled 20,000 consumers sourced from 31 countries and territories. The results show that 85% of consumers prioritize products or services that incorporate sustainability-focused practices. Furthermore, consumers are willing to spend 9.7% more on sustainably sourced or produced goods.

    But what do sustainable-focused practices look like exactly? By implementing sustainable technology, retailers can prioritize environmentally conscious practices in their brick-and-mortar locations.

    Attract eco-minded customers with sustainable technology

    As a retailer, you can create a sustainable retail design by making eco-friendly choices on your sales floor, dining space or showroom. For example, instead of using temporary, disposable paper signage, consider reducing waste and offering dynamic content on LED display screens with power-saving energy features and durability for months, even years, of use.

    How digitizing retail experiences boosts ROI

    Explore customer behavior with and the operational benefits of a complete digital retail ecosystem.
    Download Now

    Samsung’s OHA-S Series weatherproof display with anti-reflection technology and the ability to deflect humidity can easily be positioned by a front door, on an outdoor patio or in an open-air shopping space. The exceptional brightness makes your menu boards, sales signage or product description displays easily readable, even on sunny days.

    For indoor use, consider the Samsung P2.0 LED Signage. You’ll admire the brilliant picture quality that supports HDR imagery up to 8K. Your green-minded shoppers will appreciate your mindfulness in reducing printed materials and choosing displays that can be updated without paper waste.

    Stay ahead of the curve. Use sustainable displays to reduce your environmental impact, clear out store clutter and communicate more vibrantly and modernly with consumers.

    Start small and build your impact

    If sustainability initiatives are new to your agenda, take baby steps. Talk with your HVAC provider about upgrading to an energy-saving system, starting with a smart thermostat that adjusts the temperature based on your establishment’s high and low traffic times. Or, consider implementing automated lighting that shuts off when no consumers are nearby.

    Samsung offers the QM Series of display screens that auto-adjust based on lighting conditions. When the overhead lights dim in an area of your retail location, such as a showroom not in use, the QM Series displays will follow suit and dim their brightness to save on power usage. To help manage and reduce energy usage, Samsung VXT content management system (CMS) provides a monthly energy report, which analyzes the monthly electricity consumption of your displays. You can also use the CMS to adjust brightness settings and set an automatic on/off timer to conserve energy.

    If you want to share static information with a long shelf-life, such as information on how to sign up for your loyalty program or a list of core services and their prices, E-Paper Signage will be available soon to fit into your eco-conscious landscape. The displays can be easily updated to show off movie posters in a theatre lobby or beautiful photography as decor in a waiting room. These ultra-slim, lightweight displays use near-to-zero power consumption to showcase your messaging. They also operate with rechargeable batteries, so they can be placed anywhere without being tethered to a wall outlet.

    Clothing retailer Good American embraced a sustainable retail design to get more customers to visit their physical locations. Two Samsung Direct View LED Displays greet customers at the entryway (versus paper-printed ads). Once inside, shoppers experience large-format displays showcasing the company’s clothing catalog at a glance to inspire them to try new looks. These tech updates not only keep the company’s branding top-of-mind for customers but also mirror the company’s Certified B Corporation status and commitment to sustainable practices.

    And this is just the start. Fashion-forward shops can implement augmented reality (AR) stations in virtual fitting rooms to let consumers quickly and easily see how a particular outfit would look on them. In turn, this potentially reduces damaged products (while informing retail buyers which items draw the most interest) and keeps consumers “trying on” items longer because there’s no physical labor involved. Hello, boosted sales, less waste and targeted purchasing!

    Celebrate with customers when you reach sustainability goals

    As you work toward greening your retail space, share the news. Let visitors know why you’ve ditched paper flyers and window posters. Tell them that you, too, focus on making sustainable choices.

    In a Bain & Company 2024 global survey, 28% of respondents shared that brands who created awareness campaigns encouraged them to purchase sustainable products. These actions also prompted 33% of consumers to buy sustainable products simply because they became available at their go-to retailers.

    Go further and make the eco-minded shifts interactive by offering recycling stations for used goods in your niche. For example, an electronics recycling bin would be a welcome sight in a computer or cellphone store. If you sell clothing, offer a donation bin to a local non-profit agency that helps those in need.

    You could also offer discounts to those who bring in reusable shopping bags or opt for e-receipts instead of paper-printed documents.

    Featuring sustainability practices in your retail space

    Embracing sustainability in your business not only helps reduce waste and conserve energy consumption but also makes you stand out in the eyes of your consumers. After all, they are making a conscious effort to be patrons at stores that are mindful of sustainability practices. Why not enjoy this competitive advantage?

    Learn more about Samsung’s digital signage solutions and how they can transform your retail space into a mindful, modern shopping experience. And learn everything you need to know about choosing your store’s LED displays for optimal viewing in this free guide.

  • Inventory management: What back-of-house displays in retail can do for your employees

    Maintaining inventory flow is a critical aspect of retail operations. Yet the back-of-house (BOH) environment — where inventory decisions are often made — is often overlooked and outdated. The good news for astute retailers? Critically important spaces such as stockrooms, warehouses, merchandising quarters, shipping and receiving, and other non-customer-facing areas can be transformed into hubs of insight and efficiency.

    In recent years, displays have revolutionized front-of-house retail operations with interactive experiences, self-service options and personalized shopping journeys. And they can make a big impact behind the scenes, too. Incorporating advanced display technologies like Samsung’s QB Series and QM Series into the BOH helps retailers streamline inventory management techniques, access real-time data, and foster better decision-making and teamwork. Here’s how the most innovative retailers use BOH displays to reshape and improve operations.

    Streamline inventory management

    Managing inventory isn’t just about reordering what’s out of stock. Rather, it is a delicate balance between maintaining supply and predicting demand. Back-of-house displays are a powerful tool for maintaining that balance. Because they can convey real-time data on stock levels, inventory movement and product performance, these screens ensure that employees have up-to-the-minute insights into what’s happening on the floor and in storage.

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    For example, BOH displays provide immediate alerts when a store’s most popular items are flying off the shelves. This prompts timely restocking, which helps minimize customer frustration and disappointment. For products that are lagging in sales, employees can identify trends and act before the excess inventory becomes a liability. Both scenarios improve inventory control by reducing the risks of overstocking or understocking, ensuring customers can find the products they need precisely when needed.

    Enhance employee efficiency and communication

    One of the most valuable resources in a retail environment is time. Back-of-house displays can play a pivotal role in streamlining daily operations by making vital information accessible to employees. Instead of wasting time manually searching for products or sifting through paper records, workers can consult BOH displays to locate items quickly and prioritize restocking tasks.

    Back-of-house displays are a centralized hub for inventory details, allowing teams to align their efforts effortlessly. When employees share the same updated information and visual reference points, communication improves, and coordination becomes second nature. For instance, employees can rely on displays during a busy shift to instantly identify low-stock items and replenish shelves.

    This improved efficiency often translates into a better work environment. When employees have the tools they need to succeed, it boosts morale and reduces workplace frustration. In a time when retailers are struggling to retain employees, keeping top talent happy is imperative to success.

    Additionally, a more efficient workplace environment creates a positive feedback loop: Happier employees — no matter where they work — are more productive, ultimately leading to better customer experiences.

    Help drive data-driven decision making

    Staying ahead of retail trends requires more than intuition — it demands data. Back-of-house displays integrate seamlessly with other inventory management techniques and systems to deliver actionable insights directly to workers and management. These insights can include sales patterns, stock levels and seasonal trends that guide inventory allocation and resource management decisions.

    For example, if a BOH display reveals that a particular product’s sales are spiking during a specific time of year, managers can plan accordingly by increasing orders for that period. Conversely, data highlighting consistent underperformance of an item may signal it’s time to consider discontinuation or adjustments in pricing.

    This kind of automation reduces the potential for human error. With stock levels updated in real time, employees can trust the data they see without needing to manually verify quantities — a task that is not only time-consuming but also prone to mistakes. This saves time, reduces waste and empowers retail teams to make more informed inventory decisions.

    The future of back-of-house displays in retail

    Retailers can use back-of-house displays to take their inventory operations from reactive to proactive. With built-in features like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth connectivity and embedded media players, Samsung’s QB Series and QM Series monitors allow employees to work smarter, communicate better, and make decisions backed by robust data. And with sizes ranging from 32 to 98 inches, there’s a BOH display to fit every environment, whether it’s an accounting office or a massive warehouse.

    Retailers looking to enhance their BOH systems can start by evaluating their current inventory management challenges and identifying opportunities for improvement. Whether it’s reducing stockouts, improving employee productivity, or leveraging data insights, modern BOH displays are a versatile solution ready to meet the challenges of modern retail demands.

    Ready to elevate your display strategy? See how Samsung displays and Samsung VXT can move the retail needle. Also, discover how one company successfully bridged online and in-person commerce with Samsung displays and VXT software in this case study.

  • Vehicle Retail Sales Up 9% Cross, 26 Million Units

    New Delhi: Driven by rising private consumption and disposable incomes, India saw vehicle retail sales increase by at least 9 per cent in 2024 (year-on-year) to cross 26 million units.

    This surpasses the pre-Covid peak of 25.4 million units in a single year in 2018.

    Industry experts said that the key aspects to watch out in 2025 will be government’s focus on infrastructure spend and growth in end use segments, which will augur well for the commercial vehicles industry.

    “Looking ahead, we expect demand to improve in Q4 FY25 across most segments of the commercial vehicle industry,” said Girish Wagh, Executive Director, Tata Motors Ltd.

    According to the Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations (Fada), they are optimistic about 2025, especially with multiple launches lined up, and expect the electric vehicle (EV) sector to perform well.

    In 2024, EV sales reached 1.95 million units, up from 1.5 million in 2023. EV penetration also went up to 7.5 per cent, compared with 6.39 per cent in the previous year.

    In the electric two-wheeler (2W) space, Bajaj Auto’s market share increased by 3 per cent to 25 per cent in December 2024, which was 22 per cent in November. At the same time, Ola Electric’s market share declined by 5 per cent on a MoM (month-on-month) basis to 19 per cent in December. It was 24 per cent in November.

    In the passenger vehicle (PV) space, Maruti Suzuki India recorded a 30 per cent jump in sales to 1,78,248 units in December 2024 from 1,37,551 units in the same month last year.

    Automaker Kia India reported a 6 per cent rise in total sales at 2,55,038 units in 2024 compared to the previous year, recording its highest-ever annual sales. The company had sold 2,40,919 units in 2023. Hyundai Motor India Limited (HMIL) registered the highest-ever yearly domestic sales of 6,05,433 units in 2024.

  • 2024 becomes year of Apple in India amid premiumisation, PLI push, retail expansion

    2024 becomes year of Apple in India amid premiumisation, PLI push, retail expansion

    IANS

    2024 has certainly become the year of Apple in India where the tech giant made new exports as well as domestic sale records, driven by the rising trend of premiumisation, the government’s production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme and aggressive retail expansion.

    According to industry experts, Apple’s strategic approach in India over the past year has resulted in significant achievements and increased market importance.

    Within the electronics sector, smartphone exports have recorded a 45 per cent increase in exports as leading players such as Apple expand production in the country. Apple’s entry into India, supported by its vendors Foxconn, Pegatron, and Tata Electronics, has boosted smartphone exports this year.

    Apple’s iPhone production reached $10 billion in the seven months of this fiscal (FY25), with $7 billion in exports alone which is a record. In the April-October period, the company exported iPhones at almost Rs 8,450 crore (nearly $1 billion) each month, as per industry data.

    According to Tarun Pathak, Research Director, Mobile Devices and Ecosystems at Counterpoint Research, Apple has gained a share in India due to highly aspirational youth appeal, strong consumer connect, chanel and manufacturing expansion along with solid marketing campaigns.

    2024 becomes year of Apple in India amid premiumisation, PLI push, retail expansion

    IANS

    “Apple has successfully tapped into the rising trend of premiumization in the world’s second-largest smartphone market. The ultra- premiumisation trend is steadily gaining momentum with each passing quarter,” Pathak told IANS.

    India’s strategic significance for Apple is underscored by its three-dimensional (3D) strategy — focusing on domestic manufacturing, distribution and driving premiumisation.

    The country is likely to surpass Japan and UK to become the third largest market for Apple in terms of shipments in 2026, according to Counterpoint Research Market Outlook.

    “Premiumisation in India, with readily available financing, boosts affordability for premium smartphones, benefiting Apple’s exclusive focus on this segment,” Pathak noted.

    Apple’s India shipments are set to cross 11 million marks in 2024 with 10 per cent year-on-year growth and estimating a similar growth in 2025 as well, according to market watchers.

    Amid the growing demand for its iPhones in aspirational Bharat, Apple clocked a 36 per cent increase in its operating revenue in India, surpassing Rs 66,700 crore (about $8 billion) in FY24. The tech giant also posted Rs 2,746 crore ($330 million) in profit last fiscal.

    The company‘s profit increased by 23 per cent in FY24 against Rs 2,229.6 crore ($268 million) in FY23.

    Prabhu Ram, VP-Industry Research Group, CyberMedia Research (CMR), told IANS that Apple’s growth in India is expected to continue with significant momentum in the coming year, driven by aggressive retail expansion, targeted marketing strategies, and a deeper penetration into the aspirational Indian market.

    “This growth is fuelled by the strong demand for both the latest and previous generation iPhones,” Ram noted.

    (With inputs from IANS)

  • ‘Auto Retail Sales Up 11% In Nov Riding On 2-Wheeler Demand’

    New Delhi: Retail sales of vehicles across categories in India grew by 11.21 per cent at 32,08,719 units in November, as compared to 28,85,317 units in the same month last year riding on two-wheeler demand, Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations said in Monday.

    Retail sales of two-wheelers were at 26,15,953 units last month, as compared to 22,58,970 units in November 2023, a growth of 15.8 per cent buoyed by the festive spillover.

    On the other hand, passenger vehicle (PV) retail was down 13.72 per cent at 3,21,943 units, as against 3,73,140 units in the year-ago month. The PV segment faced notable headwinds, Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations (FADA) said in a statement. “While November was initially expected to build on its prior momentum, particularly due to the marriage season, dealer feedback suggests that this segment underperformed overall expectations,” FADA President, C S Vigneshwar said in a statement.

    He further said, “although rural markets offered some support, primarily in the two-wheeler category, marriage-related sales remained subdued.” The late occurrence of Deepawali at the end of October also caused a spillover of festive registrations into November, affecting the month’s sales trajectory, Vigneshwar added. On PV retail, he said, “dealers cited weak market sentiment, limited product variety and insufficient new launches, compounded by the shift of festive demand into October.” Vigneshwar further said, “although rural interest was present, it failed to significantly improve sentiment. Inventory levels have reduced by about 10 days, but to remain high at around 65-68 days.”

    He reiterated FADA’s request to Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) to further rationalise inventory so that the industry can enter the new year on a healthier footing, reducing the need for additional discounts. In the commercial vehicles segment, FADA said retail sales were at 81,967 units last month as compared to 87,272 units in November 2023, down 6.08 per cent.