Tablets replacing cash registers in retail space

Retailers may be able to afford themselves a competitive advantage by embracing the latest technology, as a study from AisleBuyer shows that shoppers tend to be drawn to stores that use mobile devices in place of cash registers.

The study, which surveyed more than 1,000 smartphone owners, reveals that 22 percent of shoppers have visited a store where cash registers have been replaced with a smartphone or tablet computer. More than half of respondents also say that companies that use mobile devices instead of cash registers are more innovative than others.

One of the main advantages of using a mobile device instead of a cash register is the flexibility the technology offers. With a tablet or smartphone in hand, sales associates are free to roam around the store rather than stand behind a register, which allows them to help shoppers and complete transactions on the store floor.

Replacing cash registers with mobile devices also opens more space within the store, giving retailers extra room to display merchandise.

The tablet's most significant influence on the shopping world, however, is online. As the technology continues its ascent, more retailers are tailoring their websites and ecommerce platforms to tablets in an effort to attract the new breed of tech-savvy shoppers.