January is here, which means that many people are welcoming in the New Year with personal and business resolutions. What are your goals for 2019? As you are updating your business initiatives, it is important to keep an eye on potential trends that are anticipated this year.

There’s no question that “retail therapy” is strong in our consumer society. But shopping trends have shifted as people are looking to online retailers and other resources for more options and lower prices. As a business owner, you need to be sure that you are prepared to accommodate the needs of your customers so you don’t lose business to your competitors. Here are a few retail trends that we are anticipating this year:

  • Mobile Shopping: Online shopping has grown exponentially in recent years. While laptops and computer desktops have been used for online browsing, now many people are using their smartphones to find products to purchase. Mobile browsing has surpassed traditional browsing, so you need to make sure that your website is mobile friendly. Choose a payment processing system that can be integrated across your Point of Sale (POS) terminals as well as online payment platforms.
  • Priority of Experiences: The millennial generation is shifting in the way they buy gifts. Many people prefer experiences instead of stuff, which might be an important point to evaluate as you consider your offerings and inventory. Are there experiential elements that can be added to your in-store locations?
  • Customer-Focused Services: While businesses are always providing products and services for customers, the shift to a personalized customer service experience is becoming more important than ever. Social media is used to share opinions about brands, which means that companies need to be at the top of their game to create a lasting, positive impression with each experience. When these positive things are shared online, it can lead to growth and sales for the company.

Our team understands that the business world is constantly changing, and we are working hard to be sure that your payment processing system is up-to-date with the current trends. Call us to learn more about the credit card processing services that are available.