Torex personalises in-store service with MiAssistant application

11 January 2012

Torex, the leading global provider of innovative technology to the retail, hospitality and convenience and fuel markets, today announces it is launching the MiAssistant application to enrich the customer in-store experience as part of the Torex Commerce Suite for Retail.   

Torex MiAssistant is an application designed to run on all types of tablets and browser based mobile devices to support sales assistants on the shop floor with configurable sales processes and workflows to enable them to guide customers through the selection and purchasing of products and services. It can be used to identify ecommerce orders awaiting collection in store, quickly look up and recommend products from an extended range with detailed features and benefits; check stock availability across all locations and then place the order for store sale, delivery or collection. The transaction is then automatically reconciled through the store's POS system.

The application also provides sales assistants with additional information held about customers, such as recent purchases, birthday dates, loyalty points and eligibility for unique promotions, enabling them to personalise their in-store experience. Goods that have been ordered online can also easily be returned in-store with the original transaction recalled for verification.  

Many retailers that have introduced website sales through stores report significantly depleted margins but MiAssistant counteracts this by improving the in-store experience, and guiding customers to purchase added value and additional items. Sales assistants are empowered with answers to customer questions and the ability to fulfil demands on the spot. Staff can also better identify and match products to customer requirements, which improves conversion rates and increases in-store spend. Easy access to detailed information means that new product features can be quickly explained, as can product comparisons and  promotions, which both help sales assistants to influence the customer's buying decisions; the result of which is a more bespoke, informative and positive in-store experience. Shoppers can make informed choices and have confidence in their purchase decisions.

Richard Willis, Retail Solutions Director, Torex explains: "Whilst choice, availability and value are key to any shopper's requirements, for many a personalised experience will drive loyalty and increased spend. The launch of MiAssistant marks a step towards making the in-store shopping experience more satisfying for both customers and retailers by empowering the store sales assistants. The one-to-one interaction using this technology is very different from traditional POS interactions. It's interactive and flexible with an emphasis on sharing information with the customer to enrich their experience."