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CHICAGO, IL (PRWEB) JULY 12, 2017 -- Innovations like voice-controlled devices are on the rise, making technology a more integral part of consumers’ everyday lives. Nearly one in five consumers (19 percent) have made a voice purchase through an Amazon Echo or other voice-controlled device in the past year, and another 33 percent plan to do so in the next year, according to the Walker Sands 2017 Future of Retail study.
With nearly half of consumers (46 percent) reporting they prefer to shop online rather than in store, retailers face pressure to offer intuitive, responsive and personalized customer experiences, or risk missing out on sales. The introduction of channels such as mobile and voice commerce have created a tipping point, and more than three-quarters of shoppers (77 percent) now think the online customer experience will eventually surpass the brick-and-mortar customer experience.
The fourth annual retail technology study, released today by Walker Sands Communications, a full-service public relations and digital marketing firm for B2B and technology companies, explores the transformation of customer behavior and where commerce is headed as technology evolves.
"In the age of the connected consumer, e-commerce has become about much more than online shopping or the point of sale," said Dave Parro, partner and vice president at Walker Sands. "The proliferation of technology such as connected home devices, voice ordering and drones have dramatically shifted consumer expectations of retail. Our findings suggest that the in-store experience is not going away, but rather there is a demand for a holistic commerce experience that is consistent, transparent and multi-channel."
"As consumers become even more connected, they will continue to demand a more transparent and continuous commerce experience from brands and retailers," said Erin Jordan, account director and lead of the retail technology team at Walker Sands. "The walls between channels will continue to fall as voice-controlled and connected home devices reach widespread adoption and the commerce experience becomes fluid. Brands and retailers need to understand the always-on nature of consumers and identify the best way to add value through a consistent experience."
To view the full results of the 2016 Future of Retail Study, visit /futureofretail.
The Walker Sands Future of Retail 2017 study surveyed 1,622 consumers across the United States on their shopping habits, preferences and views on emerging retail technology. The survey was conducted online in late March 2017, and has a 2.44 percent margin of error at a 95 percent confidence level.
About Walker Sands
Walker Sands is a public relations and digital marketing agency for business-to-business technology companies. With an integrated approach to creative services, Walker Sands helps clients build brand awareness, enhance credibility and drive new business. Walker Sands is a four-time Inc. 5000 honoree and regular recipient of some of the industry’s most prestigious awards from organizations including Entrepreneur, Holmes Report and Hermes Creative. Walker Sands was founded in 2001 and has offices in Chicago and San Francisco. To learn more, visit walkersands.com or walkersandsdigital.com.