What is Social Media?

What is social media? Wikipedia defines social media as media for social interaction, using highly accessible and scalable publishing techniques. Social media uses web-based technologies to transform and broadcast media monologues into social media dialogues. Businesses also refer to social media as consumer-generated media (CGM). Social media utilization is believed to be a driving force in defining the current time period as the Attention Age. A common thread running through all definitions of social media is a blending of technology and social interaction for the co-creation of value.

Some social media web sites are Facebook, MySpace and Twitter just to name a few. As social media becomes a more integral part of people’s lives, its reach and impact grow. Here are some of the recent developments that businesses should know and should take advantage.

One of the most popular social media sites is Facebook. Recently Facebook launched a new feature called Facebook Places which allows Facebook members tell each other where they are, what they are doing and even who they are with. This has a great impact for local merchants and small businesses because they are more likely to be included in the conversation among Facebook users. Facebook also creates a Local Business page for each of the Places that are listed in Facebook Places. When someone “checks in” to your business, it will include a link to the Facebook page for your business in the message that gets sent out to their friends.

So how do you participate? Facebook lets merchants “claim” their pages. If you already have a Facebook page for your business, it will merge with your new Places page. When you claim your page, you will also be able to manage your Place’s information such as address, contact information, business hours, business profiles, pictures, etc. You could also get aggregate information about how your page is used.

The growth of social media is growing at a very fast pace. As a retail merchant, you may want to consider taking advantage of this trend to increase your business’ exposure.

The Shopping List

A study done by the NPD Groups, the leading global provider of consumer and retail market research information shows that 94% of shoppers prepare a written list before leaving the house and 72% say they never or rarely deviate from it. Of the 25% who do buy on impulse, value is the main motivation, 80% say they do so when they see an item on sale, 67% say they buy when they see items and remember they were needed and 37% say they do so when something looks like a good meal or snack.


For retailers, it's about helping consumers get what they want. About 70% of people shop at multiple locations and stores that can get creative, using list functions on their websites, developing list software, even providing ways they can send their list ahead of time and just pick up the groceries have a better chance of getting those consumers in their store. For grocers, that means marketing to people in their homes is more important, people eat many times a day, but typically shop only once a week. People are looking for recipes and ideas on the Internet, so food websites are really important as well.

While women still tend to do most of the family's food-related work, the whole family contributes to the list: 60% of married and family households pencil in what they want and kids add to lists in 40% of homes. Consumers aren't walking into stores without an agenda that means it's all about how to get consumers into your store.

With the right point-of-sale system you can create customer loyalty, improve customer service and increase your bottom line. For more information on how the IBM point-of-sale system can work for you contact STCR Business Systems at (607) 757-0181.

IBM SurePOS ACE Independent Retailer Package

Objective

Offer independent retailers a powerful POS solution and technical support—packaged at an affordable price

Solution
The IBM SurePOS ACE Independent Retailer Package


Benefits
Transforms store operations with a complete POS solution to manage transactions and data, help lower costs and stay competitive

Independent retailers face trying times in an ever-tightening economy. They struggle to stay competitive in a world of retail giants with extensive resources and demanding customers, who are more price conscious than ever, yet expect an enhanced shopping experience. IBM understands the challenges independent retailers face and has developed the reliable POS technology to help differentiate your business in innovative ways and reduce the hassles of everyday operations. An Independent Retailer is defined as an enterprise of 100 stores or less who have five lanes or less per store.

The complete POS solution
IBM and STCR Business Systems, Inc. have been providing industry leading point-of-sale solutions for more than 30 years. IBM Retail Store Solutions offers the IBM SurePOS™ ACE (Application Client Server Environment) Independent Retailer Package (AIR) so that independent retailers can have the complete POS solution they need to be competitive at a price that works for their business. IBM and STCR are dedicated to providing the highest level of service and support to independent retailers.

The IBM SurePOS ACE Independent Retailer Package
IBM has utilized decades of retail POS experience in developing the AIR package to be flexible and extendable to meet the needs of dynamic retail environments and continues to make significant annual investment in ACE technology to surpass industry standards and requirements.

The AIR Package is offered in a Premium version, with a dual station printer with MICR. You also have your choice of colors, either Iron Gray or Pearl White/Storm Gray.

To learn how the IBM SurePOS ACE Independent Retailer Package can transform your business, please contact STCR at (607) 757-0181. STCR has been selling, installing and supporting IBM cash register systems for more than 30 years and we have been in business for 43 years. We are an IBM Premier Business Partner with the in-house expertise to install IBM Products and train your personnel in the most professional manner.