In the previous generations, a customer would have an idea of what they wanted. They would go to the stores in their town and either browse the shelves or ask an associate where to find what they were looking for. Sometimes the store had exactly what they wanted, and sometimes not. If the store carried what the customer was looking for they’d buy it, if not then the options were limited. The customer would either special order from a catalog or go on a search of other stores.

Customer behaviors have changed drastically in the last 10 years through the use of online platforms like Amazon or Polyvore. People know exactly what they want and can find it on the web in seconds. Customers do not want to wait weeks for an order to arrive or go to multiple stores to find it.

Cloud computing can bring any business into the 21st century. Using a cloud based system allows retailers to analyze customer behavior to ensure that they always have what the people are looking for in their store. Business owners can seamlessly place orders with distributors and integrate them into their inventory. Customers can tell exactly where to go to get what they are looking for, and whether or not their local stores carry it.

Customers do not enjoy the feeling of shopping blindly. Cloud computing in retail helps to clear their line of sight. Real-time updating and shopping allow business to run efficiently and keep loyal customers coming through the doors. If you aren’t sure how to get up and running, Ivy Mobility is a great place to start. They can help integrate your Sales and Distribution services into the digital world, and give your customers the shopping experience they really want.