Mobile technologies are being deployed by a range of firms either as their main POS solution or as complementary devices to improve customer experience
Queue-busting and at-table service among the drivers of mobile POS technology
Mobile Point-of-Sale, a brand-new study by RBR Data Services, a division of Datos Insights, has found that retail and hospitality operators of all sizes are investing in mobile point-of-sale solutions. Many smaller firms are deploying the technology as a cost-effective POS solution for their stores, while larger chains are using handheld and tablet devices for queue-busting or at-table service.
There were nearly 1.7 million mobile devices running a full point-of-sale application deployed at the end of 2023 across the ten country markets included in the study. The research found a vibrant market, with live projects implemented by more than 80 different hardware and software suppliers.
US retail and restaurant operators lead the way in mobile POS adoption
The USA is by far the largest market with a total of more than 1.3 million mobile POS installations. Some major US retailers have invested in handheld devices over the years to serve customers more efficiently during peak times, including Walmart and Target. Among the many retailers to have rolled out mobile POS in more recent years are Petco and Signet Jewelers.
In addition to the vast number of small and medium-sized restaurant businesses deploying mobile devices, numerous major US hospitality chains such as Cracker Barrel, Cinnabon and Kung Fu Tea have introduced tablet-based POS solutions.
Many fashion chains in the UK have introduced tablets or smartphones for customer checkout, including Schuh, Mulberry and Crew Clothing. Similarly, the technology has also been implemented at France’s Groupe Rand and Canada’s Reitmans clothing stores. In Japan, several major department stores have adopted mobile POS solutions, as have leading quick-service restaurant firms such as Hotto Motto and Marugame Seimen.
Independents and small chains bundle point-of-sale with payment processing
The majority of mobile point-of-sale solutions were supplied to small and medium-sized businesses alongside payment processing services. Major vendors include Clover, Square and Toast, which are delivering POS hardware and software to customers across an expanding range of countries.
Many retail and hospitality firms have invested in consumer-grade mobile devices from Apple and Samsung, running POS software from a wide range of suppliers. Lightspeed has a strong presence in the market, with clients including cosmetics firm Jurlique, while Aptos software is used by major apparel chains including The North Face. Jumpmind and NewStore applications run on Apple devices at American Eagle Outfitters and AllSaints stores respectively.
Market set to grow as retailers seek intuitive solutions
Reducing queues and personalising the customer experience are among the drivers of mobile POS adoption by retailers, while restaurants seek table- and counter-service solutions that are quick to roll out to multiple locations and intuitive for staff to use.
According to RBR Data Services, the market for mobile point-of-sale solutions is set to grow, with installations forecast to reach 2.5 million across the ten countries by 2029. Chris Allen, who led the research, commented: “Small retailers in particular are looking for intuitive, economical POS solutions and devices with a mobile form factor are increasingly seen as meeting these criteria.”
Notes to editors
About RBR Data Services
RBR Data Services provides clients with independent and reliable data and insights through published research, consulting and bespoke data services. Our global research covers the cards and payments, retail technology and banking automation sectors and is used by the leading market participants, analysts and regulators as the authoritative source of industry and competitor benchmark data. For any questions about this release, please contact [email protected].
About Datos Insights
Datos Insights delivers the most comprehensive and industry-specific data and advice to the companies trusted to protect and grow the world’s assets, and to the technology and service providers who support them. Staffed by experienced industry executives, researchers, and consultants, we support the world’s most progressive banks, insurers, investment firms, and technology companies through a mix of insights and advisory subscriptions, data services, custom projects and consulting, conferences, and executive councils.
The information and data within this press release are the copyright of Datos Insights, and may only be quoted with appropriate attribution to RBR Data Services, a division of Datos Insights. The information is provided free of charge and may not be resold.