2015 The year of OMNI everything-mostly Commerce

There will be a lot of talk about Omni-Channel Commerce this holiday season, and for good reason. The shopping experience is increasingly being transformed into a digitally enhanced experience for consumers. Analysts predict that total online holiday sales will top out at $89 billion. More than that, 68% of customers will use a mobile device while shopping in a bricks-and-mortar store this year. In fact, 66% of luxury apparel customers are likely to shop with a digitally-enabled associate (e.g., a friend with a smart phone and an eye for getting a great deal).

It doesn’t take a research analyst to know that several underlying factors are driving this experiential change for consumers; and 2015 will be the year for OMNI. Customers expect a seamless, personalized brand experience whether the customer shops on the web, in the store, over the phone, using a mobile device or all of the above. Companies will realize greater value by connecting enterprise content and customer touch point systems together and working to orchestrate the operation in real time. But in order to achieve that goal, the enterprise must act as a platform, connecting functionality together with a common set of tools, data and delivery mechanisms.  

A new definition of commerce is emerging; one that is rooted in an Omni-Channel approach. MIT’s recent report, “Beyond the Checkout Cart,” touts Omni-Channel as the central force shaping the future of e-commerce. Chris Fletcher, Research Director at Gartner, takes the idea one step further by noting that “Getting into data, analytics, or mobile isn’t even a decision anymore, so we should stop calling it e-commerce and call it just commerce.”

Selling is only part of the Omni-Channel Commerce puzzle; getting paid is key to success. With the emergence of mobile bill pay, electronic wallets and payment portals, organizations need assistance in providing commerce payment alternatives to customers. Our 366 Degrees platform facilitates and delivers communications that drive Omni Commerce and Payment engagement.  Our payment provider network is second to none and we integrate any payment channel to your existing infrastructure with leading payment gateways, payment processors and new emerging technologies. A 366 Degrees customer-facing portal can facilitate the process from payment notifications, reminders, presentment and payment to replace outdated facing portals or complement existing processes with new payment channels that effect cash flow.

Are you ready for Omni-Channel Commerce and Payment? Contact us today to learn more or call 877-377-7274 for a free consultation.