RBTE 2016: Bixolon returns to expo after boost in UK business
Retail technology companies that exhibited at RBTE 2015 have rushed to sign up to next year’s event at a record rate, and Essential Retail is running a series of Q&As with the early re-bookers over the coming months.
Today it is the turn of Bixolon Europe. The company’s managing director, Charlie Kim, explains why the business is returning to RBTE for 2016, and why mobile point of sale (MPoS) will continue to drive change in retail over the next 12 months.
What were your highlights from RBTE 2015?
As a brand breaking into the UK market, RBTE 2015 has provided us with an excellent introduction into retail. Supported by UK resellers, RBTE has given us the platform to introduce ourselves to the elite movers and shakers within the retail industry and build relationships boosting our UK retail business.
What were the hot topics at RBTE 2015 compared to previous years and what’s your overall view of how the show has developed?
As RBTE 2015 was our first UK show we were excited to witness the buzz around MPoS. As a very focused industry event, it was great to see the variety of MPoS exhibitors and guest speakers from across the MPoS spectrum.
What were the top three reasons for re-booking a stand and confirming your appearance at RBTE 2016?
- Developing the brand and raising market awareness
- High quality of retail visitors
- Exhibiting alongside key players within the retail technology market
What are the main areas of focus for your business in the year ahead?
We’re very focused on growing the Bixolon brand in the UK and raising market awareness. As the recognised global market leader for MPoS printers, we are looking to continue our focus on growth within the MPoS and AutoID market. We’re also looking to develop relationships with key partners, not only within the UK market but throughout Europe.
Which technologies in particular do you predict will shake up retail in 2015/16?
We predict the acceptance of MPoS technology will continue to drive change throughout retail. Not only by the miniaturisation of payment hardware and the simplification of the payment process, MPoS also needs to reinvent customer service by putting the customer at the centre of the payment process. We see the adoption of personal customer payment applications such as Apple Pay and Samsung Pay being key in securing customer acceptance of mobile payment.
What is currently the greatest challenge to (a) your business and (b) the wider retailer industry?
- The greatest challenge to our business is understanding future market trends. By considering future applications and managing customer expectations we are able to develop high quality tailored hardware which creates value and fulfils the market need.
- We believe the greatest dilemma to the retail industry is integrating technology, evolving through retailers’ desire/need to communicate with their customers more effectively. With the use of focused MPoS technology, retailers are urged to move from behind the counter and engage with customers throughout the store to encourage sales.
The next RBTE takes place at London’s Olympia between 9-10 March 2016.
