UK Businesses Demand More Public WiFi Internet Access in Stores

The business division of UK cable operator Virgin Media (VirginMedia Business) has surveyed 5,000 business owners from companies with 100+ employees and discovered that 21% “needed” more wireless internet access in stores in order to provide “innovative sales offers and marketing promotions” to customers.

Apparently 32% of high street retailers also anticipate that the majority of their revenue will be driven via Smartphone users in the next decade and 23% plan to spend the next year investing in related technology, which could mean even more ways of getting online while you shop.

Tony Grace, COO of Virgin Media Business, said:

“Retailers are looking at new ideas to tempt the shopper back through the door. Stores have recognised the fact they need to offer a quicker, sleeker and better value service to keep up with their digital rivals. The rate at which technology is developing means the shopper has a ton more options than they had just five years ago.”

Hands up how many of you have actually used your Smartphone, Laptop or Tablet while in-store to shop within the same venue? We’ve always found it difficult to do both at the same time. Oh and please don’t get us started on the security issues of contactless payment systems (Barclays thinks its fine that your name and card number are handed out without encryption).