On 19th July 2024, ArcLab was invited to share at a Singapore National Employers Federation (SNEF) workshop, wonderfully organised by FastCo (the company behind job portals FastJobs and FastGig). The event touched on topics that include: mobile learning, career health, job redesign, and career profiling. This event targeted the retail sector, with 40 retail businesses in attendance, engaging in a meaningful session of learning and dialogue.
Together with Jace Tan (co-founder of Emo7ions) and Stephen Yee (Deputy Executive Director of SNEF), ArcLab (represented by our CEO James Chia) led a panel discussion, which sparked thought-provoking insights centring around improving the skills of retail staff and encouraging continuous growth of retail businesses by leveraging different technological platforms.
Using technology to keep up with evolving trends is essential in today’s fast-paced world. Advanced tools enable individuals and businesses to stay ahead by providing insights into market shifts, consumer behaviours, and emerging innovations. Additionally, continuous growth and improvement through online mobile learning platforms helps individuals acquire new skills and adapt to changes swiftly. By leveraging these technological resources that are now widely available and accessible, staying updated and competitive in a constantly evolving retail sector becomes not only feasible, but also efficient and effective.
The 1990s marked a significant turning point for the retail sector, with digital revolution redefining the way people shop. The birth of e-commerce has brought about convenience, accessibility and variety that remains unparalleled. E-commerce has not only allowed consumers to shop from the comfort of their own homes, but also enabled them to compare various prices, read reviews and make informed purchasing decisions. Other innovations in recent years such as social and mobile commerce, and AI try-on platforms have continuously reshaped consumer expectations and retail business strategies.
Despite the rise of e-commerce, physical retail stores continue to thrive due to its unique appeal of offering a tangible experience.
Navigating between a physical and online space can be tricky, as retailers learn the ropes of providing a seamless omnichannel retailing experience for their customers. Investing in comprehensive training for retail staff plays a crucial role in ensuring that they are well-equipped and highly skilled, to remain relevant and keep up with consumer demands in the ever-evolving retail sector.
Retailing with ArcLab
To keep up with ever-changing consumer demands, retailers regularly make changes to their stores’ policies such as SOPs, ongoing promotions and prices, and consumer regulations. Disseminating such information can present several challenges, especially for large retailers with a considerable staff pool. When departments or HR managers interpret and relay information differently, it can give rise to inconsistencies in messaging and incorrect information. Another challenge is also ensuring that the important information reaches all employees. This is where ArcLab comes in to serve as a platform for standardised communication, which can be easily accessible to all on- the- ground (and deskless) staff. ArcLab also understands the importance of confidentiality, especially when it comes to sharing sensitive information and materials. Our learning modules are all secured with unique web-links that are easily incorporated into your existing company’s intranet.
Apart from delivering important information, ArcLab can be used as a training platform where managers can deliver bite-sized upskilling and training content which is easily digestible by their staff, addressing the problem of information overload.
ArcLab Discover has endless templates to help you get started on creating training modules for your learners, saving you precious time and resources.
It is crucial for companies to stay flexible, while adapting to new training and communication strategies to keep up with changing technologies and employee preferences. ArcLab’s aim is to help industry leaders and managers realise the full potential of their staff and company through proper and effective training in this digital day and age.
P.S. Here’s a bonus retail module to kickstart your company’s digital transformation journey today!
Photos credits: SNEF