Our Blog

January 12, 2022 – People Counting manufacturer and software developer SMS Storetraffic picks up another Top Performer Award from SourceForge, the world's largest software review and comparison website.

We are thrilled to announce that the people counting sensor, which we developed and manufacture, the fully wireless PEARL People Counter, is now available on Amazon!

Let’s be honest. How tired are you of hearing about the importance of experience in retail?

Have you ever taken Latin? What a strange way to start an article about retail experience, might you say. Bare with me for a second.

Have you ever heard of Don Wetzel? You might not be familiar with the name. Still, I can guarantee that you’ve heard of, even used his invention first-hand.

There are no two ways about it: 2020 was an awful year for several industries. COVID-19 hit hard, striking a mighty blow on fashion retailers who faced record sales decline.

The more people, the better, right? Until the first quarter of 2020, that was the mindset. Then COVID-19 happened, turning the general formula on its head.

A paramount metric of retail analytics, foot traffic data is playing a crucial role in helping businesses and other public venues in their efforts to ensure everyone’s safety, following the initial wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.

More and more stores, businesses, and public body locations are reopening as we speak. The outcome of the COVID-19 crisis may still be unclear, but this burst of activity, after more than two months of near-total dormancy, is stimulating. It's good news for retailers, good news for consumers looking to get back some sense of normalcy, and a most welcome breath of fresh air for everyone.

Several specialty retailers sustained major blows these past few years. The growing presence of e-commerce has shaken up brick-and-mortar's very foundations. Indeed, business as usual just doesn't cut it anymore, and stocking a compelling selection of items isn't enough. The in-store experience is now the watchword. Adopting omnichannel practices is a must. Though e-commerce accounted for 14.1% of retail (US) in 2019, the ripple effect on retail stores—even on large retail brands—has challenged many business models. This was before the COVID-19 crisis, an unprecedented situation that has seen people turn to e-commerce in higher numbers.