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The wireless retail sales systems supplier Sapago Inc. recently won the 'CRN/Microsoft Best in Show' award at Microsoft's 2005 Worldwide Partner Conference for its wireless, handheld computers which are provided to patrons in retail stores, art galleries and museums.
Sapago's handheld computers aim to personalise the customer's experience. Customers use them to scan RFID (radio frequency identification) tags or UPC barcodes on products or artwork, and the system personalises their experience, allowing them to compare items, read reviews, access their own e-commerce shopping cart and participate in loyalty or CRM programmes.
Innovation award
The award announcement explained that the winners of the 'Best in Show' awards were selected to highlight innovative solutions (developed by Microsoft's channel partners) that serve as a source of inspiration for the entire channel. Such developments involve a keen understanding of specific customer needs combined with emerging technologies to create systems that expand market opportunities for the channel as a whole. Sapago won the award in the Small Business division.
Retail improvement
According to Sapago's CEO, Michael Zammuto, "This award reflects interest in improving retail store sales. The best opportunity today for retailers to increase profits is to increase shopper conversion rates. A 1% improvement in conversion rate can yield as much as a 10% increase in revenue. We can bring the things people love about ecommerce into the retail store."
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