Erin Harris

EMV At The 2015 NRF BIG Show

I attended the 2015 NRF BIG Show in New York a few weeks ago, and while retailers made up the bulk of the 33,000 attendees, solutions providers and industry professionals alike filled the halls of the Javits Center to learn more about the various topics facing retailers today. Chief among those topics — EMV adoption — also affects hospitality. Here’s a recap of a session we attended that provides insight into what small to midsize retailers can expect from EMV. I think you’ll find it helpful as the October deadline approaches.

Hospitality In 2015: Baby Boomers, Technology, And Differentiation

Deloitte’s recent insightful report, Hospitality 2015: Game Changers Or Spectators?, is a crystal clear look at what the hospitality industry should be doing in 2015 and beyond to bolster customer engagement. Deloitte reports that there are new rules to the game, and those companies that want to win had better restructure their bench.

Winning Diners’ Wallet Share During The Holidays

The 2014 Holiday shopping season is in full swing. For the next few weeks, consumers will invade retail stores, and in addition to retailers, restaurants will reap the benefits of holiday shopping.

Want New Guests To Dine In Your Restaurants? Here’s How.

Most restaurant owners and operators know the secret to keeping loyal guests loyal — consistently treat them well in every aspect of their dining experience. Yet, restaurant owners and operators have long struggled with how to get new guests in their doors. From direct mail to TV ad spots to fliers on car windshields, it seems the restaurant industry has run the gamut of advertising to connect with potential guests. How restaurants reach new potential diners is important in an industry saturated with competition.

Not Your Father’s POS Solutions Spending Decisions

If the recent uptick in sales is any indication of consumer behavior, eating and drinking places should begin or continue to see packed houses. Indeed, the National Restaurant Association’s (NRA) chief economist, Bruce Grindy, forecasts a positive outlook for the months ahead for restaurants as they have been among the sectors posting the strongest gains in recent months.

Apple Pay’s Impact On Hospitality

Yesterday’s news about Apple Pay — in addition to news about two new phones and the Apple Watch — should be the push hospitality executives need to take a deeper dive into mobile payments. With the ever-present concern over breaches, can Apple Pay quell customers’ concerns about data security? According to a recent study conducted by creditcards.com, 44% of respondents said they would never use a mobile phone to make mobile payments. We all know the saying about never saying never, but consumer adoption of mobile payments may be harder than you realize.

Mobile App Proliferation In The Hotel Industry

From Marriott to InterContinental Hotels Group to Conrad Hotels & Resorts, the number of hotel chains implementing or improving their mobile app offering continues to grow.

RLPSA 2014: Best Practices In Safety, Brand Protection, And Social Media Monitoring

I recently attended the 35^th Annual RLPSA Conference held from August 3-6 at Orlando, FL’s Caribe Royale resort, where loss prevention professionals from the restaurant industry were delivered powerful, actionable information on everything from safety and security to brand protection to social media. In case you missed it, here are some of the top take-aways from the event.