Retail sales associates play a crucial role in helping customers navigate the often complex world of tech products. Whether it’s explaining the benefits of a new processor or helping someone pick out the right laptop, they’re on the front lines, connecting people with technology. For associates to excel, they need training that’s not just educational but also engaging and tailored to their needs.

The Intel® Retail Edge Program offers training that does just that. But what exactly are retail associates looking for in a training program? 

Posted: 11/6/24

Over the years, millions of dollars have been diverted from building a once robust community of retail brand advocates to fueling social media influencer campaigns.

While influencers have helped create awareness in certain areas, this trend has overlooked a crucial fact: the real heartbeat of the customer lives much closer to home—on the retail sales floor.

Posted: 10/21/24

The 2024 holiday shopping season is shaping up to be an exciting blend of technological innovation and traditional in-store experiences, according to the Holiday Outlook 2024 Report from PwC. Despite economic challenges, the retail landscape is evolving to meet changing consumer preferences, with a particular focus on tech-savvy younger generations and the enduring appeal of brick-and-mortar stores.

Shoppers plan to spend an average of $1,638 this season, a 7% increase from last year. Notably, younger generations are driving this trend, with Gen Z increasing their holiday budgets by 59% compared to the past two years. 

Posted: 10/3/24

Staying ahead of the curve in retail PC sales is more important than ever. And let’s face it—keeping your retail team up to date with the latest product knowledge, especially when it comes to tech like Intel®-powered devices, is a big challenge. 

With mobile training, retail sales associates can learn on the go, at their own pace, and without disrupting their day. That flexibility is key in an industry where product updates are constant, and sales associates must stay sharp.

Posted: 9/20/24

Small business owners and entrepreneurs are a crucial segment in the retail sector as they seek computers and accessories for their company needs. Staying current with the latest developments in new devices and technologies specific to these customers is essential to creating the best in-store experience that meets their unique requirements.

It's important that your sales associates understand this unique market segment to make more successful customer interactions.

Posted: 9/10/24

Keeping up with changes in retail can be challenging, especially when it comes to making sure your team has the skills they need to thrive. Retail associates must learn about new PCs and technologies on an ongoing basis. That’s where training comes in—and it doesn’t have to be a chore.

The Intel® Retail Edge Program is an excellent example of how training can be engaging, effective, and tailored to fit into the busy lives of retail associates.

Posted: 8/20/24

With back-to-school season approaching, retailers are gearing up for one of the busiest shopping times of the year. As tech becomes a bigger part of education, the demand for PCs and other tech products is skyrocketing. This is an excellent opportunity for retailers to ramp up sales and build strong customer relationships.

A crucial element in seizing this opportunity is having well-informed sales associates who can help customers make smart choices. Programs like the Intel® Retail Edge Program can be a game-changer, equipping your sales teams with the skills and knowledge they need to shine during this critical sales period.

Posted: 8/6/24

Staying ahead of the curve is essential for retail success. This is especially important for PC sales associates, who must keep up with the constantly changing world of technology, products, and customer expectations.

Just-in-time (JIT) training has emerged as a vital tool to help address these challenges by offering timely, relevant, and easily accessible learning resources.

Posted: 7/23/24

As a retail manager, you want your sales team to be on top of their game and ready to sell. But how can you motivate them to care about training and learning new skills? One way is to understand the principle of WIIFM—What's in it for me? 

Applying WIIFM principles can transform how sales associates perceive and embrace retail training and development programs. By aligning training objectives with associates' personal and professional goals, you can foster a culture of growth and excellence.

Posted: 7/9/24

Staying ahead of technology advancements is crucial for maintaining a competitive edge in retail. In a recent episode of the "Technically Speaking" podcast by Intel, experts Shailesh Chaudhry, General Manager of Consumer Industries at Intel, and Akuth Denghi, Co-founder and CEO of Radius AI, discussed the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in revolutionizing retail.

This episode is particularly insightful for PC retail managers and offers a glimpse into the future of shopping and how AI can enhance both customer experience and operational efficiency.

Posted: 6/21/24