Why Poor Mobile Signal Is Killing Your Retail Sales
If you walk into almost any shop, you’ll probably notice the same thing: the majority of customers have their phone in hand. Whether it’s checking prices, looking up reviews, pulling up a loyalty app, or just in touch with loved ones, mobile connectivity has become a big part of the shopping experience.
But what if your store has poor mobile signal? You’re probably losing customers and sales without even realising it. Retailers across the UK and Europe are struggling with weak in-store coverage, and it’s hitting them in three key areas: customers, staff, and the business itself.
The Shopper’s Perspective
Price comparisons cut short
- Shoppers might want to check reviews or compare prices before making a purchase. If they can’t get a signal, they’ll step outside to check and many won’t come back...
Failed mobile payments
- With more people relying on Apple Pay, Google Pay, and other mobile wallets, a failed transaction at the till is more than just awkward, it’s a reason for customers to abandon their basket altogether.
Loyalty apps and coupons don’t work
- Retailers invest heavily in apps, digital coupons, and loyalty schemes. But if customers can’t access them in-store, they may get frustrated and shop else where, potentially never returning.
Bad reviews spread fast
- A lot of frustrated customers don’t just leave quietly. They leave online reviews mentioning “no signal” or “couldn’t pay with my phone,” which can put off future shoppers before they even visit.
How Staff Struggle
Handheld POS systems fail
- Handheld tills and mobile POS devices are meant to make service faster and more flexible. But when the connection drops, staff are left apologising and sending customers back to the main checkout.
Stock checks
- A customer asks if a size is available in the stockroom or at another branch. Instead of giving a quick answer, staff are left guessing or asking the customer to “check online later.”
Communication breaks down
- Staff need to be able to contact managers or other branches quickly, especially during busy periods. Without signal, they’re left running around the shop floor instead of serving customers.
Safety is compromised
- Imagine a fire alarm or medical emergency. Staff need to act fast, evacuating the store and calling emergency services. If they can’t get a signal, response times are delayed, and that puts both staff and customers at risk.
How the Business Loses Out
Customers walk away
- Whether it’s to “think about it” or because their payment failed, customers who leave often don’t come back.
Abandoned checkouts
- A failed contactless payment can mean a customer gives up entirely, especially if they don’t have a physical card or cash as backup.
Loyalty schemes go unused
- If customers can’t access your app or redeem offers, your investment in loyalty programmes is wasted.
Compliance risks
- Many retailers fall back on Wi-Fi for card payments, but this can create PCI DSS compliance issues. Beyond fines, a data breach could seriously damage your reputation.
Competitors gain the edge
- As Nextivity’s Retail Report points out, mobile connectivity is no longer optional. If a customer can’t get what they need in your store, they’ll quickly find a competitor who offers the same product, with better connectivity.
Here's all three reports relating to:
Mobile Signal Boosters!
The good news is, there’s a proven solution.
Mobile signal boosters, like the Nextivity CEL-FI range, are designed to eliminate dead zones and deliver strong, reliable coverage throughout your building. Unlike Wi-Fi, which doesn’t solve mobile network issues, CEL-FI works directly with mobile operators to keep both your customers and staff connected.
At Signal Solutions, we specialise in installing CEL-FI systems across the UK and Europe. Whether you’ve got one shop or a whole chain, we can help you create a connected shopping experience that keeps customers in-store and spending.
If you're interested, fill in our free solution design and quote to see what we can do for your building. All we need is some floor plans and for you to answer a couple questions and you can see how it could work for you!