Interview Questions for Mark Cummins, Head of Pointy Corporation
Pointy, a Dublin-based hardware and software platform, is making waves in the retail industry by helping local stores establish an online presence and drive foot traffic back to their brick-and-mortar locations.
At the helm of Pointy is Mark Cummins, the CEO and co-founder, who has spearheaded the company's mission to solve the problem of search engines not being able to reliably show stock information for local retailers.
Pointy's user-friendly system syncs with various cloud POS systems, including Lightspeed, Square, Vend, and Clover, as well as the Pointy box, which plugs into traditional point-of-sale systems. This integration allows Pointy to automatically update and maintain an online product catalog for retailers, making it simple for them to digitise their products.
The platform is particularly beneficial for local hardware, electronics, and home improvement stores, as it helps them increase their local search visibility and attract more customers. By showcasing their in-store inventory online, these stores can capitalise on the growing trend of "near me" mobile searches containing "can I buy" or "to buy," which have surged over 500% in the last two years.
Pointy's effectiveness is evident in its response to the California wildfires, where the top trending search on the platform was "face mask." This demonstrates the platform's ability to meet consumer needs in real-time.
In addition to its current offerings, Pointy is working on product updates around pricing and insights to further enhance its services. The company is also dedicated to ensuring that retailer Pointy pages are SEO-friendly, aiming to rank for terms like "[product] near me" or "[product][location]."
Pointy is not an either/or tool for retailers; some use it as their primary online marketing, while others utilise it as an auxiliary tool alongside a website, e-commerce, or paid advertising. Retailers have the option to manually de-list a product if needed.
As retail continues to evolve towards a customer-centric model that merges online and offline channels, technology becomes increasingly crucial for retailers to identify and reach customers. Even small retailers should take note of emerging and existing technology, as consumers seek a personalised experience aided by technology.
In conclusion, Pointy is playing a significant role in the evolution of retail by helping local stores adapt to consumer expectations and stay competitive in the digital age. By automating the process of digitising products and increasing local search visibility, Pointy is helping local retailers be discovered via search engines and establish an online presence to drive customers back to their stores.
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