Editor's Note: Experts Forecast the Retail Trends to Watch

"Will web beacons be a ‘game changer’ in 2015, connecting the digital, mobile consumer to the physical world of the retail store? Or will they be just one more way to serve up the same generic sale coupons we bombard customers with through digital and physical media? The key will be leveraging beacons to provide the shopper with relevant services and experiences as she or he shops the store — relevant enough to keep Bluetooth "enabled" on the smartphone. Tesco has been testing customer service utility such as notifications that pre-ordered items are ready to pick up, while Walgreens is testing mobile couponing. HBC is testing targeted messaging in specific merchandise locations, while Safeway is transmitting offers at the entranceway. Watch carefully for results in 2015." — Richard E. Last, Chairman of the Board of Directors, Shop.org