The smallest retailers are showing the greatest desire to purchase POS hardware (25 percent) and software (29 percent) for the coming year.

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Instead of loading up a cart with goods to purchase in store, consumers will try on or sample the products in store, quickly scan and purchase the items they desire, and have them delivered to their homes within 24 hours.

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Even when the economy improves further, and people build enough savings to purchase a home, the desire to do so will be tempered by these new realities.

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Similarly, many consumers who begin their shopping process with online research continue to go to a store to make their final purchase, citing lack of product information, a desire to touch and feel the product, and the ability to compare multiple products among other factors keeping them from purchasing online.

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Often sharing the photo with someone satisfies her desire, and a week later the idea of the purchase may no longer be interesting.

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