Online giants like Amazon have had a huge impact on traditional retailers. That’s no secret. That impact can be felt from the top of the retail food chain, down.
But despite the decline of giants like Sears, Macy’s and J.C. Penney, 90% of all purchases are still made in traditional retail outlets. That’s encouraging news, but retailers need to embrace the reality of the digital age, if they’re to thrive.
This post provides tips on avoiding the retail squeeze, with 3 ways stores can improve customer experience and succeed in omnichannel (combining traditional and digital channels).
1. Bring your inventory online.
The contemporary consumer isn’t buying without knowing about everything that’s out there. In a world of possibilities, they’re all about the research.
Taking your retail outlet online allows shoppers to see what you’ve got in store, without leaving the comfort of their own homes. When it’s decision time, you’re much more likely to pull online browsers into your outlet to experience the product they’re researching. Shoppers are still tactile and experiential. That’s why 90% of them continue to purchase in traditional retail.
2. Reward customer loyalty.
Online retailers know there’s no more effective way to inspire even more loyalty from your regulars than giving them the first crack at new products, or sale items. Creating a “loyalty zone” for customers online makes them feel special and making shoppers feel special keeps them coming back to shop.
Going the extra mile here is key. The usual discounts and special offers are great when it comes to appealing to your most loyal customers online. But creating events which are experiential, memorable and shareable with the people your customers know is even better.
3. All about the customer.
What your customer thinks of your products is all that matters. With that in mind, give them opportunities to link their tastes to your products. Their comments about your products create a uniquely interactive way to start a conversation.
Incorporating their thoughts on products into online descriptions is one way to do this. Creating a bridge between your outlet and the online world, customers are included and made to understand that they’re driving your selection of products.
To be successful in omnichannel marketing, retailers need to understand that they’re investing in the future of their stores. They can either ignore the new normal, or they can embrace it.
That means making an investment in technology that brings your store into the omnichannel world, employing all the tools at your disposal. Social media should be part of the effort. While you may not have time, your employees do. If not, retaining a social media marketer gets the job done and supplies you with outreach that’s well worth the price of admission.
What mobile users see is different from what laptop or desktop users see. Investing in capable support to make your website mobile friendly is not an option – it’s an imperative.
For leading edge retail POP display supports, contact us.