Over the last few years, retail stores have been forced to make several changes in how they do business. Due to the pandemic, they have been forced to evolve in order to balance the need for an online presence with the benefits of a brick-and-mortar building. Using advanced technology combined with new ways to improve every customer’s shopping experience, retail stores are able to navigate through the evolving world of e-commerce and traditional retail sales.
Immersive In-Store Experiences
Retailers know that customers enjoy shopping in stores. They want to provide an immersive shopping experience where customers can interact with their products and see first-hand how they look, feel, and work. These unique experiences make valuable memories that customers can draw from when they are making decisions about what they want to buy. In-store shopping gives customers an opportunity to interact, not only with the products but with the associates as well.
Integrate Online and In-Store Shopping
The key to being successful in the retail world is to find the perfect balance between online shopping and the in-store shopping experience many people love so much. Being able to seamlessly combine both retail platforms provides customers with a shopping experience that is both convenient and affordable. Technological advancements allow retailers to intertwine online sales with those made in the store, eliminating many of the hassles that customers run into like the inability to return items in the store that were purchased online.
Phone, Text, or Chat With Customer Service
Many people who shop online like the fact that they can contact customer service representatives using a chat platform or texting option. By offering customer support over the phone, via text, or with a live chat platform, customers get the answers they are looking for and the retailer is considered to be more customer friendly. The key is being able to connect with customers in a way that best suits their needs. In today’s fast-paced world, customers are always on the go. They need a way to communicate that will accommodate their busy lifestyles. Texting and live chats are convenient for people who are always on the move.
Utilizing Vacant Space
Vacant retail spaces are highly sought after in today’s ever-changing retail environment. New retail businesses look for open spaces that they can make their own. They want to be able to keep things fresh and inviting. Specific types of lighting and displays may be needed, as well as a shopping environment that allows customers to get into the shopping experience. Large, open areas allow customers to wander comfortably. With the right displays, customers will be more likely to browse through items if they are easily accessible.
Pop-Up Stores and Boutiques
Pop-up stores and boutiques are one of the most popular types of retail shops. They are temporary locations for retailers who prefer to move their business from place to place. With each move, they open their doors to new customers who will often travel to their next location if they want to continue to buy their products. Pop-up boutiques will often occupy vacant retail spaces for three to six months before moving to their next location.
Retailers who are finding that they are stuck in the past when it comes to many of the more traditional shopping practices are learning the hard way that times have changed. Customers are looking for the best of both worlds and the COVID pandemic showed that achieving that was possible. With all of the new technology, retailers have available to them, they are now able to meet their customer’s expectations and provide them with the convenience they are looking for.
