Customers want to shop in a more virtualized world. There are many benefits to this, such as accessing any item from any store at any time. However, some disadvantages might hold people back from shopping this way, such as not feeling or touching the product before buying it.
That’s why brick-and-mortar shopping is staying stronger than ever. Many stores have improved the shopping experience by adding a bit of virtualization to it. That way, customers can access the product they want with the help of a device and still have some semblance of being in a physical store.
Here are some ways companies can further improve brick-and-mortar shopping:
Provide A Better Customer Experience
Customers aren’t just looking for the best price when shopping. They also want to have as many options as possible and feel welcomed as they walk through the door. The customer experience is everything, and companies should focus on it. According to a recent study, customers who have a better customer experience spend up to 30% more.
The right employees can provide a boost to the customer experience as well. Retailers should hire an employee who will answer any potential customer’s questions and help them find what they want.
Streamline The Process For Customers
When buying a product, customers usually want to ensure they’re getting the best price. Companies should help them do so by streamlining the process and allowing them to find what they need on their own. Shoppers have a high tendency to walk out of a store without purchasing anything if it takes more than 10 minutes to find what they are looking for.
Companies can streamline the process by combining different technologies, such as RFID and mobile devices. These technologies will help retailers locate any item in their store, speeding up the shopping experience.
Offer A Better Payment Transaction
Payment is a crucial step in the shopping process. Customers want to feel safe and secure when paying for something, so they might be turned off by companies who don’t offer them this option.
Instead of allowing customers to pay with cash, companies should provide them with different payment options such as credit cards and mobile devices. Even if customers still prefer paying with cash, they should still be aware of all the other payment options available to them.
For example, companies can allow customers to pay using mobile devices and send a text message receipt. Doing so will help enhance their payment experience and make them want to come back for more.
Update Shop Interiors
There are many benefits to shopping online, such as comparing prices and reading reviews. However, customers might not want to forego e-Commerce platforms because they like the experience of physically shopping at an actual store.
Companies can continue improving their brick-and-mortar shops by updating their interiors. These include the entrances, design, and ventilation. More so, customers who come inside will need to see some form of promotion that a dynamic digital signage network can easily handle.
In addition, companies should also focus more on how secure their shops are as this is something that potential customers prioritize. Updating the flooring to avoid accidental slips and maintaining proper organization of items will do the trick.
Install Helpful Technology In-Store
Technology has been changing the way people shop, and many people have been opting to order online thanks to it. Retailers must keep up with the times and provide customers with the same shopping experience they can get from an e-Commerce platform, so they don’t leave their shops empty-handed.
More so, many customers use their mobile devices when shopping, so they want to access the internet while inside a store. Retailers should therefore provide free WIFI and other helpful technology such as POS systems and QR/barcode readers.
Make it Family-Friendly
Shopping with children can be a challenge as they might not have the same interests as their parents. However, some retailers have been helping parents out by adding specific items for children or hosting play spaces inside their shops.
These family-friendly features will encourage parents to come more often and spend time in the store. They might even start buying products for themselves, which will help the business.
Overall, it’s important to remember that customers are always looking for a better shopping experience. If companies can provide them with what they want, they’re likely to keep coming back for more. By following the tips mentioned in this article, businesses can improve their customer satisfaction levels and see a boost in their bottom line.