As we emerge back into “real life”, one of the key challenges facing retailers is how to integrate new and improved digital commerce systems with traditional bricks and mortar stores. There's no avoiding the fact that post-pandemic consumers will continue to shop online, so making sure your digital and IRL (in real life) retail experiences match up is crucial. Here are X top tips to help you do just that…

Implement click and collect

Many shoppers enjoy the convenience of shopping online but may be wary about deliveries to their home following the pandemic. Instead, give them the option to come to you to pick up their purchase. This way, you avoid losing footfall to your online store and, with the right merchandising, you could even make some extra physical sales at the point of collection.

Offer in-store customers a delivery service

On the flip side, many customers might enjoy the experience of shopping in-store but may not want to tote shopping bags around with them all day. Offer them the same convenience of shopping online, by rolling out home delivery to in-store customers.

Make sure your payment systems join up

Keeping track of in-store and online sales can be tricky if your systems don't talk to each other. With so many ePOS (ecommerce point of sale) options out there, there's really no excuse for not having a joined up system. Many online platforms, like Shopify, also have in-store POS solutions built in to ensure all sales are tracked in one place. It's worth looking into this if you haven't already, to help you make clear decisions and take accurate customer insights.

Use digital marketing to keep in touch post-purchase

When a customer purchases online, chances are you're already sending out a thank you email, delivery confirmations and the like, as well as offering them the chance to sign up to a newsletter. But do you do this for in-store purchases as well? Many high street retailers will take a customer's email address in-store as well, in order to email the receipt. At this point, you can also ask them to opt in to your email newsletter to keep them firmly in the funnel. Make sure you're also active on social media, with key product and store updates to keep your customers in the know and remind them that you're there.

Consider in-store tech

Many of your customers will have smartphones, which means they will be digitally connected even when they're shopping in person. Many retailers have adopted things like QR codes, which offer more information about a product, and beacon tracking, which sends customers a notification when they're nearby to tell them about offers and deals. Since customers have this physical reminder on  their phone, even if they don't end up making a purchase in-store, it might be the reminder they need to order online when they're at home.

Join up your customer service

Service is key when it comes to retail and is often one of the top things a customer remembers about their experience. That's why, whether on or offline, your customer service should be your number one priority. Make sure that your FAQs on your website are up to date, and that it's clear how customers can contact you should they have any questions. In store, that service needs to be replicated with plenty of product information and knowledgeable team members on hand to help at all times.

Don't forget, our sister show, Autumn Fair will be returning to the NEC Birmingham on 5-8 September 2021. Head to the Autumn Fair website to register your interest or apply for a stand. 

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