Running a brick-and-mortar store is a challenge in this digital world. When consumers can sit at home and browse hundreds of websites, stores on the high street need to give them a reason to leave the house. Whether you own a market stall or a store, you need to offer an excellent experience to anyone who visits you. From simple methods to the things that might be possible in the future, there are many ways to achieve this. If you think your customers aren’t satisfied with what you offer them, try some of these techniques to help keep them happy.
Accept a Variety of Payment Methods
When your customers are shopping online, paying for their purchase is usually extremely easy. They either enter their card details or use a payment service linked to their card or bank account. Paying in-store is getting easier too, however, with a number of options available. Apart from using cash or cards, there are also contactless methods available too. If you don’t already have one, look into a card payment system such as Payline Data. As well as being able to use their cards, customers might appreciate methods such as Apple Pay.
Use Technology
There has been a lot of research into how retailers can improve the in-store experience in the future. Some suggestions have included using virtual changing rooms. Selfie booths for customers to get feedback from friends are another option. However, there are ways you can use technology now to enhance your store. For example, offering WiFi is one thing that a lot of people will appreciate. Another way you can use technology is with a mobile app. It can notify customers of promotions and offers when they enter the store.
Offer Delivery and Click and Collect
When people shop online, they can have their purchases brought straight to their door. Or they can pick them up from one of several places. If you offer delivery, they can come into the store but won’t have to carry anything home. They can have the benefit of in-store staff knowledge or perhaps trying on clothes combined with the convenience of delivery. Another option is to connect your online store with your in-store experience. Allow your internet customers to select a “click and collect” option. So they can come and get their purchase from your physical store.
Keep Staff Knowledge Updated
You might have staff on the shop floor who greet people and offer help when it’s needed. But if you want to enhance your customer experience, try to have them go above and beyond. Customers wish to see that your staff have detailed knowledge about your products. This is something that you can’t offer in the same way online, even with a chat application. Regularly inform your staff about new stock and refresh their knowledge to make their advice more valuable.
You need to focus on your in-store customer experience if you want to compete with the internet. Embracing technology could be the way forward for the future.
