There’s no denying that the brick and mortar stores are still very much alive, but it’s also true that e-commerce is a huge competitor. Traditional stores now need to work harder to attract and retain their customers, and a big part of that is through improving the customers’ in-store shopping experience.
So, here are some things you can do to keep the in-store shopping experience unique, enjoyable and memorable:
Loyalty Schemes
Loyalty schemes have been around for a while, and it’s not just the big retailers who can benefit from them. Smaller independent firms can also bring customers in-store and build brand loyalty by offering special offers or money-off vouchers with loyalty schemes. And, shoppers love them. Research by Invesp, has found that 69% of consumers say that who they shop with is influenced by where they can gain loyalty points or rewards. Plus, a 5% increase in customer loyalty can increase the profit you make from each customer by 25% to 100%.
Interactive Experiences
With so many products on the market, it can be difficult to get a customer’s attention. That’s where engaging and interactive experiences come in. Customers are so used to the same old advertisements that only something new and interactive can engage their senses and get them to notice a product.
The more senses and emotions are engaged – the better the chance that the customer will buy or at least remember the product. This can be done through a live activity or masterclass. Another way to create an interactive experience is with technology, and innovative interactive devices such as Tokinomo.
Market Staff as Experts
The staff who work in-store will have a wealth of knowledge on the items that are sold. Don’t let this knowledge go to waste. Instead, harness their skills and knowledge and market your staff as experts. Ensure staff members are on hand to answer customer questions and regularly hold product demonstrations or taster sessions.
By keeping the in-store shopping experience fresh and interesting, brick-and-mortar stores will continue to thrive in a digitally-driven world.
