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Retailers who are for years in business are using technology that is developed for running a physical shop (Bricks and Mortar) better and making shopping for their customers easier. A study by Forrester Consulting found that although 90% of the UK retailers are now doing business online. Sadly, most of them find it difficult to join their online and offline technology. Moreover, only 26% of the retailers interviewed mentioned that their sales are influenced by the online channel.
Technology use by the customers of Bricks and Mortar retailers
Most of the customers of Bricks and Mortar retailers visit their retailer’s website to get information about the inventory in the shop. Forrester Consulting, found that 39% of customers are unlikely or very unlikely to visit a store if its website does not provide physical store inventory information.
Only 32% of the shop owners that was interviewed offered a function on their websites for customers to view their in-store inventory details.
Customers want shopping convenience
The study indicated that half of all customers cited store pickup options as important or very important to them when shopping online. However, only a third of retailers today already support store-pickup programs.
Read also: Will “Click and Collect” Solve the Delivery Headaches for Grocers?
The customers interviewed demanded the following:
- Absolute guarantees that the product is actually available;
- Rapid picking and notification alerts;
- Customers want to pay at the point of pickup;
- Customers want the option to pick their goods up at alternative locations.
In-store experience in the digital age
The customers are in power when they use their smartphones in the shop. They use their smartphones to check inventory availability before entering the store. The customers also use their smartphones to get more information about the products they are interested to buy.
Concluding
Bricks and Clicks retailers need to be both masters of the store and of the digital domain.
A well researched and written Business Plan helps to get your business started the right way.
Read also: Crossing the digital threshold – adding Clicks to Bricks for sustainable retail outcomes
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