The past year has been rough on several industries that were already struggling. But a lot of retail businesses and restaurants survived by adapting quickly and figuring out what their customers are looking for.
Healthy retailers, ones opening new stores and achieving increasing same-store sales, have figured out what the customer wants and delivered differently than their competition. In the coming year, success will come from being all about the customer. Which of the following retail trends would drive your customers to your location?
Human Connection
Interactive and engaging retailers attract and retain customers. How do your customers use your products? What can you do to connect to your customers and let them know you understand what they need?
Experience
What can you do to make shopping at your location an entertaining, enjoyable experience that they cannot get online?
Pick-up Service
Would a pickup service benefit your customers? Many customers appreciate the instant gratification of ordering online and then picking up in-store. Especially as some people are limiting their contact with others or time spent in stores. As online ordering and in-store pickup increase, your store or restaurant footprint may change. Store layout and fixtures can be redesigned to achieve a smooth and convenient pick-up process.
Virtual Reality
Do your customers appreciate new technology that would eliminate the need to try on clothing? Would they like to be able to better visualize how something would look on them or in their homes? Implementing new technology may mean a new store design including specialized desks, kiosks or upholstery.
Reduced or Eliminated Cash Lines
Would your customers appreciate a new way to check out? Many retailers find that customers value a streamlined, more convenient checkout process. This may involve stand-alone pods, desks or tables or could involve a customer service representative coming to the customer with a mobile device for checkout.
Convenient/Fun Locations
Would your customers be more likely to venture to your location if you were next door to their doctor’s office? Gym? Favorite restaurant? Movie theater? Many malls are evolving, adding fun events, entertainment such as movies, and convenience factors like healthcare to their locations to entice customers to shop.
Connecting with your customers is at the heart of retail success - let Randal Retail Group help give your customers an in-store experience they won't forget.
