The Benefits of Having a Retail Store vs an Online Shop

Every entrepreneur is aware that starting a new company comes with many considerations. From finding the right way of financing their endeavor to deciding which business model they will rely on, one cannot simply jump into this head-first. Another one of these decisions that need to be made in this digital age is whether they will operate only online or if they will have a retail store as well. It might seem tempting to focus only on the online approach seeing as how now everyone and their grandmother have a digital presence, but retail is in no way going out of fashion. Keep on reading to learn about some retail tips and see how beneficial having a physical location can be for your business.

It Is More Convenient for Your Customers

As easy as it seems to shop from their bed, sometimes customers need a certain item right away and waiting for the product to be shipped and delivered can be a real inconvenience. Even though there are next-day delivery options nowadays, being able to purchase something and use it immediately can still bring a lot of people to your retail store.

Customers Like to Test out Products Before Buying Them

In addition to getting the product straight away, customers also like to try out the products before they buy them. Ordering something online and waiting for it to ship and arrive only to realize that the item is not exactly what they wanted is a tedious experience which a lot of people decide to avoid by simply going to a retail store. If they are looking for a pair of jeans or some comfy heels, they can try them out and see whether they fit and are the right size. If they need an appliance for their home, they can test it at the store and see it in person before actually purchasing it. What is more, even though you want to avoid this situation, returns are much easier as there is no need for the customer to ship the product back to the sender and worry about getting their money back.

People Don’t Like Sharing Their Information Online

Even if getting the product immediately is not necessary for a customer, a lot of them are afraid of sharing their payment information online and feel much more secure in a brick-and-mortar store. In case you decide to have an online store as well, it is of the utmost importance to protect the privacy of your customers by ensuring no hackers can steal data and ruin your business. You should look into various available methods and consult with professionals to see how you can protect yourself and your clients. One approach that many companies such as SkyCity Online Casino and Alternative Nation have implemented is geo-restricting their website, so you can consider that as well.

They Encourage Customers to Make Impulse Purchases

While you can encourage customers to make impulse purchases online as well, it is usually much easier to do so in a physical store. For instance, the way you order and group your products should influence visitors to get things that are not necessary to them at that moment. Placing lower-priced products that are often bought on an impulse near the checkout can result in a sale. Then, you can also use suggestive language that indicates urgency by saying that you’re running out of a certain item or put discounted things in the path you’ve created for your customers.

It’s Easier to Build a Relationship With Your Customer Base

Nowadays, when everything seems too digitalized and distant, it’s no wonder that having a retail store can help you better connect with your customer base. Some people simply prefer the human touch and find communicating over social media exhausting and impersonal. Fortunately, by having a physical location where people can visit you and talk to you, you are allowing them to see you as a human being and form a trusting relationship with the salespeople. Plus, providing them with high-quality customer service by being friendly and approachable is sure to keep them satisfied and bring them back for a new purchase.

Shopping is Fun

It’s as simple as that. People often go shopping with their friends or family members and make a whole day out of it. For instance, if you’re located in a mall, they might visit your store and then go get something to eat or watch a movie and later on decide to come back and make a purchase. Make sure you create a pleasant atmosphere with interesting décor, background music and sociable staff that is willing to help the customers but not hover over them.

From providing your customers with more security and convenience to creating a trusting relationship with them, a brick-and-mortar shop still has many benefits. Whilst the convenience of not having to leave your home shouldn’t be underestimated, neither should the ability to physically engage with people and things you’re interested in. Even in this digital age, you can profit from having a retail store and even more so if you successfully combine the two.