How Can Retailers Convince Customers To Shop In Store Again?

Shopping in-store used to be a privilege that shoppers and retailers took for granted. Post-COVID-19, you will no longer see customers as inevitable. After all, it only takes a perfect storm for the world’s global economy to buckle. 

Plus, it’s not as if online shopping is unpopular, with the money generated from the format expected to hit $33 billion in three years. The silver lining is that people do want to revisit stores because they miss the experience. Still, you’ve got to give them a reason, especially if they think their health is at risk.

Carry on reading to find out how you can put consumers’ minds at ease.

Adapt The Interiors

Walking around without arrows on the floor and social distancing markers is a thing of the past. For the time being, shoppers expect to see companies make a concerted effort to ensure there is ample space for customers to shop safely. This goes for screens at the checkout, too. These tweaks will undoubtedly cost money, yet you should view them as investments because you can offset the expenses via the influx of consumers spending money. As a rule, the more secure you can make your store, the more foot traffic you’ll experience.

Photo: Pexels

Provide The Services People Want

Consumers want to go back to stores, but only for certain products and services. It makes sense that 68% of people missed bars and restaurants the most during the lockdown and that these shoppers crave solutions that plug this gap. Once you haven’t had something for months, you want it even more. Therefore, it’s essential for retailers to focus on a takeout service for food and alcohol where possible. As well as appeasing shoppers, adapting your business plan highlights your creativity and people will remember this well after the pandemic is over.

Review The Data

Like always, you don’t want to provide a service that won’t recoup the initial investment. Otherwise, you’ll lose money and have to file for bankruptcy. The key is to review the data regularly during your store’s reopening period. By checking the analytics for patterns, you can tweak your approach in real-time to make customers even happier. Of course, you can also do it to spot problems and create tailormade solutions. Several online business programs include business analytic courses, or you can hire an agency. If either sounds too much, there are AI programs and software that will automate the information and relay it to you free of jargon.

Photo: Pexels - Push Digital

Pushing your website and eCommerce store may seem counterproductive as both will take away from your store’s custom. However, during a crisis, consumers need to know that you have all the bases covered. For instance, in the event of a second spike, you should have a backup to prevent liquidity problems. Your site and e-store are the perfect partners as they’re open and ready to fulfil orders twenty-four-hours a day. Plus, brand marketing will ensure your store stays in the mind of the customers, even when it’s closed. 

How will you convince your base to flock back to your store in these uncertain times?