Retail Store Checklist for In-Person Shopping
Amid colder temperatures, and rougher driving conditions, it’s not surprising why many customers stay tucked inside their homes during the winter months.
As a retailer, this slower period should give you ample time to assess your current in-store shopping experience.
From the layout of your shop and checkout process to your in-store promotions and loyalty programs, you’ll want to ensure you’re utilizing the best resources available (both physical and digital) to create fun, convenient, and streamlined experiences for shoppers that keep them coming back!
How to Improve Customer Service in Retail
Retail trends come and go. But one thing you can count on is that your customers are always on the hunt for new experiences.
And when it comes to the in-store customer experience, in particular, people want three important boxes checked:
- Entertainment
- Quality service
- Fun, sharable memories
It’s estimated that 65% of a customer’s shopping budget is spent in-store. And approximately 47% of customers are willing to pay more for an experience that goes beyond their expectations.
That’s good news for retailers, but the question you need to ask yourself is this: are you creating this type of experience?
Below we’ve listed a few ideas on how to improve your in-store customer experience in time for spring!
Save Customers Time In Store
Did you know that 58% of consumers will research products or look up product information on their smartphones—while still inside your store? It’s estimated that 54% of in-store shoppers will conduct their own price checks, too.
If you’re looking for ways to save them time and money, consider adding QR codes inside your store. This offers shoppers a chance to look up information about popular merchandise and products you offer.
Whether you decide to use stickers, displays, or promotional posters around your store, be sure your QR codes link to a helpful landing page on your website that provides product details, videos, testimonials, and even price comparison to help aid shoppers in their research and keep them connected to your brand:
“Using QR codes to give customers extra information about your products, or even about specials that aren’t otherwise advertised, can keep them coming back to see what’s new.”
Inspire In-Store Loyalty
People love being rewarded for shopping. And according to retail experts, over 60% of customers agree that earning reward points is one of their favorite parts about shopping. Furthermore, 63% of loyalty members modify their spending to earn even more loyalty benefits.
If you don’t have a loyalty program for your customers, it’s definitely time to invest in one. And, if you do have one, make sure you’re assessing its features and perks, so that you’re always providing loyal customers with more incentives to shop your brand and tell others about it—especially since 70% of loyalty members are more likely to recommend brands having good reward programs.
For more ideas on improving customer loyalty, check out our recent article!
Create Memorable Experiences
In addition to rewarding customers for their loyalty, try to think of other unique benefits you can offer in-store shoppers, such as:
- Exclusive access to private in-store events
- Sneak peeks at new product/inventory
- Fun classes, tutorials, or giveaways
“Come up with some sort of event that would bring customers to the store for a reason they normally wouldn’t. If you’re a small toy store, host a face painting day or schedule time to read books to kids. If you’re a wine and liquor shop, schedule a taste testing—you can find something for any type of store.”
Many of these events might even inspire customers to venture outdoors in the winter time to try something new or enjoy an experience they wouldn’t find anywhere else.
The end result is more recognition for your brand, more reasons for customers to stop in and more opportunities to make an in-store sale. In fact, more than 85% of shoppers are more likely to buy your products after attending a brand event or experience.
Another way to ensure you’re providing the best in-store experience possible is to take a look at your retail analytics! We covered that in a previous article. Having this type of data and insight into your customers’ wants, needs, and habits will help you personalize your retail store checklist and offer more reasons to shop with your brand!
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