There’s no denying that retailers have a tough time competing with online sellers. These days, consumers go online to find the lowest prices for the things they want. But, there are times where they must visit retail stores.
For example, they might feel undecided about their next purchase and can’t compare products. Or they might find it easier to buy something in person while they are in the area. Some people say that the death knell has sounded for the retail industry.
But, retail is very much alive and kicking. And it’s going to be around for a long time! The only thing is, retailers need to evolve with the times. Otherwise, they face going into obscurity and failing.
The good news is that it’s easy to bring any retail store into the 21st century. Do you want to make sure millennials buy from your store rather than a competitor’s online one? If so, here’s how to do it:
Install digital signage
The sad truth is that the days of the traditional poster are long gone. We live in a digital world now! It makes sense to embrace digital signage in your retail store. For a start, they are quicker and easier to update than posters.
Plus, they can be attention-grabbing, vibrant and compelling. Posters are static and prone to weathering and wear and tear. You should use digital signage at various points of your store. If you’re based in a mall, consider advertising on digital signs around the mall too.
Use modern POS (Point Of Sale) systems
Are you still rocking a cash register manufactured twenty years ago? If so, it’s time you upgraded to a modern POS system! For instance, the AccuPOS Point of Sale system has a touch screen display and thermal printer. It also comes with a cash drawer, of course.
Old cash registers are cumbersome. They also don’t offer any options to customize or scale one’s needs. An electronic point of sale system brings your store into the 21st century. And it makes the lives of your staff easier and more productive.
Offer flexible payment terms
Millennials like to pay for their goods in many different ways. Sure, they like to use cash and cards like everyone else. But, they also like to pay in a variety of different methods too.
For example, many will use their RFID-enabled smartphones to pay. Devices like the iPhone offer Apple Pay, a contactless form of payment. Others may wish to use a digital wallet, such as PayPal. It’s important that you have the right technology to offer flexible payment terms.
Offer in-store electronic catalogs to your customers
Do you operate a large retail store? If so, your customers won’t want to spend ages looking through paper catalogs. And if your staff are busy, how can they find out if you sell a particular product?
One brilliant idea is to provide in-store electronic catalogs to your customers. At its most basic level, it’s a touchscreen computer system. It allows people to search for products and view information on them. Many retailers even link them up to the store’s stock control system. That way, consumers can determine if a product is in stock.
Have an e-commerce website
Anyone with a retail store is missing out if they aren’t selling their products online! The future of retailing includes omnichannel sales. You should give your customers the option to buy from you in-store or over the Internet.
You might not think it. But, it’s straightforward to link stock control systems with online stores. There’s no reason why you should not sell your products on the Web.
When you do set up an e-commerce site, give customers the option to click and collect. This is where they order online and can pick up their orders from your retail store. It’s a convenient way to buy items without queueing up in-store.
Launch a mobile app
Smartphones get used by millions of people each year. Many retailers have launched apps for iOS and Android devices that shoppers can use. If you get an app developed for your store, it can offer you many benefits.
For a start, the app can give users details of their nearest store using the phone’s GPS. And when they enter a store, it can alert them to special offers. Those are just two of many possibilities that mobile apps bring retailers. The best thing of all is that the investment needed to develop a new app is low.
I hope you’ve found these tips useful today. Thanks for reading this blog post – see you soon!
