The pandemic turned all of us into online shoppers, whether that’s our preferred way of shopping or not. Many people like shopping in person, and, as vaccines become more readily available, are eager to get back to their favorite stores. But COVID restrictions are still in effect in many parts of the country, and customer anxiety remains high. With all the hurdles still in place, how can retail stores entice shoppers back to in-person shopping? By focusing on the experience.
Creating a Safe and Seamless Shopping Experience
Now more than ever, shoppers want a communal experience. They want to be among people, seeing and touching merchandise, and interacting with employees. However, as people ease back into face-to-face interactions, a negative experience will have a big impact. If customers don’t feel safe and valued, they likely won’t return for many months – if ever.
Now is the time to create an immersive, personalized and safe shopping experience. Make sure brand messaging is well-aligned and placed throughout the store. Offer special in-store deals and promotions, with clear signage explaining them. Have employees on hand to provide assistance, while ensuring strict compliance with safety best practices. Be clear about the brand’s position on social causes. And, perhaps most importantly, express gratitude and appreciation to the customers who are shopping at your store.
The Benefits of In-Store Shopping Appointments
One easy way to improve the in-store shopping experience is to require appointments. There are many benefits to by-appointment shopping:
- Helps employees ensure compliance with safety restrictions and recommendations
- Makes staffing easier
- Allows retailers to create personalized shopping experience
- Eases customer concerns about capacity and distancing
- Gives customers the opportunity to prepare for their shopping trip
Of course, this may not be the best option for all retail stores. But for those with smaller physical spaces, or higher price points, appointments may be a good idea to maintain the high level of service customers seek.
Is your point of sale system equipped to offer the personalized service customers want? If you’re not sure, contact Retail Tech today.
Retail Tech carries a wide variety of new and refurbished point of sale hardware and equipment. We offer installation and staging, retail POS system repairs, and more. If you need help choosing a hybrid POS solution, contact our POS systems specialists for help finding the perfect point of sale solution for your retail store, restaurant or other small business.
