Over the years, we’ve become used to hearing that e-commerce is the future of retail.
In fact, there have been countless articles and discussions about whether the physical store is actually becoming obsolete. Then, within the last three to five years, something unexpected has happened. Businesses are coming back to the high street.
Not just that, but huge online retailers are making the decision to open brick and mortar sites. Even Amazon, – the ecommerce giant of the western world – has plans to open a number of physical stores. While nobody is suggesting that online shopping will lose popularity, the change could lead to some interesting outcomes.
If you’re considering a move from the online sphere to the high street, you’ve got to come up with a logical, productive plan. Keep reading for tips on the best ways to do this.
1. Stand Out in the Crowd
Aside from a great location, you’ve also got to introduce yourself in the right way.
Think about investing in neon signage for your business, because it packs a visual punch. It is more affordable than you might imagine and it catches the eye, raises your status, and ensures that your brand feels like an important presence.
2. Be Clever with Location
If this is your first brick and mortar project, it makes sense to be a little cautious.
Oftentimes, opting for the flashiest, most sought after spot on the high street really isn’t a great idea. It can be much cleverer to hedge your bets, take on a slightly lower-maintenance site, and learn how to make a modest shop work before you commit to bigger dreams.
3. Consider the Supply Chain
For instance, think about the way you currently distribute products.
Do they go straight from the manufacturer or via your own warehouse? Either way, the distance between your stock and the physical store should be easily manageable, unless you can count on your existing distribution system to make consistently long trips.
4. Build a Great Team
More than anything else, you need a highly skilled and dependable store manager. Everybody else you can probably train up to do a variety of jobs, but the manager must have experience running a physical store. If you’ve got the money, hire the best person you can find, because they will be responsible for everything that happens on site.
5. Keep Moving Fast
The transition from ecommerce to physical store is no easy feat.
You’ll likely run into many challenges and, sometimes, you’ll make bad decisions. The key to overcoming mistakes is to keep moving. Don’t dwell on losses, because this will only make it obvious to customers that you’ve messed up. Test fast and fail fast. Try new things. If they nosedive, try something else.
6. Become a Friendly Presence
Human beings are creatures of contradiction.
We can be very wary of change, but we’re also highly curious. So, when shoppers do take a chance on your new store, spoil them. Amp up the customer service to ten and let them know that you care about their interest. Chat with customers, offer introductory deals, and get involved with community drives and projects.
Why Multi Channel Sales Are the Key to Success
It’s clear that online shopping is here to stay.
Consumers love being able to buy from the comfort of their homes, but we now know that most wouldn’t want brick and mortar stores to disappear completely. What they want most are choice and variety.
This is why multi-channel sales are very profitable.
The shopping ‘experience,’ particularly when it comes to things like clothes, is important. It’s a process; a ritual of sorts and you can win customers by providing them with enjoyable, memorable purchasing experiences.
