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The pandemic is changing the game for retail, and fast. Not only is the competition fiercer than ever before, but the coronavirus has been the cause of a dramatic decrease in in-store traffic, making it difficult for retailers to stand out from the crowd.
While the situation has forced some companies to shut down, many have realized that if they want to break through and maximize profits, they will need to adapt to more flexible business models with the adoption of new technologies. In order to remain competitive, online and offline experiences must “wow” the consumer. Having a great product is not sufficient to satisfy today’s buyer profile.
In order to master the art of selling in a COVID era, one must first focus on addressing the negative aspects of traditional shopping. Waiting in long queues to settle transactions and being immersed in large crowds are the most obvious customer pain points. Retailers need to understand that shopping experiences need to be quick and painless. Checkout processes must be safe and convenient. Extra effort should be put especially into converting a customer into a loyal one.
To get potential buyers out of the house and into their physical stores, retailers must raise the bar for in-store shopping with exceptional customer service by adding creative touches to engage and resonate with people. E-commerce sites and virtual experiences need to be simple, fast and user-friendly. The secret sauce for these struggling businesses lies in the ability to
Read more here: https://marketingland.com/technology-saving-retail-businesses-from-going-under-283521