Modern consumers value experiences more than ever before, and retailers need to deliver in order to stay relevant and top of mind. Luckily, advancements in technology are opening up new possibilities for engaging consumers and driving sales.
Digital signage, self-service kiosks, and beacons are just a few examples of how retailers are using technology to create more engaging experiences. Giving your customers the power to control their time in your store is a powerful way to build a connection and keep them coming back for more.
If you’re just starting out with experiential retail solutions, it can seem a bit daunting. How do you create a holistic approach that doesn’t sacrifice the personal touch?
Here are three tips to get you started:
1. Define your goals
Before investing in any new technology, it’s important to take a step back and think about what you’re trying to achieve. Do you want to increase sales, drive traffic to specific areas of the store, or improve customer service? Once you have a clear goal in mind, you can start to look at which technologies will best help you achieve it.
For those looking to increase sales, you can consider adding a self-service station to your storefront. These kiosks allow customers to not only order and checkout at their own pace, but you can even integrate your product catalog. This way, they can browse selections you might not have in your store.
Having the ability to see your entire collection in the store can help boost your bottom line. You can still offer a vast variety of options without carrying extra stock.
2. Think outside the traditional store format
With the rise of e-commerce, brick-and-mortar retailers need to find ways to differentiate themselves and offer an experience that can’t be replicated online. Technology can help you do just that.
For example, if you have a large store, you can use beacons to send targeted notifications and offers to shoppers as they browse. This not only helps them find the products they need but also encourages them to buy things they didn’t know they wanted.
You can also use digital signage to create a more dynamic shopping experience. This technology can be used to show product demonstrations, provide information about current promotions, or even entertain customers while they wait in line.
One of the most crucial aspects of marketing is providing social proof. Digital signage is the perfect way to display User-generated Content (UGC) from your social feeds. Your team can show real customers using, wearing, and enjoying your products. Bridging the gap between brick and mortar and digital life will create a cohesive experience.
Developing a stunning visual display is the first step, but it won’t matter if no one can see it. You need to make sure your content is relevant and engaging by using data to inform your decisions.
3. Consider the customer journey
When planning your store layout, it’s important to think about how customers will move through the space. You want to create a flow that makes sense and doesn’t leave them feeling frustrated.
Technology can help you guide customers to specific areas of the store and make sure they don’t miss anything important. For example, if you have a clearance section, you can use digital signage to direct shoppers there. If your store is large enough, consider displaying a map (interactive is even better) so customers can locate what they need quickly.
You can also consider having a station for customers to check in to your loyalty rewards program. They can gain access to customized and personalized deals, find coupons, and see their order history in the store.
Look to your online data to gain invaluable insights into how you should design your customer journey. Do you have a lot of abandoned carts on your e-commerce site? Then find ways to make the checkout process in-store more seamless. By understanding the customer journey and using technology to enhance it, you can create a shopping experience that keeps people coming back for more.
The Future of Retail is Hybrid
Technology is changing the retail landscape, but that doesn’t mean brick-and-mortar stores are going away anytime soon. In fact, with the right strategy, you can use technology to create a hybrid shopping experience that combines the best of both worlds.
By offering a mix of digital and physical experiences, you can meet customers where they are and give them what they want. This is the future of retail. Are you ready to embrace it?
Need help finding the right technology for your store? Our team can help! Contact our experts here and find the digital experience your customers crave.
