How to Future-Proof Your Brick and Mortar Store

Apr 26, 2019

If you own a brick and mortar store, you probably have heard that many stores like yours are closing, while online stores are thriving. The rise of major online retailers like Amazon has threatened offline brands such as Macy’s and Walmart.

This means one thing: Customers now have a different expectation from stores. What must you do in order to thrive? Here’s how you can adapt to changes and keep growing.

Start an online presence.

Yes! If you haven’t got a website yet, it’s time to build one today. If not, you’re going to fall behind the competition. Today’s digital-savvy customers want to be able to connect with retailers even at the comfort of their own homes. Having an online presence will also allow you to connect with customers worldwide and gain more revenue.

Create a richer in-store experience.

Don’t just display products for sale. Think about the individual experiences of your customers. Draw them into getting to know you better by providing an unforgettable and unique experience. Here are some of the things you can do:

Partner with another business that sells complementary products.
Train your employees to relate better to shoppers like a friend rather than a salesperson.
Reward customers who shop regularly.
Make your store kid-friendly. Having something for the kids will allow parents to stay long enough to buy.
Offer immediate assistance. Speed is crucial.

Don’t lose your customers to long lines.

A British study found out that customers abandon their purchase because of a long shopping line. If you want to succeed and stop losing shoppers during busy periods, it’s important to shorten waiting times. Be ready with additional registers. Let them pay for their purchases through an app and show their receipt to a staff member on their way out.

Promote a sense of community.

Why not find a way to bring your customers together while they’re shopping? Give them the opportunity to interact with like-minded individuals so that they’ll feel inspired and want to keep coming back. Here’s an example: If you run an arts and crafts store, you can offer mini-classes and tutorials. Not only will this bring people together, but it will also spark creative ideas and motivate new customers to try your products.

Final Thoughts

It’s time to let go of traditional methods to sustain your brick-and-mortar store’s retail presence. Be accessible anytime and anywhere by creating an online presence. Value in-store experiences. Eliminate long lines. Encourage a sense of community. Do you have more strategies in mind? What are your thoughts on future-proofing your business?