Customers value time-saving retail technology
Retail customer trends reveal that consumers still choose brick-and-mortar store locations for a significant portion of their shopping. Even if they do their research online first, many patrons want the in-store experience, especially for specific items like apparel and home goods. Customers greatly appreciate the convenience of online shopping, so merchants are finding ways to provide time-saving options in their stores to meet consumers' expectations.
According to Advertising Age, a key strategy for retailers is to ensure their store operations match the convenience and information resources of online channels. Shoppers value time-saving technology that can help them make informed decisions faster and complete their transactions with minimal inconvenience. Here are a few examples of retail technology that merchants can use to give customers an efficient store experience:
- Virtual try-on: Advertising Age mentioned that some stores are offering apps that show customers how they would look in new clothes, drawing on fashion advice from style bloggers. Other stores have body scanners or virtual dressing rooms that make it easy for shoppers to find the right size or explore options that are not in stock but can be ordered. For example, Bloomingdale's offers customers the option to try on outfits in 3D virtual dressing rooms, which allows them to see their look in real-time and solicit feedback from friends on social media networks.
- Payment options: From self-updating Bitcoin tags to digital wallets, retailers are offering customers more choices for payment types. Apps can allow gift card owners to pay by tapping their phones. While Bitcoin hasn't become mainstream for retail purchases, the BitTag technology shows a move toward expanded self-checkout options, CNN reported. Shoppers can shake the tag and then pay with their phones.
- Mobile POS: With tools like mobile POS systems, store clerks can help customers check out anywhere in the store, reducing time spent waiting in check out lines. Some POS software empowers employees with instant access to product information, enabling them to serve as a valuable, real-time resource for shoppers who have questions about additional stock or alternative models. In-store kiosks can also provide some of the information access that consumers enjoy while shopping online.
Overall, these trends point to a need to incorporate technological advancements across channels. While the specific options are different in stores and online, merchants can work toward the same goals – convenience, information, empowerment, engagement – to provide customers with a better overall experience, regardless of the channel they choose.
