5 Realistic ways to survive as a Brick and Mortar retail store
We hear all kinds of news every day on how the Brick and Mortar retail store is taking a hit and how all the brick and mortar shops are slowly but surely going out of business. After Amazon, Flipkart, and Myntra came into existence, just how many small shops were closed down? You will be amazed by the number. After the outbreak of the global pandemic, the situation only got even worse.
If you observe closely, not just small shops but bigger brands are closing their brick and mortar stores. Malls are housing more empty spaces now more than ever. Is the brick and mortar retail industry dying? How can you create an impact and stay afloat in such difficult times? We have some ways and means for you to try to sustain your offline retail store. Read on!
Digital Ads:
One thing is for sure, without the help of digital marketing we are not going to get anywhere. Today the entire world has moved on to digital. So, it only makes sense for you to make your presence there. Today, many are considering having an online store and an offline one. If you are reluctant to open an online store, we get it. But you can definitely make use of the social media platform to target your local customers and get the word out. Some advantages of using digital ads:
- You can engage with customers better online
- You can display your products for free on social media sites, let your customers choose what they want and provide in-store pick-up services
- Attract them to visit your store by providing in-store purchase discounts or some goodies
- Covid 19 has definitely made things worse for retailers. But by offering to display your items online you are saving their time to sift through your offline store and make a quick purchase when they visit you.
Experience matters the most – Customize it
Brick and Mortar retail store today millennials contribute to the majority of shoppers online and offline. The one thing that they look for when they shop is the best experience a brand could offer. Providing the best and unique experience to your shoppers does not give you the competitive edge, for it has become a mandatory thing now. Customize user experience for them. They can always look at your products online, they visit your store for an experience, so give it to them.
Always, always invest in staff:
Albeit we have established the fact that offline store is dripping, it can still win hearts with the right employees by your side. Like it or not, your offline store may die faster if your store representatives do not do jobs competently. So keep them happy. Make sure they keep your customers happy by providing exemplary user experience.
Create a welcoming and engaging environment:
The one thing about the social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook is that they so engaging and welcoming that the users wouldn’t want to leave the page anytime soon. You need to create one such experience for your customers in your offline store. Do your research to analyze what colors and themes would attract your customers and play with it in your store, you will not regret it.
Reward the shoppers
Brick and Mortar retail store having said that online shopping has picked up traction more than we would have thought ten years ago, there are people who love shopping after getting the look and feel of the product they’re buying. One simple way to keep your store alive is by rewarding your in-store shoppers. Give exclusive and irresistible coupons and benefits to your customers that they love swinging by your store often.