Category: POS

Trends in the retail point of system industry keep evolving with the advancement in time. Further, retail trends have greatly changed in the last two decades. Moreover, Due to technological advancement, customer expectations have also changed. This article highlights the prevailing trends in the retail industry regarding retail point of system.

Customization in Retail Point of System

Certainly, in Retail Point of System, having unique product characteristics attract more customers. In other words, people are fascinated and inclined to buy products designed specifically for their needs. This is a very distinct feature as it enables customers to stand out amongst others. That is to say, this is what people are looking for; uniqueness. Hence it greatly helps companies grow.

Visual Search

Another most advanced retail trend is finding the desired product by simply clicking a picture. That is to say, products or similar products can be identified online and customers can get the desired results. Therefore, for the implementation of this trend, retailers need to get their visual devices updated. It is becoming common rapidly as it is the most convenient way to reach customers.

Omni-Channel

Buyers use various platforms to shop. Hence Omni-channel commerce is a regular practice amongst retailers. Therefore retailers need to keep all shopping platforms open to the customers. Depending on mood and circumstances, customers shop digitally and physically. Hence retailers need to be responsive and vigilant.

Small-format Stores

Small-format stores are meant to target specific groups of people residing in specific areas. Therefore companies need to research well about the demands and likes of people. Consequently, this leads retailers to small-format stores. Hence, the products offered are selected specifically based on client demand. That is to say, the trend of establishing small stores with selected products helps retailers market and sell their products more effectively. Just as white is the new black, similarly small is the new big.

Beacons

Retailers need to use beacons. Through the radio signals, the beacon is detected by mobile phones. In short, when the customer moves in the store, the beacon records their essential details regarding product choice and purchase. As a result, this enables notifications on their mobile devices. When the customer walks by a department, beacon alerts them with the sale on their mobile phones. Certainly, the data collected on beacons is valuable to retailers as they can keep a record of client demands and purchases. Consequently, it enables retailers to advertise accordingly.

Smart Displays

Through smart mirrors, clothing can be superimposed on the customer’s image in front of the mirror. As a result, this acts in place of a changing room. The smart mirror allows the customers to view themselves wearing those items in the mirror without physically trying them on. Hence, through this, retailers are able to get an idea about the most tried and bought items.

Auto checkout

We have experienced the use of automatic checkout for years now. The recent Retail Point of Sales System trend is that the scanner automatically scans the items as soon as the customer leaves the store. The total amount is charged into their account. Amazon has such stores that identify the customers as soon as they enter the store and prepare their bill without scanning the items. They automatically charge customers. This clearly indicates that future payments will have no queues and checkouts.  

Voice-Search

Voice-Search is a retailer trend that is evolving. A well-planned voice search strategy leads to beneficial retailer outcomes. The voice assistant is a useful technology that is not meant to come to its end any time soon. It plays a vital role in the retailing business. It is not just beneficial for large businesses. Retailers of small budgets can also take advantage of voice assistants.

In-store Experience

The experience that customers get in retail stores matters a lot. Customers do not just visit a store because of products. They can buy products from other stores as well. The service that they receive in a retail store is significant for the consumers. Retailers immensely need to improve in-store experiences. It draws customers back to the store.

Measuring Demand and Supply

Retailers can measure product demand and supply. Through software, they are able to know the availability of a product. Also, they can get an idea about the products that are likely to be in demand. By doing so, product demand and supply is measured. This reduces wastage of products. Consequently, it saves retailers from overproduction.

AGV (Automated Guide Vehicle)

Cranes and shuttles are being replaced by portable robots in warehouses. AGVs work in collaboration. When one of the robots need to charge their battery, they take rest. Another robot instantly replaces it. This retail trend helps finish lengthy and tedious tasks in a few minutes. 

Facial recognition

Stores do not need a loyalty card anymore to get the customers identified. Through facial recognition, customers are recognized as soon as they enter the stores. Because of this technology, retailers can provide customized service to customers. Retailers have a clear idea about the type of products particular customers buy.

Facial recognition software further has the ability to track customer mood as they shop. It is also able to identify customers on the basis of age and gender. It keeps a record of how customers behave and how their mood shifts while shopping. Mark Lunt; the group managing director at JOS said,

“One of the big things brick-and-mortar retailers are getting into now is knowing their customers … tracking who’s entering their mall and how they’re behaving,”

Conclusion

These are some of the trends prevailing in the retail industry. Retailers can only survive by adapting themselves to these latest trends as one needs to stand out in the vast market to make a mark on the buyers. Teranoid is a leading example of adapting the latest trends in the retail market.

Retail Tips to Attract Customers on Valentine’s Day

Since Valentine’s Day is on its way, all eyes are on the customers and the ways to attract them. That is to say, it is the right time to spread love among-st people. In other words, retailers need to prepare themselves beforehand for Valentine’s Day. It is not essential that only the flowers and gift industry can benefit from February 14^th. That is to say, retailers can benefit from this day by showing love to their customers and displaying and offering items that they are interested in.

How to Attract Customers on Valentine’s Day

Retailers can follow the following ways and implement them on and before Valentine’s Day to attract customers.

Valentine’s Day Promotions

Valentine’s Day is the first major event of the year that excites and stimulates people. Therefore, if retailers feel that their business is experiencing a slowdown from the holiday season, it is the right time to improve sales performance. In other words, retailers must utilize Valentine’s Day as much as possible to find opportunities to boost profits. For example, if retailers can find it feasible, they should first try to restock on items that are popular among customers on Valentine’s Day, for example, flowers, gifts, cards, etc.

Secondly, it is significant that retailers understand that Valentine’s Day is way more than just offering Valentines Day products. That is to say, people also prefer taking their loved ones out for dining or to the movies. Therefore retailers can consider collaborating with a restaurant or a theatre. To clarify, retailers can offer movie tickets or hotel passes as part of their Valentine Day Promotions.    

Plan Offers that Satisfy Customers & Boost Sales Simultaneously

Consumers prefer to shop in a store that offers sales and special offers. Above all, if it is during a special occasion. In short, this way consumers feel that the store owners understand their sentiments. Moreover, they feel that they aim to be of service to them. Therefore, retailers need to understand that consumers are in search of promotions. Consequently, retailers can take advantage of this. That is to say, they can utilize Valentine’s Day to draw customers to their store by offering promotions. To gain maximum benefit, retailers must take into consideration their goals and customer needs before planning offers and promotions for Valentine’s Day. In other words, retailers need to prioritize both; an increase in their sales and customer demands. As a result, they shall be able to gain maximum benefit and customer satisfaction simultaneously.

Place the Valentine’s Day Products Separate for Customer Convenience

Retailers should place Valentine’s Day products in one specific area of the store. In the same vein, Valentine Day products should have a separate section on the website. As a result, it will help customers find their desired products easily. In other words, it will not cause difficulty and discomfort for consumers. Instead, it will result in better customer service; which certainly is beneficial for retailers.

Persuade Consumers to Buy Products for themselves

Promoting self-love for consumers is another significant way to make customers feel they are being attended rightly. In other words, there might be stores that can in no way offer typical Valentine’s Day gifts because it will seem entirely dissimilar to what they are already offering. For example, it will be unsuitable for a store that offers Point of Sale System to offer flowers and cards to the consumers. Therefore, retailers can opt to encourage their own products by fitting in and promoting the element of self-love. That is to say, retailers can persuade them to buy their products for themselves.

This is also a way to show them, love. In other words, retailers can encourage them to treat themselves by investing in products that are long-lasting and reliable. Moreover, retailers should promote products by encouraging the spirit of Valentine Day along with them. For example, highlighting the ways through which gadgets can help them please their loved ones. Also, there might be customers who do not have someone to spend their Valentine’s Day with. Therefore, it is a perfect opportunity to grab the attention of such customers.      

Give your Employees Valentine Day Gifts

A necessary element for Valentine’s Day should be to treat employees with love and respect. That is to say, retailers should encourage their employees by giving them Valentine Day gifts. Offering gifts does not have to be a very big deal. That is to say, it is not necessary that retailers should give extravagant gifts to their employees. In short, simple gifts are enough, just to show them that they are appreciated and loved. As a result, they will be pleased; which will result in better and amiable customer service.       

To conclude, I would like to quote Gail Goodman, as his saying summarizes the significance of Valentine Day sales and its impact on businesses;

“Holiday sales have become a vital component of the retail sales cycle for millions of small businesses. Overall, we found 51 percent of U.S. small business owners believe Valentine Day sales are important to their business and are optimistic that sales will be rosy this year!”

Impulse buying in retail stores is a tried and tested way to boost sales. It is a common buying technique that encourages shoppers to purchase impulsively. Hence, retailers make it a common practice to persuade customers towards impulse buying.

This article highlights the ways, mentioned below, through which impulse buying can be encouraged in retail stores.

Create Path for Customers to Promote Impulse Buying

To encourage impulse buying, the selection and placement of the product are significant. Retailers should place the products and make a corresponding path for customers to follow. The store’s layout and design can determine the fixed path for customers. As a result, customers shall instinctively lead themselves towards that path. Hence, they shall pass through the high-demanded and exclusive products.

By creating a path for the customers, retailers will be able to predict where customers are likely to stay and stop. Also, retailers will be able to assume the areas that gain the most attention. Hence, the demanded and most significant products will be placed in those areas.

Place Low-Priced Impulse buying Products near Checkouts

Customers do not buy expensive products impulsively. Therefore, price is an important factor when it comes to Impulse Buying. Ensure that right products are chosen for the purpose of impulse purchase. It is suggested that the products offered through impulse purchase should not be more than 20 dollars. In other words, boost purchase values with such items that customers are willing to buy.

Another way to persuade customers into Impulse Buying is to display products on sale, for example, placing samplers of lotions and bath creams on discounted prices adjacent to the cash counter. The most striking way to entice customers is to offer sale along with limited time availability of the sale products.

Place Impulse Buying Products alongside Store’s Popular Products

The checkout area is not the only place where retailers can encourage Impulse buying. That is to say, retailers can place impulse products with the products high in demand. To appeal the customers, make a separate display of these products. Hence, it shall enable shoppers to focus on impulse products separately. Choose low-priced products for this purpose.

Use Enticing Language to promote Impulse Buying

Retailers need to create a sense of impulse buying in the customers’ minds. For this, it is imperative to use such phrases that invite customers towards impulse shopping. It creates more desire among the customers. Using the right words to market products is significant in retail. Understand the consumer psyche and use relevant phrases. Displaying products at the checkout counter and using appropriate language with it is the key to impulse buying.

Attract Customers towards Impulse Buying

Draw the customers’ attention towards impulse products. Grab buyers’ attention by highlighting the products through various ways. Firstly, use display signs where the impulse products are placed. Make these display signs prominent and eye-catching. Use captivating words on these displays that attract more customers, as mentioned above.

Secondly, use lighting to focus on the area offering impulse products. By using lights, the area of the store will become the centre of attention. Hence, it shall boost sales by drawing maximum customers.

Thirdly, and most importantly, using bold and bright colors is the key to gain customer attention. Retailers should make the impulse product section as bright as they can to help create the feeling they intend to create through impulse buy.

Predict Customer Needs

Impulse buying does not include specific or predefined products. Products that customers buy impulsively might be the same products that they impulsively buy in the next store as well. On the other hand, these impulse products can also be completely different. There is no set rule when it comes to choosing products for Impulse Buy.

To offer such impulse products that generate maximum sales, retailers need to know the customers and understand their demands and likes. Figure out which products they are searching for and which impulse products can you offer to them, that is of their interest.

Offer products that require less consideration

There are a number of other factors that deviate customers from impulse buying, apart from high prices. High prices do not motivate shoppers to buy. In fact they stop buyers from purchasing. Similarly, if customers are provided with too many options, it can also create a barrier in their shopping experience.

Impulse display products should not be excessive and must not provide variety of products. They should provide customers with limited options so that the customers can easily choose the products spontaneously.  

  Train Employees to Encourage Impulse Buying

One of the most under-rated and most effective tool to encourage impulse buying is the floor staff. Apart from the products and display, employees can play a significant role in compelling buyers to purchase impulsively. Employees should be aware of the items that they can suggest to the customers. Also, they should know how to draw customers’ attention to impulse displays.

Conclusion

Impulse buy is one of the most effective ways for brick-and-mortar retailers to increase their sales and stay competitive. By applying the above-mentioned tactics, the impulse buying experience for retailers can be enhanced by using good POS system and shall encourage buyers to purchase impulsively.

Excessive stock is definitely not a very ideal situation for retailers. That is to say, excessive stock takes up space that could otherwise be used for productive purposes. Moreover, it tightens the budget. Therefore it can keep retailers from investing in products they actually need. So it is essential for retailers that they pay attention to their stock management skills. To clarify, retailers must monitor their stock management methods because it is essential for them to make the right purchasing decision at the right time. Inventory accuracy enables retailers to have the exact knowledge about the stock. As a result, effective stock management can prevent the stock from going to waste.

However, excess inventory issues can emerge, because of certain factors that we cannot control. That is to say, there can be a sudden transition in trends. Further, demand forecasts can turn out to be inaccurate. Therefore retailers must not panic and follow the below-mentioned ways to get rid of the excessive stock.

Renew Market Strategies as an effective Stock Management Technique

There are times when retailers are not able to persuade customers to buy certain products. That is to say, there are some products that do not grab the attention of the customers. However, the issue might not be with the product itself. To clarify, the issue might be with the way retailers market and place their products. In the case of old and slow-moving inventory, retailers should try to refresh their marketing strategies. One significant way is to reposition the products in the store in a more attractive way. Retailers should make their products look new because customers do not buy such products that seem old and worn out. Further, retailers can re-photograph the items on their website. Moreover, they can write blogs and post the uses and benefits of the products that attract less customer attention.    

Place the items in various areas of the store

A significant way to deal with old inventory is to place it in different areas of the store. That is to say, place the items in more than one area or shelf. To clarify, retailers can place those products amongst the products that encourage impulse buying. Moreover, these products can also be placed on a shelf that contains similar products than the slow-moving item. Retailers must focus on retail analytics. That is to say, they must be aware of the areas of the store that draw customer traffic. Therefore, retailers must use that information to plan where to place the old and surplus inventory so that it catches customers’ eyes.

Put Old Items on discount

In case the items do not get sold applying the above-mentioned tactics, try lowering their price. Further retailers can create a sale event to display these discounted products. Moreover, retailers can run flash sales and store-wide events to draw a large number of customers towards the store and products. These events can be promoted in such a way that the entire focus is shifted towards the event and not on the worn-out items and their low prices. In addition, if these sale events are promoted the right way, retailers can gain regular customers. Therefore, retailers can not only liquidate inventories by creating such events but also increase their customers.

The Bundling Technique; A Successful Stock Management Skill

Another important technique for retailers is to bundle their items. In other words, it is a very popular technique among retailers. In short, try to group together similar products. Moreover, the overall price of these items enjoined together should be slightly less than the individual price of each product. Consequently, this shall save retailers from suffering immense damage or loss. Bundling products from the excess inventory on a discounted price is the ideal situation to get rid of surplus inventory. Consequently, it shall increase the average order value. Retailers can bundle the surplus stock along with other complementary products in the store. Secondly, retailers can bundle the slow-moving products with their fast selling products.  

Offer low-cost products as free gifts

Use low-cost products as giveaways and incentives. That is to say, these products can be given to the customers by offering it as a bribe. In other words, by giving a free gift to the customers, retailers can persuade the customers to sign up for their mail. Moreover, they can also persuade the customers to spend more because by doing so they will receive a free gift. As a result, customers get enticed by such offers and it helps retailers gain more profit than any loss. In addition, retailers should keep prominent signboards outside their store, to draw traffic and attention towards the store.

Boost the Staff’s Stock Management & Marketing Skills

There are times when it’s not just the inventories that need to be cleared. That is to say, at times the staff also needs a boost in their stock management and marketing skills. Therefore, retailers must keep an eye on the staff and monitor their selling behavior and approach towards products. As a result, retailers can encourage employees and re-train them. Similarly, retailers can also encourage the promotion of slow-moving products. Consequently, it will help draw customers’ focus on that specific item. Therefore, retailers should make their staff either wear or use the product in the store to generate customer interest.

Try to Exchange or Return Products

If the inventory stocks are immense, retailers should try to contact their vendors in such situations. There might be the option to either exchange the items with other in-demand products or with credit. In such cases, retailers should take care of the product being undamaged. However, retailers must ensure that they are not ruining their relationship with their vendor because they need to have good terms with them. Above all, if the retailers have a good relationship with their vendor, they have more chances to opt for this idea. Certainly, the vendors too do not want the products to go in waste; therefore, the vendor, as well as the retailer, tries to find a way out for the unsold items.   

Invest in Stock Management Software

Retailers should invest in effective software that helps with stock management. That is to say, retailers must have software such as a Point of Sale system that manages inventories well. A good POS system makes stock management simple and easy for retailers. Moreover, the Point of Sale system enables retailers to keep track of inventories. Therefore, it saves retailers from being understock and overstock.

Conclusion

The best way to deal with the issue of surplus inventories is to not let inventories overstock in the first place. In other words, retailers must focus on their stock management techniques and re-evaluate them if needed. Therefore retailers must monitor customer responses on the items regularly. Secondly, retailers must order the merchandise keeping in mind the customer needs and choice. Therefore, retailers can save themselves from excess unused stock by engaging customers and observing their behavior.

“Determine what your customers need, and work backwards.”

Jeff Bezos

Loyalty program are significant as they help market strategies. They are meant to promote businesses and encourage customers to use services and continue shopping. A good loyalty system must have certain features that make it effective and exclusive.

Why adopt a loyalty program for your business?

Research shows that members of a Loyalty Program spend more as compared to the ones without it. 77% of customers say that it is due to the Loyalty Program that they stay loyal to a brand. Therefore Loyalty Programs are essential for businesses as customers want to be recognized due to their loyalty to a brand.

Let’s have a look at the basic and most important features of a Loyalty Program.

Simplicity

Loyalty Programs should be simple. Complexity demands a lot of effort. Customers should be kept away from complicated procedures. Benefit should come with convenience. More simple it is, more poeople will become part of it.

Customer Lifetime Value

An effective Loyalty Program has customer lifetime value. For this, retailers need to know about customer demands and wants. A good Loyalty Program must be able to gather customer data and develop predictive analytics.

Offers in Loyalty Program

Customers are loyal to brands that give them discounts and other shopping benefits from time to time. A Loyalty Program must have rewards and offers for loyal customers. Retailers need to keep a track of which offers are most productive and what other strategies can be made to make the most out of rewards and discounts.

Personalized Products

Loyalty Programs that offer personalized products are a must. Customers remain loyal to brands that allow them to personalize products. Loyalty Program members should be offered free customization. They should be able to order customized products.

Innovative Ideas for Loyalty program

We all want innovation in life. Similarly, customers need innovative offers and new experiences when it comes to shopping. Keep updating products and services to keep customers engaged and loyal. Without innovation, customers can get bored and due to monotony, there is a chance of fewer sales. Create exclusive and innovative ideas for customers such as access to sales and products not launched in stores yet. 

Customer Participation

Loyal customers want participation in product designing and manufacturing. Most valued customers can help you choose new products for the store.

Rapid Checkout Line

Loyal customers must be provided with rapid checkout lines in stores to value their loyalty. These fast checkout lines must exclusively be provided to the high ranked customers.

Surprising Element

Loyalty programs are about gaining the member’s loyalty to the brand. Provide clients with surprise gifts and rewards. It illustrates the personal involvement of the retailer and helps build a strong and healthy customer-retailer relationship.

Conclusion

These are some of the essential features that constitute a Loyalty Programs. To stand out in the competitive retail industry and to engage more customers, it is essential to value loyal customers first. The efficiency of the Loyalty Programs can be affected if retailers do not engage customers at the right time. A good POS system or program could b loyal to its customers.

An essential part of the Retail Industry is to experience different types of customers and to deal with them. There are customers who are flexible and easy-going. On the contrary, there are also such customers who are demanding and difficult. Their needs are unique and complex. Retailers have to deal with various types of customers on a daily basis.

Dealing with these various types of customers is necessary for retailers. Below is a list of the type of customers that retailers might encounter and ways to deal with them.   

Up to date and Well Informed Buyer

Most of the buyers are up to date and well informed these days. Buyers thoroughly and carefully research before shopping at a particular store. They are well aware of the products in stock. Therefore be prepared because when such customers walk into the stores, they are already fully aware of the products available in that store.

For successful sales experience, connect with customers during their research period and we should know what types of customers they are and what are their needs. For this purpose, make sure that the customers are getting relevant information regarding products on their mobile phones or through emails.

Increase the social media presence and have maximum engagement with your customers. Also, be aware of the customer queries either through mail or social media and respond instantly.

The best way to deal with well-informed customers is to listen to what they have to say, instead of flooding them with offers.

Also, make sure to provide the well-informed customer with such knowledge that is new to them and something that did not come across them in their research period. Further, highlight such aspects that only your store has to offer.

The Window Shopper

The window shopper has no intention to buy. They just visit stores for amusement and pastime. They might be interested in particular products but their aim is not to purchase. They just want to view and analyze products.

Although dealing with such customers seems boring and aimless, but it is essential to acknowledge them. Simple acknowledgment is enough. Do not keep chasing them as they have not visited the store with the intention to buy. Such customers usually inform the salesperson that they are in the store just to browse. Make them feel welcomed and introduce them with one or two new products or about the sale. It is better to let them be until they require assistance.

To get these wanderers to buy, retailers can enhance the presentation of their store. Also, the best and the most profitable products can be highlighted to attract them. Retailers can also encourage Impulse Purchase. Easy-to-grab items are compelling enough to the window shoppers to grasp one or two items.

The Indecisive Buyer

The Indecisive buyer is not sure as to what to buy. They are confused about the items in the store. Such buyers are either not well informed before they come to shop or they are too informed and like too many products that confuse them and affect their decision making power.

The best way to deal with such customers is to know about their needs and lead them towards such products. Guiding them and trying to resolve their confusion is the key to such customers. If such customers are interested in buying more than one product, it is easy to persuade them to do so. Provide them with detailed information about the products, in case they are comparing several products.

Loyal and Regular type of Customers

Retailers should make sure to remain in contact with regular buyers through email, social media, etc. They greatly influence sales and are an asset to the business. There is nothing more valuable to a loyal customer than to appreciate them and their frequent presence at the store.

Regular customers are the best and easiest of all customers. They know well about the store and its latest products. They exactly know what to purchase. There is a level of trust among such customers and that is what drives them towards the store frequently. This makes the selling process easier as such customers are not demanding and difficult.

Need-Based types of Customers

The purpose of Need-Based Customers is to search for their desired product and leave the store as soon as the need is fulfilled. They are in search of the product that they are in need of and shall leave if they do not find it. Their reason to shop can be limited to a particular event, a specific need, etc. Although it is a bit difficult to deal with such customers, they can be turned into loyal customers if their demand is fulfilled and if they find products that they are in need of.

There is no need to get in their way and to bombard them with the information they are not in need of. They are on a mission and they are firm at only achieving that. They should be provided with simple and to the point replies to their queries.

If such customers are in a hurry do not bother them. If they are done with the buying process, speed-up their check-out process to save time. Retailers should know the types of customers

The Bargain Hunters; Types of Customers

Bargain hunters are in search of products with the lowest prices. They are not regular buyers and have no intention to be amongst such buyers as well. Although it is also not easy to handle such customers as they are not willing to buy products that exceed their desired price rate. Such customers need to be assured that they are getting a good deal. Retailers can also highlight high-quality products.

If they are not willing to buy on any term, note down their demands so that they can be informed later during promotions and sales.

The Talkative Buyer ; Types of Customers

Such customers love to talk while shopping. At times, they can keep the salesperson from doing their job. The salesperson needs to be polite to such customers, but they need to make sure that in doing so the other customers are not being affected and ignored. There is no need for the attendant to indulge with them if they are off-topic or are affecting their duties.

Conclusion

Handling customers on a daily basis is a necessary aspect of the retail world. Retailers need to be engaged with their customers to an extent where they know what their customer demands from them, before customer demand, as Steve Jobs states while explaining the retailer-customer relationship;

“Get closer than ever to your customers. So close that you tell them

what they need well before they realize it themselves.”

Success in the retail business highly depends on knowing customers and understanding their unique traits and thought patterns. In order to deal with these various customers and to be able to fulfill their demands, retailers can keep a record of their purchases and preferences. For this, a good POS System for retail is required. It helps retailers and attendants to a considerable extent.

The pressure is always on when it comes to the retail industry and shall only increase in the coming times. To be able to overshadow the evolving competitors, tolerance to understand the customer psyche is required. It is essential to keep a keen eye on the set behavior patterns that operate the customers’ decision-making process.

A recent research revealed that 95% of vendors are in favor of Omnichannel approach. They believe that it is essential in increasing sales and growing customer base.

In today’s highly digitized world, retailers have a variety of ways to channel sales and to connect with their customers. They can boost sales by attracting customers to their brick-and-mortar store, through various online platforms. Either it is the brick and mortar store or online shopping, consumers should be provided with a seamless customer experience through all available channels.

Ways to Improve Sales through Omnichannel

The world’s top brands have been following Omnichannel retail. There are a few Omnichannel strategies; discussed below, that retailers must stick to, in order to grow sales and remain competitive.

Enhance Customer Experience

Understand the customer demands to enhance the customer experience. Either it is in-store shopping experience or online, know the customer preferences. Retailers can understand customer behavior by knowing their preferences. Hence, they can make marketing strategies and offer specific products for specific channels, based on customer demands.

Create a Responsive Website

A responsive website ensures that the website showcases clearly the products, services and different functions of the website to the customers on any screen. Whether the customers purchase through mobiles or through desktops, it is significant to have a responsive website that accommodates to both these types of customers without hindering their shopping experience. As a result, it helps increase sales by enhancing the shopping experience.

Keep products available at all channels

Customers lose interest immediately if they cannot find their desired product. Most importantly, if they do not find their product online, it is most likely that they will not waste time visiting the store, even if it has the same product.

Generally, customers search online first before visiting stores. Therefore it is essential to provide real-time visibility of products to customers across all available channels. It is common that the customers will shift to other retailers in case they do not find their desired product on time. In-time availability of products keeps customers happy and loyal and hence augments sales.  

Personalize the Omnichannel Experience

Customers face unique experiences while shopping online or in-store. They shop online by simply clicking whereas through in-store shopping, customers receive special treatment from the salesperson.

In other words, retailers need to enhance their omnichannel shopping experience. They can personalize the online checkout procedure. Further, retailers can recommend products to customers and guide them accordingly. Moreover, retailers can provide customer service representatives to facilitate customers online or through phone support. This shall add a human touch to the customers’ customary shopping experience. By personalizing the customer experience, there is a chance of more sales as customers want to be treated specially and separately.    

Retailers should make sure that their business is noticeable and accessible across all channels to get maximum sales. An effective Cloud POS System immensely helps retailers easily manage stores and various channels.

We cannot deny the fact that customers today use more than one channel before making the decision to purchase. Retailers need to be smart enough to ensure that they are reaching various channels efficiently and catering to the customers’ needs. The omnichannel approach not only makes retailers distinctive and prominent but also increases customers and boost sales.      

Attracting customers is the key to running brick-and-mortar stores. The more consumers retailers shall attract, the more opportunities they will have to increase sales and engage customers. Consequently, this results in high retail store revenues.

There are a number of things retailers can do to attract customers to their store. This article shares some tips that shall help retailers increase customers by using various ways to attract them.

Ways to Attract customers to Your Retail Store

Have a Well-maintained Storefront

A well-maintained storefront is a key to attract customers. Customers do not visit stores that have shabby and dirty looks, for example, unwashed floors, greasy windows, and dusty products. Therefore retailers should keep abreast of the store’s maintenance tasks.

Retailers must make it a priority to clean their stores on a daily basis. However, other store maintenance tasks can be done monthly or yearly, for example paint, polishing the furniture, etc.

The best way to check the look of the store is to look at the store’s front from the outside. Retailers can thoroughly examine which areas of the store need improvement. Further, they shall be able to identify minute details relating to the retail store that needs to be upgraded or improved.

Retailers can assign daily tasks to workers to clean the retail store. Employees can also perform these tasks. However, retailers can also appoint a third-party to maintain the cleanliness of the store.

Be Innovative in enhancing the Store’s front

Retailers need to think outside the box and enhance the storefront by being creative. That is to say, retailers should not go with typical window displays but they can enhance their displays by adding additional and distinctive elements, for example, they can use witty messages and catchy slogans. Certainly, such phrases attract customers to enter the retail store.

Further, retailers can mention any specialty or unique offer that they are providing to the customers. Retailers need to be innovative and think of such storefront boards that appeal to customers and draw them towards the store.

Ensure that the Retail Staff looks Welcoming and Attentive for retail store

Retailers should ensure that their employees behave in a manner that pleases customers. If employees look dull and uninterested, there is a chance that customers will keep away from visiting such retail stores. Retailers must train their employees on the way they look and their behavior. Most importantly, they should take care of their conduct and disposition even in the absence of customers. Further, ensure that they look busy and welcoming so that the customers feel received. Consequently, it shall have a delightful effect and a lasting impression on them.

Focus on Customer Service for your retail store

Employee behavior with the customer holds significant value. If the rest of the aspects of the store are perfect and the employees are not able to provide good customer service, there is no point in putting all the effort into enhancing and upgrading the other aspects of the store.

In short, one of the most effective ways to attract customers to the retail store is to provide them with excellent customer service. Poor service on the part of the employees leads to a loss of customers. Hence, ultimately, resulting in a loss of sales and profit. Poor customer treatment has more adverse effects on the customers as compared to a poor product.

Millions of dollars are spent on marketing but if the customer service is not adequate, the money spent on marketing will go to waste. Retailers have a single chance to gain the trust of the customers. Therefore, they cannot afford to lose even a single customer. Bad service can destroy the name and reputation of a brand. Similarly, bad service at the cash counters can also leave a poor impression on the customers. The solution to this is an effective POS System as it saves time and effort and gives an untroubled and amazing experience to customers.

A few ways to help retailers build good customer service in their retail store are:

• Spend time to train employees
• Prepare employees to deal with difficult and impolite customers.
• Teach employees to be welcoming and attentive at all times.

Be active on Social Media & Online Platforms  

It is a digital age and people are a lot more active on social media. Instead of complaining about the excess use of social media, retailers should try to use it for their benefit. It has become mandatory for retailers to have their presence online. Retailers need to create an online store for their business and provide customers with buying options. As a result, it shall not only help grow sales but also create brand awareness and attract customers to the physical retail store.

Provide Customers with Click and Collect option for your retail store

Retailers should offer the click and collect service to the customers. As a result, clients will lead themselves to retail stores automatically. People nowadays prefer to have their purchased items delivered at any other location apart from their residential address. In addition, many such customers are also willing to pick their bought items from the stores. This way there is a likelihood that the customers visiting the retail store to pick their order can buy other products along with it.  

Conclusion

We hope this article shall help you to attract more customers to the retail store. Rumors are that the brick-and-mortar retail stores are dying and that online shopping is gaining control of the retail world. However, this rumor is far from reality. We cannot deny the fact that e-commerce is huge. Having said that, the brick-and-mortar stores are still well received and in demand. In other words, the brick-and-mortar retail is only changing and will not cease to exist anytime soon. Therefore, retailers need to provide a compelling in-store experience to customers.

It is an undeniable fact that the common aspiration of all retailers is to make profit and increase sales. However, if the sales team does not perform effectively, there is a possibility that the employees need professional staff training that results in productive outcomes. In short, there are certain ways that retailers can follow to train their staff. As a result, the staff will be a means to boost sales through improved and proficient training.

Look for the Employees Innate Attitude

Retailers cannot train the staff entirely based on teaching methods. That is to say, apart from training, the innate attitude and manner of the staff members also count a lot. Therefore the key is to hire individuals with the right attitude because it is easier to train an employee who is ready to take in the knowledge that retailers provide them with and is open to learning. On the other hand, it is hardly possible to transform a person who is difficult, unmanageable and has a negative manner.

In the same vein, W. Clement Stone; an American businessman and philanthropist, states, while mentioning the attitudes of the salesperson and its effect on the sales;

“Sales are contingent upon the attitude of the salesman – not the attitude of the prospect.”

To sum up, retailers should ensure to look at the employees’ nature and temperament while hiring them. Certainly, it is of more value, than, experience and knowledge. Retailers can think of ways that help them understand the individual’s traits and disposition by conducting quizzes and surveys.

Plan Staff Training methods based on Employees’ Calibre and Intellect

Once the retailers have passed the recruitment phase, they should get to know each individual separately and understand how much each individual is ready to take in. Therefore, based on this research, plan the staff training methods accordingly.

Retailers should know each and every detail of the employee, for instance, who they are, what their interests are, and the reason behind their job as a salesperson; is it out of interest or by force. Consequently, retailers will be able to motivate them during staff training by knowing what motivates them to work. Also, the staff training methods can be planned based on the individual’s preferred learning methods.

Training and imparting knowledge are such fields that cannot be achieved successfully without knowing well the learner and their capacity level and intellect. Hence, it is a prerequisite to know the employee well first and to help them master the art of salesmanship in order to expect a boost in sales and profit.

Jeff Hoffman; Chief Evangelist at Global Entrepreneurship Network has rightly said,

“When reps take the role of a curious student rather than an informed expert, buyers are much more inclined to engage.” (Jeff Hoffman )

Use Multiple Learning Methods for Staff Training

Employees can learn best when they learn through various techniques and methods. The more aspects through which employees are trained, the more productive their learning will be. Consequently, they shall be able to retain that information more.

In short, retailers should use multiple learning methods while training employees, to enable the employees to comprehend and perceive successfully what is being imparted to them.

Retailers can train employees using various methods, for example, interactive method, e-learning training, video training, mentoring, etc. Most importantly, retailers should help employees learn at their own pace and according to their mindset because eventually, it is the employee who is able to learn on their own by putting effort and interest.

“You can’t teach people everything they need to know. The best you can do is position them where they can find what they need to know when they need to know it.”

– Seymour Papert

Apply the Role Playing Technique

Role-playing is an essential technique when it comes to training employees to boost sales. It is through role-playing, that the employees get clearer about customer dealing and understand better through practice and implementation.

Graff Retail suggests several ways to enact role-playing amongst employees. Firstly, the retailers should keep role-playing casual by re-enacting sales conversations. Secondly, role-playing can be based on a one-on-one training session. So, it will be just the retailer and the staff member. As a result, it will help boost employee confidence and give them the freedom to learn. Thirdly, act out both the accepted as well as the unaccepted rules and customs. Consequently, this shall help employees understand better how to improve their manner and deal with customers more constructively.

“It’s play that makes people unafraid to fail and confident to try new things. It’s play that helps us do serious things better because we enjoy them and feel a sense of joy in our achievements.”

                                           -Jake Orlowitz; Founder of the Wikipedia Library

Give your Employees Empowerment & Freedom

Retailers should focus on the staff training program. There might be some cases relating to the retailer’s business that do not require hard and fast rules. In other words, there might be some situations in which the employees can perform better if they feel empowered and are given the freedom to be creative, for example, retailers can give employees a free hand while serving and dealing with customers.

Successful British business magnate; Sir Richard Branson states that

“innovation happens when people are given the freedom to ask questions and the resources and power to find the answers.”

Conclusion

Through effective and regular staff training, the sales team will perform better, resulting in a growth in profits and sales. Retailers can get help because it is not necessary that they have to train employees themselves. Outside professionals can be hired for this job. There are a number of trainers out there who plan staff training programs efficiently.

Moreover, it is better if retailers get training from their vendors when it comes to software. These vendors usually provide training about their products and services. As a result, it helps retailers flourish by gaining maximum benefit through the training sessions.

In the same vein, Teranoid conducts regular workshops and training sessions on how to operate and manage sales through the Teranoid POS System. Consequently, it helps train retailers first and then their employees to use the software constructively and to its maximum capacity.