Retail Trends: The growing popularity of click-and-collect

Retail Trends: The growing popularity of click-and-collect

The Covid-19 pandemic forced us to re-evaluate how we, as humans, function on a day-to-day basis in many areas of our lives. Businesses were forced to do the same.

Retailers, for example, had to adapt quickly with the implementation of the first national lockdown. Some were able to do this successfully, while others were not so fortunate.

One of the more noticeable changes that were implemented, was the option for customers to place an order online and drive to the store to pick it up. This was the ideal way for retailers to maintain necessary social distancing while continuing to drive sales.

Worldwide click-and-collect has become a convenient option for shoppers. Its growing popularity as a service was certainly accelerated by the pandemic, but there are various reasons why shoppers like this method of shopping –

·??????They want to avoid delivery costs;

·??????They don’t want to wait for deliveries;

·??????They enjoy the convenience of this service as it saves valuable time; and

·??????For others, it is a more private way of shopping.

As a retailer, you will inevitably ask yourself: should I offer a click-and-collect service at my store?

Listed below are a few factors to consider if you are thinking of adding click-and-collect as part of your omnichannel strategy.

• Evaluate the resources that you have at your disposal.
• Available parking for your customers to park conveniently while they wait for their shopping is essential.
• Do you have the necessary technology to manage your specific retail category’s inventory and keep track of orders?

The advantages of setting up a click-and-collect service are worth noting:

• Increased sales volumes can be achieved without having to increase retail space.
• Delivery costs are eliminated.
• Retailers can gain new online-orientated customers.
• Providing a good service can strengthen your brand and give you an edge over your competitors.
• It will encourage shoppers to shop locally.

As shoppers’ behaviour continues to evolve, they will appreciate the flexibility and ease that comes with supporting a click-and-collect service.

If you would like to offer a click-and-collect service to your customers and you have limited retail space, register on PolygonProp to virtually search for a suitable retail space for your business.

Bring your ideas to fruition by browsing more than 350 malls virtually via Google Street View and breathe life into the search for a retail space that will support your omnichannel strategy for the future.

Sources: Shopify Retail Blog & National Retail Federation

Written by the PolygonProp team - 28 April 2022