What’s Next for Retail: Strategies for Growth
Since March, as a result of the pandemic, the shopping experience has changed for many people across the country. They’re ordering online more often, doing curbside pickup and using local delivery services. It’s not clear how permanent these changes may be, but for now, the fundamental shopping experience is much different than what it was in December of last year.
Retail businesses need to pivot and make new plans to meet the demands of consumers. It’s not just about weathering the pandemic and subsequent economic fallout; it’s about positioning for the future of omni-channel sales. Now’s the time to grow—even thrive—in a changing retail environment.
I’ll be hosting AT&T Business’s next #BIZTALK’s Twitter chat on retail strategies for the ‘new norm’ on Tuesday, November 17 at 12 pm CDT. Add it to your calendar with this link. My guests and I will discuss the technologies and strategies future market leaders are adopting now, and how retailers can plan for the future. Here’s a quick preview.
Frictionless Customer Experience
With new shopping paradigms come new customer expectations. Retailers need to meet and exceed those expectations to ensure a frictionless experience for buyers across online, in-store, curbside and delivery options. This means avoiding inventory discrepancies, coordinating efficient fulfillment and reducing customer wait times.
Technology’s role in a frictionless customer experience is central. Retailers need to adopt digital solutions for everything from inventory control to supply chain security. Most importantly, retailers need to bring visibility to the fulfillment process and create traceability from order to delivery.
This customer experience imperative is even stronger for SMB retailers. Businesses that usually rely on foot traffic or seasonal events need new strategies to connect with customers — without breaking the bank. SMB is my area of expertise, so the conversation will definitely cover adaptive strategies for that sector.
Technology is Key
As quickly as the shopping experience is changing, new solutions are emerging. Live queuing and visual inventory can ensure customers are socially distanced and in numbers below mandated requirements. Contact center solutions make it easier for businesses to provide frictionless and consistent customer service. We’re even beginning to see fulfillment solutions capable of coordinating even the most complex orders, regardless of origination.
Industry leaders of the future are already making smart investments in technology to develop these capabilities — and evolving their processes and skills to take full advantage of the technology.
Join Me on Twitter to Chat About Retail Growth Strategies
Get expert perspective on these topics and more in our #BIZTALKS Twitter chat. I’ll be joined by experts Melissa Gonzalez, Dez Blanchfield, Kevin Jackson and more.
Join us Tuesday, November 17 at 12 pm CDT where we’ll discuss:
- Changing retail paradigms and customer expectations
- Challenges and opportunities for omni-channel retail
- Emerging technologies and strategies for retail growth
- Important pillars and focuses for retailers in 2021 and beyond
Follow @ATTBusiness on Twitter and visit the hashtag #BIZTALKS for the chat. Feel free to submit your own comments and questions under that hashtag, as well. You can also follow me @StaceyAMarx, @melsstyles, @dez_blanchfield, and @kevin_jackson.
Click here to set a calendar reminder.