Virtual shopping experiences have become the norm for many consumers, however since the world spent most 2021 in lockdown, many people still want the in-store experience. Therefore, it is essential to ensure that retailers are delivering both a digital and physical in-store experience for your customers.

Working with some of the UK’s top retailers, here are six ways we have worked with some of our merchants to align their digital experience with their in-store experience.

Moving beyond the ‘Buy Button’

Buy buttons are essential, but they are only a part of the purchasing process. Embedded finance makes it possible for customers to finance their purchases when they’re in your store. A BNPL solution provides consumers with greater flexibility in payments, especially for larger purchases. It allows them to make a purchase that otherwise would not fit into their budget. Retailers that offer in-store instalment payments, are not only increasing consumer payment choice but also improving their customers’ experience when it comes to accepting payment. If integrated properly it can be a seamless process, compared to applying for in-store credit.

Customer Loyalty and QR Codes

Providing incentives for loyalty can go beyond gift cards or discounts as well. Consider using QR codes or other technology to provide exclusive content to loyal shoppers. For example, if your business sells makeup, create exclusive “how-to” videos or product tips that can be accessed through a QR code on the packaging. This is something customers will only get if they buy the product in-store, not online, which could encourage them to come back repeatedly.

Provide an escapist experience

Consumers love being able to disappear into a new world when shopping in person. That’s why immersive experiences like flagship stores have been so successful for many retailers. Retailers such as Sports Direct, Coca Cola, Lego, & Nike. Creating an escapist environment can help your customers get away from their everyday lives, helping them create a deeper connection with your store and products. And that can be enough to keep them coming back for more immersive fun!

Bring online conveniences in-store

Some perks of shopping online include the ability to get a sneak peek at what’s new, check out product reviews, compare prices, create wishlist’s and more. if you can bring some of these experiences into your physical store, you’ll be ahead of the game.

Build your in-store content

In-store content can be rich and useful in several ways. It could be something as simple as making sure your sales staff are knowledgeable and up to date on your products, creating displays that explain different aspects of your brand or products, giving in-store demos, or bringing online shopping benefits to in-store shopping, such as same day delivery.

Shopping Convenience

It’s convenient to shop online, but lots of brands are bringing the convenience of online shopping into the physical world too. The multinational retailer Marks & Spencer, for example, has developed an app that streamlines its customers’ in-store shopping experience. Their app allows customers to scan items while they shop and then upload them to a digital shopping cart without having to wait in line. In this way, shoppers can keep track of the items they want while they’re in-store, effectively bringing a physical store experience into their online world. Our customer Zara is also encouraging in-store shopping through an easy and free return process.

Conclusion

Going to a brick-and-mortar store will always be the most comfortable way to shop for many shoppers.  The experience consumers get from a physical store cannot be replicated online. Many customers want to visit stores and discover new shopping experiences, However, there are still things that you, as a merchant, can do to make the customer experience a memorable and immersive one.

If you’re looking for help improving your in-store experience for customers, be sure to get in touch with us today. Or click here to find out the future of UK retail payments.