Retail has had its fair share of hard knocks over the past five years, this is why eCommerce is becoming the future of businesses like yours.

People search for everything online now. It’s inevitable.

Wondering when your favourite thrift shop is open? Google it. What time does the cute coffee shop down the street close? Bing that. Where do you find the newest Nikes in time for that special birthday? Ask Jeeves. Well, not that one, but you get my point.

Have you left your website to fall into obscurity? Has your CX (customer experience) update fallen by the wayside to make room for other priorities?

If the answer is yes, don’t worry, it happens! With how quickly processes and software products become obsolete, you’re forgiven for falling slightly behind. This is where we come in.

Our blog series on the ever-changing world of retail will act as the perfect buffer between where you are now, and where you’re aiming to be (other than at our upcoming Retail Summit in Boston).

Here’s how, if done correctly, your eCommerce is the future of your business.

The role of eCommerce in your day-to-day.

As the last few years show, there has been a notable shift in consumer patterns. Covid-19, the rise in smartphone use, whatever it is – there will always be myriad factors to a customer pattern change.

As a consumer-focused industry, it’s all about the customer, meaning retail itself must reflect the needs of the consumer.

At our recent Retail Summit, Nuno Bamberg, SVP of brand and marketing with SleepCountry, perfectly said: “Our job is to deliver the best experience for [the customer].”

This rings true for both eCommerce and brick and mortar establishments. So, with the shift towards a digital marketplace, how do you rise to the challenge? How do you make your website work for you?

Improve your CX

CX is something we talk about a lot (as previous Summits show). Why? Because your CX is an informative intro to your business. It could take someone hours to reach your storefront, whereas it takes seconds to find your website.

This will be your potential customer’s first contact point, meaning if your eCommerce store is clunky and outdated, you’re less likely to convert that clickthrough to a sale.

People love simplicity and accessibility.

There are many ways you can improve your CX – AI being one of them. By using AI you can personalize offers on your site, implement 24/7 support, and process then send updates on a purchase.

By carving a clear path from your introduction point to your sales point, you streamline the entire process, reminding customers just how easy it is to come to your eCommerce platform.

Integrate eCommerce sales data

Who would we be if we didn’t mention data? It’s at the beating heart of everything we do, and, chances are, the same goes for your company.

How can you spot opportunities and recognize challenges without the data to back it up?

Integrating accounting software and implementing AI for your eStore will be paramount for stronger financial control.

AI-lead data processing can help you flag fluctuations in demand as well as forecast future sales. If one product is lying dormant in your stock, you can reference previous sales trends and decide whether to remove it from your stock, or only top up during specific sales periods.

Omnichannel optimization

As the old saying goes: “There’s more than one way to skin a cat.” Minus the graphic imagery, the sentiment remains.

To increase website sales, building an omnichannel customer experience is a surefire way to increase your exposure.

The concept behind the omnichannel experience is giving your customers the same experience irrespective of their chosen platform. Selling your products on your website is one thing, your store, a second, but how about an app? Why not feature on Amazon or eBay?

By allowing interaction cross-platform, your consumer base will be able to buy your product whether they visit your website directly or not.

With some marketing tactics, you could offer discounts if they do purchase from your website or app, driving brand loyalty.

What’s next?

Your retail business is unique, something to champion, but without finessing your eCommerce platform, you’ll face the same challenges as the tech-avoidant members of your community.

Our Retail Panel in Boston will offer invaluable and unique insight into eCommerce, retail and the way embracing technology can push for a productive tomorrow.

If you’d like to book a spot, or ask any questions, don’t hesitate to get in touch. Together, we can outpace the speed of change.