5 tips for retail recovery How to get people back in stores

Retailers everywhere are eager for customers to return. The question is how to attract shoppers back to the store. With social distancing and pandemic restrictions easing up in many markets, retail spending is increasing as businesses are reopening and people are returning to work and traveling. Robust marketing, new payment option acceptance and loyalty programs are vital considerations for retailers hoping to increase in-store foot traffic. Personalised service and customer attention can build loyalty and increase the average ticket value. But how can businesses help ensure that consumers will return to their stores? Here are five tips retailers should consider in order to get people back into their stores.

This blog post is based on an article from the Discover® Global Network. The original English article from 30 August 2022 can be read here.

1. Market to current customers

Customers have their favourite stores, and loyal customers should be recognized and targeted by businesses, as they can be an advocate for a brand and promote it to like-minded individual. Beyond relying on friends and family, consumers often turn to online reviews either to leave comments or seek guidance. According to a recent survey, 84% of customers value and trust online reviews as much as word-of-mouth recommendations.

2. Build loyalty

Who doesn’t love a deal? Offering special discounts or loyalty programs to store visitors and incentivizing online shoppers to visit in person are great ways to increase the average ticket value. Loyalty programs reward or attract new shoppers while offering in-store coupons and gifts is an allure that promises to save customers money, which may incentivize increased spending.

3. Make checkout quick and easy

Today’s customers are in a hurry and want to avoid a lengthy checkout experience. Whether on the busiest shopping day of the year or during off-peak hours, merchants have a tangible opportunity to reinforce customer satisfaction when they are in-store, so it’s crucial to make the checkout process seamless. Having well-trained employees and up-to date mobile options, even in-store, can help minimize long waits in the checkout process and is a great way to gain loyal customers.

4. Offer “try before you buy”

Discounts are great, but shoppers also love to taste, smell and sample products before buying. The “try before you buy” shopping experience can add excitement and provide a sense of engagement. It’s the hands-on experience people have been craving since lockdown, and the main objective is to ensure customer satisfaction.

5. Increase store hours

Customers have varying schedules and busy lives, and while some people like to shop during

the hustle and bustle of peak hours, others prefer to come when stores have fewer shoppers. Extending business hours or promoting additional times that allow people to choose to shop in-store when it’s convenient for them is a powerful way to increase traffic.

This can mean that businesses need to hire more staff to cover extended hours or consider investing in technologies like self-checkout kiosks if available staff is difficult to secure.