Why Do We Still Want in In-Person Retail Experiences?
If you saw our blog on "E-Commerce Reality Check: Unveiling the True Impact of Online Sales in Canada," you might be ready for the second half of the story. if you didn’t catch it find it right here:
Why Do We Still Want in In-Person Retail Experiences?
It turns out we are still humans who crave human-to-human contact. In fact, since the pandemic, we are craving it more than ever!
There are four components to what we love about it, and we offer some ideas on how you can work with that.
🕵️♀️ Discovery
We love that feeling of discovering just what we were looking for. How many times have you given the satisfied squeal – “It's perfect!!” The thrill is in the search! And when we can do so in person, we value it more.
How can you make your store a place of awe and discovery?
Curate unique and limited-edition items that can’t be found online.
Change displays frequently to keep the shopping experience fresh and exciting.
Host scavenger hunts or treasure finds for special items.
🌟 Feeling
There are some stores we walk into, and we just sigh. It's like being transported to a different world. It takes our breath away or at least takes away all thoughts of what we might have been worried about before popping in the shop. The ambiance of a store connects us in a way we can’t experience online. The more senses you can delight (sight, sound, touch, taste, smell), the more we want to explore.
What sense can you delight with?
Use scent marketing with subtle, pleasant aromas.
Play background music that matches your brand’s vibe.
Offer samples of products that engage taste and touch.
🤝 Connecting
Interacting with your staff is a key difference maker! If there is anything we can emphasize, it's to have not only knowledgeable staff but staff that understand your brand and your story. This way, at every turn, your customer knows this exceptional experience can’t be had anywhere but in your shop.
How can you ramp up staff training to really provide an experience your customer will rave about?
Regular training sessions focused on how you can uniquely delight your customer.
Storytelling workshops to help staff convey the brand narrative effectively.
Incentives for staff who consistently go above and beyond in customer interaction.
🎉 Thrill
Yup, we just love it when you turn our shopping experience into a thrill. What might be thrilling for your customer? Maybe it’s a live demo, a book reading, live music, a champagne toast, or a solstice party.
Need more ideas? We’d love to help.
We offer two-on-one coaching so you can ramp up your in-person shopping experience.
Let’s make shopping fun again!
So, what do you think? Ready to transform your retail space into a hub of discovery, feeling, connection, and thrill? We’re here to guide you every step of the way.
