It is true that some businesses no longer have physical locations, and they have gone to a strictly e-commerce model. For the companies that still have brick-and-mortar locations, though, times have rolled along, and there are technological upgrades that should be implemented.
While some of them can be considered frivolous, for the customer experience that will keep people coming back, these five should be regarded as essential.
Self Checkouts
Self-checkout lines have sped up the buying process significantly for customers at a variety of different stores. Lots of grocery stores have them, as well as hardware stores like Lowes and Home Depot. Bix box stores like Target and Walmart have them, and usually, they allow people who are checking out to speed through and get back to their day. It’s the rare person who doesn’t prefer the self-checkout. Usually, all they require is one store employee to keep an eye on several of the kiosks.
A Store App
Store apps are useful because they allow people to find things quickly and easily when they are on the go. For instance, to use the example of a hardware store again, a customer at Home Depot can go in, use the app for their local store to locate whatever product it is that they need, and they will immediately be directed to the correct aisle. They can even look at the app and get a description of the product if they want to know more details about it.
Places to Look Up Prices
Many stores also have stations located throughout them now where a customer can scan a barcode and get the price of an item if they didn’t see the cost marked anywhere when they picked it up. This is another method of speeding the shopping trip along. If these stations aren’t available, the person shopping has to locate a store employee and ask them. It’s inconvenient for both the shopper and employee.
Automatic Doors
Most stores have automatic doors at this juncture, but there are still some that don’t. Automatic doors make it much easier for customers to get in and out who are carrying large, cumbersome burdens. If a customer is trying to make a return, and they can’t get in the door because their arms are full, they are glad of the presence of an automatic entryway. The same is true when they are on their way out.
Motorized Chairs
For customers who cannot get around on their own easily, many stores have started stocking a few motorized chairs with shopping baskets attached in the front. For customers who have reduced mobility, this comes in handy. It’s a nice thing for stores to do, as it indicates that they are thinking of customers who aren’t as able-bodied as others.
For stores that still have brick-and-mortar locations, it is essential that these sorts of improvements be implemented. If they are not present, it serves as more incentive for potential customers to start buying what they need online instead. Brick-and-mortar stores will probably always have their place, but they need to do all that they can to up the convenience factor.
