{"id":29417,"date":"2024-05-30T16:26:32","date_gmt":"2024-05-30T16:26:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/refive1stg.wpengine.com\/?p=29417"},"modified":"2024-09-11T08:39:25","modified_gmt":"2024-09-11T08:39:25","slug":"how-to-connect-with-customers-in-retail","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.refive.io\/en\/blog\/how-to-connect-with-customers-in-retail\/","title":{"rendered":"How To Connect With Customers In Retail"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

If you are in retail, you\u2019ll know that for ongoing, sustained success it\u2019s all about forging strong connections with your customers. There are many strategies and ways that this can be done, from collecting and understanding shoppers\u2019 habits and preferences, to making sure that lines of communication are open for both sides of the relationship. And with 54% of shoppers preferring in-store experiences<\/a>, there\u2019s a chance for you to turn customers into advocates with that attention to connection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How To Understand Your Customers<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

1. Analyse shopping behaviour<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Data can be incredibly powerful and can lead to real success no matter what industry you are in. However, taking that data and turning it into something contextual is really important. Harnessing and being able to process and understand data from your customers\u2019 buying patterns is something that can make a business truly successful. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

With developments in retail technology, retailers can now collect and analyse purchase history and buying trends right down to the individual shopper. By using this data correctly and appreciating its importance, as a retailer you can assess how your customers respond to your actions. This could be offering discounts and special offers, or tracking to see how frequently they shop with you. One massive benefit is being able to match up the shopper behaviour of customers across the board – online and in-store. Having this level of detail towards shopping location preferences can really help you to shape your strategies in an effective manner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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2. Understand customers\u2019 preferred communication channels<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

In-store and in-person commerce has changed a lot. It\u2019s less about convenience and more about experience. Being able to personalise assistance and recommendations through a customer\u2019s preferred communication channel will make them that much more receptive as a result. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Messaging apps such as WhatsApp and social media channels with monitored inboxes means that customer support can be instantaneous. Making these online channels easily accessible in-store can really enhance the shopping journey for your customers, and make sure that there\u2019s a way for any customer to contact you in whatever way they feel comfortable. With many younger generations opting to communicate via DM and instant message, as opposed to via phone or always face-to-face. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Another way that this can really pay off when it comes to connecting with your customer is through the delivery of loyalty schemes and after-purchase communication. Customers can be targeted with bespoke follow-up emails and surveys. You can automate the sending of feedback requests, and offer customers incentives to take part encouraging more data to help enhance your connections with them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Connection Using Phygital Touchpoints<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Connect with your customers effectively by ensuring they never feel confused, unsure, or unable to find the products or information they seek. In the past, in-store assistants handled this, but keeping all assistants updated with a regularly changing inventory can be prohibitive in terms of time and resources. However, there are now smarter solutions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Smart Store Assistant<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Connection doesn\u2019t have to be a physical person, and while AI is still a relatively new and developing area when it comes to retail, it can already provide a way of connecting with your retail customers with accuracy, speed and efficiency. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Smart Store Assistant allows you to build that connection from the minute customers enter the store. From your customer scanning a QR code or NFC tag at the entrance, this phygital touchpoint<\/a> seamlessly integrates that in-store personal experience with innovation and digital convenience. Present customers with the following features:<\/p>\n\n\n\n