Evolving beyond ‘multi-channel retailing’, omnichannel is all about creating ‘a seamless consumer experience’ and is being called ‘the future of retail’.
A recent survey from the Harvard Business Review states omnichannel consumers are “shoppers who engage with retailers across multiple touchpoints” adding “[they] are driving boosts in conversion rates both online and offline” making them one of the most if not, THE most valuable consumer in the retail market. One of the reasons they’re so valuable is because consumers shopping from multiple resources versus from just one allows multiple opportunities to buy. Further, the survey reportedly states, “[omnichannel consumers have] become increasingly reliant on more than one channel to aid in their purchasing decisions.” Therefore, consumers are getting to know brands and establishing their loyalties across these multiple digital and in-person channels as well.
The phenomenon is forcing retailers – both traditional brick-and-mortar stores as well as e-commerce merchants, to supply multiple (digital) shopping tools in order to attract ‘the larger audience’. In the case of the ‘physical retailers’, it’s in their best interest to invest in multiple digital omnichannel tools as well as their online counterparts since digitally promoting ‘in-store visits’ has been proven to increase foot traffic into stores.
It’s becoming more and more apparent Business to Consumer (B2C) companies must consider an omnichannel marketing strategy but one significant factor in their marketing strategies often overlooked is logistics. “You can’t have marketing without logistics,” says Jim Pettinger, president of UCanTrade, Inc.
Recall that at the center of any omnichannel approach is the consumer. Retailers (physical &/or online) need to plan for a ‘seamless consumer experience’. They need to ensure an easy shopping experience – products are easily found, ordering & payment transactions are simple and smooth; the consumer receives what they ordered intact, quickly and can return it just as easily if they change their mind.
Companies using off-shore manufacturers need to plan cost-effective, customer centric product and packaging designs. In a time where consumer expectations are high, ecommerce is exploding and dimensional shipping is the norm, partnering with an expert in international shipping and handling can be invaluable. (Related article: E-Commerce returns – Tips to reduce costs)
TradeTips blog is published by UCanTrade, Inc., your cross-border experts since 1984.
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(Source: http://omnichannel.me/what-is-omnichannel/; http://www.businessinsider.com/heres-why-omnichannel-consumers-are-more-valuable-2017-1)
