Multi-channel isn’t a word reserved for the big corporates of the high street retail, but is something that customers are growing to expect from smaller independents and boutiques. How many times has a customer asked you if you have a website?
It’s easy to think of excuses as to why you don’t operate an online store; you may not have the funds or the resource to do so or you may not feel that it is something your customers want – in reality, it is something that your customers will expect.
If your business isn’t operating through more than one channel it is likely that you are missing out on vital revenue, the ability to gain a more loyal customer base and a shopping experience they have grown to expect from retailers today. Creating a multi-channel business doesn’t need to be a strain on your operations; technology advances over the past decade has brought us here, to 2017 where it’s easy and affordable to reach new customers across all channels.
Survival in the changing retail industry is arguably more crucial than ever; with retailers needing to be adaptable to the environment quickly, efficiently and seamlessly. Cloud technology provides retailers with the capability to embrace change, now and in the future and enables the flexibility needed to adapt.
What can smaller retailers learn from the big guys?
Recently, Retail Week ranked the top 30 multi-channel retailers in the UK, which saw Argos and John Lewis topping the poll, with sales generated online at 53% and 42% respectively.
Yes, these are two big players in the UK retail industry but the foundations on which their multi-channel operations run is quite simply down to three things:
- Flexibility
- Speed
- Technology
Investing in technology provides retailers with the flexibility needed to keep up with customer trends and changes, quickly and efficiently. Cloud technology is at the forefront of innovation for retailers and is something that can be implemented easily and cost-effectively.
You may not have many stores but want to expand online, you may want to improve your delivery and collection options through implementing click and collect, or you may simply wish to view all stock across all your channels, instantly. If your current EPoS system can’t support the future of your business then it is time to rethink things…
3 things to consider for branching out in 2018:
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Integration of Stock
Integrating stock across all your sales channels ensures you only sell the stock you have. Whether stock is sold in your owned stores, franchises or concessions; or online, through your own website, eBay or Amazon, having the ability to see real-time stock not only prevents you from overselling but creates customer confidence in your business.
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Integrate Third-Party Websites
If you have an existing website, will your EPoS system integrate with third party websites (known as API) and not just sites on their own ecommerce platform?
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Mobile Commerce
Can your EPoS system cater for mobile commerce such as responsive website design? Mobile-friendly websites now rank higher in Google than those that aren’t, so you’ll be missing out if your online shop is not responsive…
To help you decide which retail system is best suited to your business download the FREE short guide:
Which EPoS System is Right for You?
10 Insights to help you sell more and manage less
Rachel is passionate about retail and the ever-changing retail technology environment, with a keen eye for upcoming retail trends that are set to shake up the sector.
