THE INSPIRED HOME SHOW RETAILER FOCUS
Pearce says: “Having a sales website, of course, is the number one prerequisite. It’s best to have one’s own website rather than rely solely on a third-party platform like Amazon, eBay or Etsy – although it’s perfectly okay to sell on those platforms in addition to one’s own.
“Retailers need to adapt to the brave new online world. That means having a website and using it to both showcase and sell goods. This way it is possible to have the best of both worlds — the traditional high street as we know it and the convenience of online.”
A strong social media presence – especially on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram – is certainly necessary today to drive website traffic and promote wares, as is a presence on YouTube. Many people use YouTube as a search engine; in fact, it’s reckoned to be the second most popular search engine on the internet, right after Google (which happens to own YouTube). As well as driving traffic, videos can also be used to give more information about products being sold such as a video demonstration of what a product does or how it works can help influence buying decisions. This means that people who may be reluctant to purchase a mechanical item, for example, because they don’t know easy or difficult it is to use, can see it demonstrated. They can then make an informed decision. If it’s for them, they can go ahead and make the purchase. If they decide it’s not for them, they can pass, meaning one less return for the retailer to deal with.” The potential for rapid expansion is no longer hindered by physical
store limitations, as online platforms eliminate the need for larger premises, expensive store fittings, and increased staffing. “With rising rents and business rates, and the ongoing cost of living squeeze, traditional retailers are under pressure like never before. Free parking is but a distant memory in many town and city centres, and going shopping by public transport is a hassle for many people. The shift towards working from home means that fewer people go out shopping on their lunch breaks, which is compounding the decrease in footfall
housewareslive.net
housewareslive.net
as opposed to doing multiple washes a day in a smaller washer.” “On the other hand, we typically say that a refrigerator will use the most amount of electricity in a household as it is required to be powered 24/7, to avoid defrosting and risking any foods or liquids going mouldy or past their best. There are, however, many ways in which you can reduce the energy consumption on your fridge or fridge-freezer, without having to switch it off. For example, by ensuring your refrigerator appliances are set to the optimum settings or not leaving the door open for longer than necessary. It may sound simple, but many homeowners don’t know how much energy any of their appliances generate – in fact, lots of people are causing more damage than good when it comes to switching up their household chores and appliances in their efforts to cut down on energy bills. Some may be cutting back on dishwasher usage to prioritise washing by hand, yet if that requires multiple bowls full of water with a lot of dirty pots, the dishwasher can be the better option,” he adds. Transparency
“Businesses can absolutely provide help on the cost-of-living crisis on its website and through its customer service to ensure support is available when needed. By providing transparent information on energy usage, costs and energy savings, consumers will have more trust and loyalty to these brands and will likely return to purchase later down the line,” says Bhatoye. “Unfortunately, the cost-of-living crisis is not going away any time soon, and we predict that in 2023, consumers will be looking for even more support from businesses in the year. In order to stay ahead of the
previously mentioned. Traditional shop opening hours also place limitations, whereas an online shop can trade 24/7,” adds Pearce. One of the primary advantages of adding an online sales element to a traditional retail shop lies in its 24/7 accessibility. When the physical shop is shut, customers either cannot purchase, or have to go elsewhere. By enabling customers to make online purchases at any time, traditional shops can cater to individual preferences and convenience. This round-the-clock availability opens up new sales opportunities and significantly increases revenue potential. Customers can conveniently shop from their computers or smartphones whenever they please, providing a seamless and hassle-free experience. Furthermore, an online shop provides an opportunity for businesses to showcase customer reviews and testimonials. Unlike physical shops, where testimonials may not be readily available to potential customers, an online presence allows for the effective marketing.
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https://videovikings.co.uk/online-sales-for-offline-retailers/
“Right now, it is our number one priority to help the nation to understand how to best use their appliances.”
curve, retailers and suppliers should use their voices of authority to put out clear, concise, and transparent messaging to their customers, to let them know that there’s support there for them. Consumers understand the importance of analysing energy usage on their appliances and will be making much more considered purchases than in previous years. Therefore, businesses should be prepared to work collaboratively with consumers to help them understand energy usage and find the best solutions for their purchase needs. It could also be that shoppers look more towards high-street retail purchases, feeling more peace of mind and confidence shopping with the support of a sales assistant,” he concludes.
August/September 2023 | 15 January/February 2023 | 15
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