Retail Industry Trends to Take to The Bank: Omni-Channel Marketing

Retail marketing has garnered a lot of attention over the last few years, especially with the increasing competition coming from online sales. This has led many to question whether traditional retail marketing tactics still work - and we argue that they most definitely do - but we have also started seriously considering a new trend in the marketing world: omni-channel marketing.

What is omni-channel marketing? Essentially, this form of multi-channel retailing involves the use of multiple marketing mediums, not just one traditional form. For example, bricks and mortar locations using omni-channel marketing will employ not just traditional forms of marketing such as a flyer or radio ad, but online channels as well, such as a well-managed website and social media.

The goal of omni-channel marketing is to both keep the consumer well-informed and to garner more attention. Having only one marketing strategy can actually mean missing those who use other means for accessing information, thereby meaning missed opportunities for sales. This approach means creating a seamless experience for consumers, making information gathering AND shopping easier and more satisfying.

Want an example of omni-channel marketing and how it is working? Check out this great article from British newspaper The Guardian: http://www.theguardian.com/media-network/2014/nov/28/omni-channel-marketing-john-lewis-british-airways. The article takes a look at 5 impressive and effective marketing campaigns that have taken advantage of omni-channel marketing and used it to its fullest potential. 

Thinking about getting things in place for an omni-channel marketing strategy? Storesupport Canada can help. We have the experience and knowledge to make this seamless. Call us today at 1-877-421-5081. 

Retail Review: Post-Holiday Stats – What to Take From These Numbers

The reports have only been out for a few weeks now, but it is clear that the end of the year was stellar as far as sales. The predictions for the holiday season were good, and clearly the outlook matched the output.

Check out this recent article from the Huffington Post, “Holiday Cross-Border Shopping Down, Canadian Sales Up, Retail Council Says”.  In it, numbers for the 2014 holiday season suggest a strong 2015 - which is never a bad thing for retailers.

Here are some post-holiday stats and a few other highlights from the article:

• According to Canada’s largest processor of debit and credit card payments, sales were up this year overall.
• Comparing the last Saturday before Christmas for both 2013 and 2014, this year’s numbers were far better: amount per transaction up 10% this year, and total dollars spent increased by approximately 4-5% for 2014.
• First two weeks of December 2014 saw an increase of 5.6% compared to 2013.

Thanks to a number of different factors, including the price of gas and the value of the Canadian dollar, Canadians also did far less shopping across the border compared to 2013 - which is great. Less competition from our southern neighbours means a greater chance of sales on home turf.

Less competition, coupled with the recent space being vacated by a big box giant, equals both pros and cons for all Canadian retailers - both big box and bricks and mortar mom and pop shops. The right marketing can both take advantage of the opportunity this represents and help deal with the competition.

For more post-holiday stats or to improve your merchandising strategy, please contact Storesupport today by calling 1-877-421-5081. 

Rightsizing, Downsizing, Upsizing? 2015 Retail Trends: Where Do You Stand?

Over the last few years we have heard a great deal about one of the most popular retail trends of locations downsizing and reducing their physical footprint. This is often as a result of rising online sales and an attempt to compete with online traffic. However, claiming that this is the only trend taking over the retail industry is completely incorrect. Although some stores are making the move to smaller locations, others are moving in the other direction.

Check out this recent article from The Wall Street Journal. According to the article, one very big name player is opening up its first ever bricks and mortar location in an attempt to “connect with customers in the physical world:” http://www.wsj.com/articles/amazon-to-open-first-store-1412879124.

Although this company has made great gains in the online world, they have recognized that they still can’t compete with traditional bricks and mortar locations. So, if formerly big name online-only retailers are making the move to the physical world, what does that say about downsizing - clearly it isn’t the be-all-and-end-all trend.

Instead of a competition between the two, we like to think of the trend collaboratively, more of a “rightsizing” than a downsizing or upsizing.

When it comes to rightsizing, there are a few things to keep in mind. Whether you are considering downsizing to a smaller location, upsizing to increase your square footage, or anything in between, it needs to be done perfectly in order to maintain high levels of customer service and avoiding a hit to brand loyal and customer satisfaction.

One of the key factors in maintaining these aspects is proper people support. A company that can offer trained, professional employees on short notice can really help maintain control - without the hassle of having to hire, train, and dismiss once those employees are no longer required.

If you are considering rightsizing in any of its many forms, Storesupport can help. We have the experience and knowledge to help you carry it off without a hitch. Call us today at 1-877-421-5081. 

Out with the Old? Is Traditional Retail Marketing Outdated?

With the continued rise of online shopping, and the looming threat that is frequently spoken about, it can be easy to dismiss those traditional retail marketing tactics as a throwback to a less-digital age. Letting traditional methods fall to the wayside has become a means for some retailers - but is it the right one? We don’t think so.

Yes, consumer behaviour has changed a great deal over the past few years, and now far more factors influence that end sale - but that doesn’t mean that those tried, tested and true methods are no longer valid.

A few weeks ago we looked specifically at brand loyalty and how online versus bricks and mortar is impacting this concept. We hate to be repetitive, but the numbers tend to speak for themselves. In a recent study done by eMarketer, over 70% respondents stated that they felt the traditional bricks and mortar experience was preferable to online. Things like customer service and immediate possession play a major role in this.

What other traditional retail marketing is influential? There are various forms of retail merchandising that can be implemented when it comes to traditional tactics.

Experiential marketing: this has long been a method that has shown real results - and for good reason. Setting up a campaign that gets people talking and trying your product is a great way to catch their attention.  Pairing like items together can help boost sales and can also help enhance brand loyalty and recognition.

Planograms and displays: there is a great deal to be said about these two, very popular, forms of retail marketing. Even just the simple fact that, when customers see a well-executed planogram or display, the interest increases tenfold, should be enough to convince you to continue with these.

Retail intelligence: an often overlooked but incredibly important part of your retail marketing is knowing what is going on, on the store floor - and making changes to those things that require improvement. This form of traditional marketing is critical to stay informed about how your brand is performing, how retailers react, and the level of service provided.

Omni-channel marketing: this is the newest strategy for retail marketing, and it speaks to just how important traditional methods remain. That being said, the concept itself means integrating both new and traditional methods to establish a cooperating campaign that takes advantage of the various strategies that can make a big difference to your bottom line.

For more about just how important traditional forms of retail marketing are, please contact Storesupport Canada today by calling 1-877-421-5081.