DIYWEEK.net

 

What can the retail sector learn from supermarkets ahead of their return?

Published: 19 May 2020 - Neil Mead

As stores prepare to open from June 1st, retailers must adapt their operations to be successful amidst the Covid-19 pandemic.  Following the example of stores which have successfully navigated the crisis will help bring customers in-store safely, says retail shopping app Ubamarket.

Britain’s retailers are beginning their preparations for a return to trading, as stores across the country may slowly be able to open their doors from June 1st. Now, one of the key challenges facing these retailers in the coming weeks will be the task of rebuilding consumer confidence in bricks and mortar retail.

There will be a number of obstacles for retailers to overcome, chief among which will be the psychological barriers created by the fear of contracting the Coronavirus and spending time in enclosed public spaces, following weeks of the restrictive lockdown. However, supermarkets and convenience stores have remained open throughout the lockdown, and whilst they have enjoyed increased business partially out of necessity, many of these stores have also refined their approach to serving customers to maximise their success.

Will Broome, Founder of retail shopping app Ubamarket, says that the most successful stores are those which are focusing on maximising the efficiency, safety, and convenience of the shopping experience for their customers. In an environment where hygiene and speed are of the utmost concern, Broome believes that the most successful retailers in the coming months will be those who can get customers in and out of their stores as quickly and smoothly as possible.

“The coronavirus pandemic has completely changed the retail landscape as we knew it, and Britain’s retailers are set to return to a market which is very different to the one they left some two months ago, when the lockdown and closure of all non-essential businesses was implemented.

The biggest difficulty that retailers across the country will have to negotiate is the challenge of getting customers back in-store. However, there are some retailers, such as supermarkets, convenience stores and pharmacies, which have remained open throughout the lockdown and have been forced to negotiate the ever-changing conditions and adapt their offering to customers in accordance with the new environment. Observing the success of convenience stores and supermarkets will go great lengths to help retailers emerge from the lockdown, and the implementation of retail technology will help retailers to go a step further.

Focusing on setting out clear and well maintained queuing processes, keeping simple and clear store layouts, communicating in-store using signage, and ensuring that checkout and payment is contactless and as fast as possible are some of the steps that retailers can take to improve the consumer experience. The implementation of retail technology will allow retailers to go further by solving a number of the problems posed by Coronavirus. Providing tech solutions, such as a consumer app, can put shoppers in control and will unlock a range of features such as remote stock checking, till-less checkout and aisle sat-nav, all of which will greatly enhance the shopping experience and rebuild consumer confidence.”

Comments


(Your email address will not be published)
9 + 2 =  
Already Registered?
Sign In
Not Yet Registered?
Register
Printable View E-mail Bookmark
*

Latest reader comments

re: Latest update on Green Homes Grant and implications for homeowners and landlords

John Hart
After applying for a green homes how long will it take for a decision? thanks...

re: SX Rainproof Exterior Caulk

Wally
I need the exterior sx rain resistant caulk! Can't get it anywhere so please help! How can I order it? Need it yesterday...

re: BCT can replicate any material in a ceramic tile

Christina Tiritanou
Not sure if you can help as I require a tile which has the measurements of 6”x 6”? Thank you....

re: Latest update on Green Homes Grant and implications for homeowners and landlords

colin thompson
SarahVery clear and helpful information.Thanks...

Most read stories

http://www.diyweek.net/what-can-the-retail-sector-learn-from-supermarkets-ahead-of-their-return