Omnichannel

Fulfillment in the New Retail Reality, Part 1
May 20, 2020 at 5:30 pm

Advanced, convenient fulfillment options initially accelerated by Amazon.com have now become essential offerings for retailers looking to adapt to new shopper expectations. In today’s new retail reality, free shipping, same-day delivery and multiple fulfillment options have become valuable assets for retailers and consumers alike â€” table stakes even. If you're not Amazon, but rather a retailer…

The Future of Retail and America in the Post-COVID World
May 11, 2020 at 7:36 pm

In approaching the COVID-19 crisis from a marketer’s perspective, the question is how, not if, the world will change when the restrictions are lifted. My intuition relies on what marketers believe and researchers have proven — the repeated behavior learned during this several month crisis will form new consumer habits. In particular, we think the…

Consumer Demand for BOPIS and Virtual Service Increases in Light of COVID-19
May 6, 2020 at 6:00 pm

With COVID-19 causing the majority of retailers to close up shop, and drastic social distancing measures required for those that remain open, many consumers have put a stop to all unnecessary outings and are looking to their favorite brands for remote service and support during this difficult time. In a new Qudini survey of 2,000-plus…

Retail's Multichannel, Multigenerational Future
May 6, 2020 at 5:34 pm

At the dawn of a new decade, retailers are finally making headway in catching up to the demands of digital-era consumers. According to Zebra’s 12th annual Global Shopper Study, which analyzes data culled from over 6,000 customers, store associates and retail executives, shopper satisfaction is up overall. Retailers are recognizing that future success hinges on…

Why Flexible Fulfillment Options Are More Important Than Ever
April 26, 2020 at 10:51 am

COVID-19 has changed our world. It’s impacting life itself, including our ability to get access to the right essential goods. It has overwhelmed delivery and pickup networks. Some small, innovative businesses have been able to quickly adapt and focus strictly on curbside or pickup, while larger chains have been challenged to hire fast enough to…

Total Retail's 2020 Retail Technology Report: Inventory Management Software Spending on the Rise
April 2, 2020 at 4:42 pm

Retailers are most likely currently spending on technology that helps them track inventory and fulfill orders across multiple channels, especially as consumers engage with brands across a variety of touchpoints, and often in a single purchase journey. This was a key finding from Total Retail’s 2020 Retail Technology Report, which was produced in conjunction with Orckestra…

How Stein Mart Turned BOPIS Into a Customer Engagement Channel
March 30, 2020 at 10:19 am

For many years, customer experience experts have stressed the importance of balancing the convenience of self-service and digital channels, with the loyalty-building power of human interaction. Stein Mart, a national specialty omnichannel off-price retailer offering designer and name-brand fashion apparel, home décor, accessories and shoes at everyday discount prices, aimed to harness the best of…

5 Things Leading Brands Do to Create World-Class Customer Experiences
March 10, 2020 at 10:39 am

The key to retailer success was once very simple: provide the lowest prices on the products people wanted. Times have changed. Today’s consumer has multiple shopping options and several ways to make a purchase. It’s no longer just about the best deal; it’s about the customer experience (CX). We live in an experience economy. Making…

Tomorrow’s Grocery Shopper Might Not Be What You Expect
March 9, 2020 at 12:34 pm

The retail industry has undergone sweeping changes in the past decade, with brands revamping stores and providing new services and delivery options to meet customers’ rising expectations. Until recently, grocery had been largely untouched by these new forces roiling Main Street. However, grocery is now going through its own transformation as new competitors arrive and…