In today’s digital-first retail landscape, the integration of advanced technological solutions like store locators for retail operations is no longer a luxury but a necessity. People are still using store locators despite the existence of Google Maps, for example. Contrary to popular belief, customers still exhibit a preference for accessing online information through a business’s website. Therefore, integrating a store locator into your omnichannel strategy is not just important but highly beneficial for retails businesses.
A Research conducted by Mckinsey, indicates that approximately 75% of customers research and purchase both in store and online. In a time-sensitive scenario where customers are ready to make a purchase, providing them with updated and relevant information instantly becomes crucial.
Another research, conducted by Google, shows that displaying store’s informations such as business hours, reviews, products available, etc, can motivate more store visits:
Table of Contents
- Store Locator for retail feature #1: Multi-User Access
- Store Locator for retail feature #2: Google Business Hours and Reviews
- Store Locator for retail feature #3: Leads Collector
- Store Locator for retail feature #4: Display Products Automatically
- Store Locator for retail feature #5: Analytics
- Store Locator for retail feature #6: Real-time Updates
Store Locator for retail feature #1: Multi-User Access
With multi-user functionality, Storemapper addresses a critical need for collaborative management within retail businesses. In any case, this feature allows multiple team members to access, update, and manage the store locator system, ensuring information accuracy and timeliness. For large retail chains or franchises, this means streamlined operations and improved coordination among different store locations and departments.
Real example of Multiple Users in action:
A sustainable fashion boutique, wants to ensure that their store listings are always updated with the latest hours, product availability, and promotions across several locations. Because of that, the Solution was: By implementing a system with multiple user access, this boutique assigns store managers the ability to update their specific location’s information, including business hours, featured products, and store’s locations. Outcome: This decentralization leads to more accurate and timely updates, directly contributing to an increase in foot traffic and sales. Customers appreciate the reliability of information, and store managers feel more empowered and engaged in the business’s success.
Store Locator for retail feature #2: Google Business Hours and Reviews
Integrating Google business hours and reviews directly into the store locator enhances transparency and builds trust with potential customers. following this, by providing up-to-date opening hours and real-time customer feedback, retailers can significantly improve the customer decision-making process, encouraging more visits to their physical stores.
Real example of Google Business Hours and Reviews in action:
A Local Bookshop struggles to attract new customers, competing with larger online retailers. Solution: They display Google business hours and customer reviews on their store locator, emphasizing their unique offerings such as rare book finds and cozy reading nooks, as highlighted in customer testimonials. Outcome: The highlighted reviews draw in book enthusiasts who value a unique and cozy shopping experience, increasing store visits. The clear listing of business hours encourages customers to visit when they know the shop will be open, enhancing convenience.
Store Locator for retail feature #3: Leads Collector
Storemapper’s leads collector feature is a game-changer for retail businesses aiming to expand their customer base. By capturing contact information of interested customers directly through the store locator, retailers can follow up with tailored marketing and promotional efforts, turning potential interest into actual sales.
Real example of Leads collector in action:
A tech store wants to open new stores, but they are not sure where is the best location to do that. consequently, the Solution was: They use a lead collector feature on their store locator for customers to provide locations that they were looking for but couldn’t find. Besides that, the customers can to sign up for alerts on the latest stores launches and exclusive offers. Outcome: Tech enthusiasts eagerly provide their contact details and stores searches results, leading to successful new stores launches and high demand for new products.
Store Locator for retail feature #4: Display Products Automatically
This innovative feature allows businesses to showcase their products associated with specific store locations directly on the store locator page. Furthermore, It means customers can see what products are available before even visiting, enabling a more tailored and efficient shopping experience that can significantly increase in-store sales. Storemapper’s Shopify users can do it automatically, but all other users can do it too, but manually.
Real example of Syncing products automatically in action:
A botanic store specializes in exotic plants and gardening supplies. They utilize automatic product syncing to keep their online catalog updated with the latest arrivals of rare plants and gardening tools. The challenge was that customers were often disappointed when visiting the store for specific plants they saw online, only to find them sold out. The Solution: Implementing an automatic syncing system, The botanic store ensures that their online inventory reflects real-time stock levels. When a rare plant is sold in-store, it’s immediately marked as unavailable online. Outcome: Garden enthusiasts now rely on this botanic store’s online inventory for up-to-date availability, increasing customer satisfaction and reducing in-store queries about sold-out items.
Store Locator for retail feature #5: Analytics
Understanding customer behavior is crucial for retail success. Storemapper’s analytics feature provides valuable insights into how customers interact with the store locator, including search patterns, popular locations, and product interests. These insights can inform strategic decisions about store placements, inventory management, and targeted marketing campaigns.
Real example of Analytics in action:
An outdoor and travel gear retailer, notices through analytics that their store locator’s most common search is for a specific store at downtown. They initiate a campaign, offering in-store events, demonstrations of the latest outdoors gear, prominently promoted via their store locator. The campaign drives up interest and engagement, resulting in higher foot traffic and a spike in sales of outdoors gear related products across multiple store locations.
Store Locator for retail feature #6: Real-time Updates:
Real-time updates ensure that customers have access to the most current information, whether it’s about product availability, store hours, or latest reviews, etc. This section explores the multifaceted benefits of real-time updates and their transformative impact on the retail sector.
Real example of real-time updates in action:
Seasonal Fashion Outlet: A fashion retailer uses real-time updates to inform customers about flash sales and exclusive in-store promotions on the latest seasonal trends, creating buzz and increasing same-day visits.
Conclusion:
By leveraging a sophisticated store locator like Storemapper, retail businesses can significantly enhance customer engagement, streamline operations, and drive sales growth. As illustrated through these fictional examples, the right technology can turn the simple act of finding a store into a comprehensive and engaging customer experience that benefits both retailers and consumers alike. Don’t miss out. Try it for free.
