Technology And Text Messaging Support In-Store Shopping Experiences

Shoppers are very tech savvy. Even when they shop in store they are using their mobiles to do price comparisons, look up reviews or post on social media. And while your customers are busy using tech, your store needs to be using it too.
A survey by UPS, comScore, and the e-tailing group took a look at what technology consumers want in their shopping experiences. Respondents said the most wanted technology is electronic receipts for in-store shopping and they preferred either email or text receipts. Offering text receipts is a simple way to tie the technology people rely on so heavily, back into a physical store shopping experience. Sending SMS receipts is also convenient for both the store and the consumer. And using text messaging to send receipts can potentially make your store “more convenient” than those other stores still using old fashion paper receipts.
But really, why is this simple idea so important?
Because today’s digital consumers are planning on spending less and less time shopping in physical stores. That’s what a study by ORC International found in a worldwide survey. While the “traditional store experience” still ranks as the most important channel for shopping (72%), the second most important channel is the Internet (67%). But the gap is closing as consumers indicated they intended to do more shopping online via websites and mobile apps than in store.
If you own a bricks and mortar store, there are ways to bring the technology into the shopping experience to keep some of those customers that might otherwise go online. For example, there are many different ways to use text messaging to support the shopping experience beyond receipts for purchases. Here are a few other examples:
- Send confirmations of in store orders. This is another case where a paper receipt will do, but a receipt via text messaging would be even better. I’m reminded of a visit to an outlet store of the famous US retailer LL Bean. If they don’t have what you want in store, there is a dedicated phone available to place the order directly with the company. You pick up the phone, a customer service rep takes your order, and then sends you an electronic copy of the order. You don’t need the phone of course, but every order your employees take could include an automatic receipt sent via SMS.
- Send in stock alerts. Out of that popular item? Let customers sign up to receive a text message next time it’s back in stock. This could be as simple as an employee adding the customer’s mobile number to a list to be texted later, or completely automated. In an automated system, each item could have a tag with the information the customer could text to your “alert” keyword and then later receive an SMS message once the stock levels are filled.
- Send your customers sale alerts via text messaging. Make every visit your customer makes into your physical store worth their while. Have them sign up for in store only sale alerts to bring them back to the store again and again. Next time you need to increase sales, send one mass message to your list and you’ll be teeming with customers in no time.
Technology is invading our everyday life experiences, even simple activities such as shopping for shoes or trousers. Are you one of the ones who prefers technology to help you shop, or do you pine for the old days when shopping was just shopping? Share your thoughts by leaving us a comment.
Related Articles
3 Reasons Why SMS Marketing Is Perfect for the Holiday Season
Everyone knows the holiday season is a peak time for making sales and marketing. Predictions are that the UK will spend £73B in retail stores before the season is over. Find out three reasons you’ll want to use SMS marketing to get those shoppers into your store.
In Store SMS Service Could Improve Sales
Have you ever been inside a Walmart or ASDA Supercentre? If you have, you’ll appreciate the possibility of what I’ll share in a moment. If you haven’t, try imagining walking into a store so big you can barely see one end from the other, where the shelves are packed with everything you might ever need, and staff who are often less than helpful (not everywhere mind you, but often). The point is you can get lost or frustrated if you’re trying to find a certain item that you need, or is on sale. Finding the right section is sometimes challenging, and even if you think you’re in the right spot you might not be.
SMS Marketing for the Domestic Pets Market
With consumer spending on Britain's 57 million furry friends valued at over £4.5 Million and all the signs showing that this is only going to increase, there has never been a better time for the sector to invest in marketing - and SMS marketing should be top priority. As pet owners spend more and more time pampering their pets and investing in pet paraphernalia, the opportunities are infinite. SMS marketing is one of the best ways to ensure that your offers get seen - and in most cases, instantly. With its low costs, exceptionally high open rates and above average response rates, SMS Marketing offers huge potential for ROI.
SMS Marketing: Don’t Forget About Print!
The focus for advertising campaigns today is often mobile, web, or digital. It’s certainly true that more and more people are using technology for just about everything. But with all that technology, it’s easy to overlook another, more traditional form: Print!
SMS Marketing for Artisan Food Producers
Is Your SMS Marketing Keeping Customers Loyal by Being Fun?
When you think about your SMS marketing campaigns would you label them as fun? Is there any aspect of your SMS marketing or loyalty program that you think customers would call fun? If so, you're going to love what you read in this blog. If not, then you need to read this blog. It turns out that a little bit of fun and games can keep your customers more engaged – and more loyal.
Two Companies Using SMS in Surprising Ways
In many ways, SMS messaging is so commonplace people don’t think about it. They just do it. For example, using SMS for mobile marketing in retail is a fairly standard use case whether you’re a company or the consumer. But there are always exceptions – those who innovate when it seems there’s nothing new to be had. Here are two examples of companies from the US using SMS in ways no one else is – yet.
Work 24/7 Without Being in The Office! The Benefits of SMS Scheduling
In our demanding, 24/7 world it is difficult to stay on top of your SMS marketing campaign but with scheduling you can ensure you are getting your message to your audience whatever the time.
Growing a Business Around Your Family Life? Here’s Why Mumpreneurs Need SMS Marketing
Mums are natural entrepreneurs. And now they're turning that entrepreneurial spirit towards running a business, using their organisational skills to turn a profit from franchises and hobbies, fundraisers and baking. Mumpreneurs are on the march and they need smart marketing strategies like SMS that fit around their busy lives.