54% of grocery retailers are now offering their own mobile app. That’s a huge increase of 24% compared to just 30% in 2017. Those numbers tell us that today’s shoppers prefer the convenience of shopping in the comfort of their own home while using their mobile devices. Mobile apps also allow users to build shopping lists and easily recall previous orders to make re-ordering items easy. Conversely, mobile apps allow you as the merchant to create loyalty programs that can easily offer mobile coupons, discounts on visits, and other promotions.
There’s More than One Way to Build Your Bridge to Omnichannel Success.
The modern grocery industry is always evolving, and today’s grocers know they need to provide the tech-savvy consumers of today with the experiences they want. From two-hour grocery delivery service to keeping your mobile app up-to date, Affinity Group is here with all the latest trends and insights you need to keep up with your customer’s omnichannel expectations and demands.
The Whenever, Wherever Approach
Omnichannel marketing allows grocery retailers to reach their customers whenever and wherever they are by providing them with a quick and convenient way to shop that works for them. Whether it’s in-store, online or on-mobile, grocers need to know exactly what their audience wants and implement a strategy that both builds loyalty and works best for their business. Stay a step ahead of the competition with these 6 modern omnichannel methods:
Mobile Shopping Apps
Click, Collect and Pick it Up
Many customers know exactly what they want before they even step foot in your store. The convenience of a click & collect with curbside pickup strategy allows customers to order ahead and easily pick up their items in a timely manner. Providing this easy to access convenience to your customers is a great way to keep their loyalty. Nearly 32% of grocers in the U.S. now offer these services compared to 18-23% in 2017.
Home Delivery
The eCommerce industry has made delivering products to consumers’ doorsteps more efficient than ever. It’s no surprise then that in order to keep pace, many grocery stores are now offering home delivery of their products as well. For stores that are not equipped with the staff and resources to manage home deliveries, third-party delivery services such as Instacart make a convenient and cost-efficient partner. Beyond just delivering groceries, these services can also do everything from setting up a mobile app and online shopping portal to providing personalized shoppers. 32% of stores now working with third-party delivery services. That’s nearly double compared to 17% of stores in 2017.
In-Store Mobile Product Scanning
For shoppers who still prefer to shop in your store, the experience can be made more convenient and personalized by providing customers with mobile product scanners. These devices allow customers to scan the products, check their price and product info as they place them into their carts. Once they reach the checkout lane, they can simply present the scanner to the cashier to make the checkout process as efficient as possible. 24% of stores now offer mobile product scanning compared to just 8.5% in 2017.
Consider Kiosks
Automated digital kiosks aren’t just a great way to provide your customers with a self-service checkout option, they’re also perfect for allowing them to order groceries without having to shop for them. Kiosks are ideal for consumers who want to order on the go, without having to interact with store associates or wait for a checkout. 17% of grocers now offer ordering kiosks compared to 1.4% in 2017.
Scan and Go for It
To save on checkout times and improve overall customer experience, many grocery chains, including Kroger and Meijer are experimenting with scan-and-go convenience. This technology allows customers with their store’s smartphone app to scan UPC codes on products as they shop. They can even delete items and change quantities as they move in the store. Shoppers can then scan their phones at the self-checkout lane and pay for the grocery items bought.
Affinity Group has the Strategic Know How You Need
There are many ways to leverage omnichannel shopping as an effective tool to reach your customers and remember that Affinity Group is always with you every step of the way with the expert insights you need to make sure you keep Building Your Bridge to Success.