With the increase in online sales and the explosion of smartphone technology offering quick and easy sale opportunities, retail pharmacy bricks and mortar stores are now forced to offer a significant point of difference, to bring customers into their stores.
Online Sales Jump to over 10%
2020 has been an unprecedented year. The latest statistics for Australia showed that in the MAT June 2020, overall 4.1% of pharmacy consumer health sales were purchased online. The proportion of online sales in June 2020 jumped to over 10% of sales for many categories1
Despite the convenience of online shopping being a huge attraction for consumers, other factors such as lengthy delivery times, high shipping fees (limiting single basket purchases), poor service and unsuitable product choice have acted as limiters or even deterrents to online shopping. That said online shopping is here to stay and a coercive approach means that online and offline experiences can be complimentary if part of an overall strategy.
How Encouraging Customers to Stay Instore Longer Can Increase the transactional Value per Visit
That said, the traditional store as it stands, won’t be sufficient in combating the lure of the online retailers long-term, unless innovative changes are made. What’s needed is a revamp of the retail experience, to attract customers into the store through a more personalised and emotionally engaging experience, thus encouraging customers to stay longer.
This point of difference and creating a genuine reason for customers to go to the effort of jumping in the car, finding a car park, then walking into a Retail Pharmacy Store is what sets a successful retailer apart from the online version.
So what is the driving factor to get customers into your Retail Pharmacy Store and keep them there?
For tips on how to use the scanner as an income generator, to attract new and retain existing customers, contact Susan at susan@evolt360.com. Adopting successful innovations years after your competitors is unlikely to disrupt the market and generate much interest.