Retail in Asia

In Shops

The right way to do omni-channel

omnichannel-retail-in-asia

Success of e-commerce in any region is still affected by a number of factors and exclusively online merchants have a lot of ground to cover before being a real threat to brick-and-mortar shops.

Online retail has seen an upswing with the rise of e-commerce channels in Southeast Asia but one cannot discount the staying power of established retail players.

As things are still just shaping up, opportunities exist for both new and established players to offer the next game changing retail experience.

SEE ALSO: Is online shopping the end of brick-and-mortar?

Why omni-channel

Among the appeals of e-commerce is the convenience it brings to consumers. You just have to click away on your computer and the product arrives at your workplace or home.

However, the ultimate challenge for those doing so is differentiating the experience for both online and physical so that these channels reinforce brand strategies and do not end up competing with each other.

It is with the brick-and-mortar stores that may need redefinition. Rather than simply having a browse-and-buy customer experience, physical stores can provide more immersive experiences.

Optimising the experience

Optimising retail practices for omnichannel experiences could be the difference maker for such businesses. This basically involves ensuring a frictionless user experience, wherein they can shop and pay with ease whether at the physical store, an e-commerce website or a mobile app.

Skincare company Aesop seeks to achieve such a balance. Physically, they have created signature stores where customers are immersed in beautifully designed spaces and get a consultation experience.

Online, customers can access rich media content and also order products to replenish their supply. By doing this, Aesop lets their channels complement each other rather than compete.

Businesses should seek the balance and maximise the ways that they could interact and engage with customers. Technologies are now available for them to do so.

(Source: e27)