It’s the most wonderful time of the year, and that means that retail merchants are facing their final days to take payments for holiday purchases. According to an article that recently appeared in Bloomberg, retail sales exceeded expectations in October and marked the largest growth since 2014. The National Retail Federation (NRF) has therefore predicted that this holiday season would see a major retail boom. Despite online sales driving most of this season’s purchases, shoppers are continuing to mix online and offline opportunities as they search for the perfect gift.
Now is the perfect time for retail merchants to take advantage of these trends when they accept credit card payments this season. In a recent survey on holiday shopping trends from Deloitte, 75% of consumers claim that they are trying new and different retailers this year. These retailers have a golden opportunity to capture business by creating a lively and convenient in-store experience, complete with a friendly customer service team and atmosphere that attracts holiday shoppers and keeps them coming back for more. Here are the top two tactics you can implement in this week’s final holiday retail push:
Make checkouts easier when you take payments via mobile solution.
Long lines and cranky consumers can ruin any holiday shopping experience and it is not uncommon for customers to abandon their items for purchase and walk out of a store once crowds (and Scrooges) are present. Retailers can reduce the hassle amidst the hustle by simplifying checkouts. Putting a mobile payment solution as a way to accept credit card payments in your store could be one way of reducing customers’ pain points. Mobilizing your staff throughout the store serves the customer where they’re at and provides a seamless checkout experience. This prevents abandoned purchases strewn about your store.
Up your customer engagement game (and your holiday cheer).
Consumers are in a rush this time of year, but that doesn’t mean you should skimp out on engagement best practices. In this year’s PwC retail survey, 70% of consumers said they would be interested in receiving in-store recommendations from associates equipped with mobile devices. This one-on-one engagement technique is a huge opportunity for retailers. In the InMoment 2016 retail industry report, it was determined that consumers spend 2x as much across the board when they are assisted by a staff member. Average spending in turn increases 4x as much when the consumer is engaged by both staff and a retail brand’s website.
It’s important to note here that you must be certain that your employees are well-versed in the products and services you offer so that they can offer knowledgeable recommendations. This level of customer engagement helps to increase brand loyalty by creating a personalized experience for your customers in a way that online retailers cannot provide when they accept credit card payments.
Experience Payments Differently
We know that this time of year can add extra stressors into the season, so follow our tips to be merry these final holiday shopping days of 2016. If you want to take payments at your business, allow Payline to help you provide convenience and engagement to your customers. One of our dedicated representatives can assist you in becoming equipped with the solutions you need.
Information for this post comes from our friends at Ingenico.
