1. Digitally Equipped Sales Associates Sales associates with access to a digital device like the iPad, can bridge the gap between online and a physical brick-and-mortar store. Purchase history can be stored in the iPad, which will allow them to have information to hand based on their customers’ preferences, thus enabling them to provide a personal shopping experience. According to Global Management Consulting Firm, A.T. Kearney, “physical stores remain the foundation of retailing, evidenced by the fact that 90 percent of all retail sales are transacted in stores and 95 percent of all retail sales are captured by retailers with a brick-and-mortar presence.” British brand, Burberry is a good example of successful digital integration into its …show more content…
"It allows them to quickly find that item at a distribution centre that can be shipped directly to the customer.” 2. Strong Omni-channel Strategy Implementing a strong omni-channel strategy is the only way to ensure that a brand is utilising all available opportunities to drive sales and increase customer loyalty. According to Boston Retail Partners’ ‘The Future Store Manifesto’, “The future store will be an omni-channel theatre blending the physical sensory experience with the convenience of digital.” Starbucks is a good example of a company that has seen a significant increase in sales. This is a result of their recently launched ‘Mobile Order & Pay’ app, where customers are able to order and pay for an item on their mobile/digital tablet and then pick it up at their nearest store. According to UK Retail Week, ‘mobile ranks as the top omni-channel priority for 67% of retail bosses,’ also mentioned in our Retail Trends Factfile: Omni-channel Retail post earlier this year. 3. Personalisation