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In today's retail landscape, consumer expectations are higher than ever. They want everything immediately, all the time... and they’re right!
While e-commerce currently accounts for around 20% of all retail sales (up from 14% in 2019), 72% of customers still rely on physical stores as their primary shopping method. Being able to say “yes” to the customer is crucial. Indeed, 30% of consumers believe stockouts negatively impact their shopping experience, and when a desired item is out of stock, only 16% choose an alternative product from the same brand. Meanwhile, 37% opt for a different brand, and 9% will buy nothing at all*.
Endless Aisle has become a key in-store feature, combining the benefits of online and in-store shopping to meet shopper expectations and empower store associates.
What exactly is the Endless Aisle?
Intelligent searching
Endless Aisle enables store associates to find any product quickly using the application. By scanning a product code or conducting a manual search with auto-completion, they can access detailed product information, such as product visuals, attributes, product promise, delivery options, pricing, and promotions. The application also suggests cross-sell and upsell opportunities. An intelligent search engine delivers exact matches or approximate results to help locate the desired item quickly.
Detailed product information
Whether responding to a product request, providing additional information, or solving a problem, store associates must be equipped to meet customer needs. This requires in-depth product knowledge and precise and reliable information to meet customer expectations. The Endless Aisle empowers store associates by providing additional product details, upselling opportunities, product availability, and available delivery options.
Unlimited product delivery methods
Endless Aisle offers customers an unlimited selection of products by virtually expanding the store’s inventory. Even if a product isn’t physically available, the store associate can still fulfil the customer’s request using unified inventory with various shipping options: home delivery, click-and-collect in the same store, click-and-collect in another store, or reserving the item in another store.
Planet Order In-Store: A powerful Endless Aisle application
Planet Order In-Store is a user-friendly endless aisle application available on Android devices or through a browser. It offers all the capabilities of the Endless Aisle to store associates, providing real-time availability and delivery options. Planet Order In-Store also includes additional features to boost in-store conversion:
Unified cart linked to the customer
Planet Order In-Store allows the sale of multiple products with different shipping modes in a single transaction. For example, customers can buy a watch immediately, have a suit delivered to their home, pick up shoes in another store, and reserve a dress for their partner—all in one seamless checkout process. Another advantage of the unified cart is that the customer can start a cart in-store and complete it online, or vice versa. The cart is no longer tied to a specific channel but to the customer.
Adapted checkout process
Planet Order In-Store’s shopping cart integrates promotions in various ways, taking into account product specifics (special sales, etc.), customer details (loyalty, segmentation, coupons, etc.), and promotion conditions (total amount, quantities, free deliveries, etc.). Thanks to the "Hydra" Engine, an external sales promotion engine can be integrated, which can adapt in real-time based on the customer’s browsing and purchasing behaviour.
Flexible Payment Methods
Planet Order In-Store integrates multiple payment methods: card (either all-in-one with our Pax terminals or in two steps, initiated on Planet Order In-Store and completed on a payment terminal), cash, gift cards, credit notes, and loyalty points. It is also possible to split payment using multiple methods for a single transaction. Retailers can choose to shift payment to the POS system, as has traditionally been done.
Conclusion
In a retail environment where customers demand instant gratification, having the tools to meet their needs is essential. Planet's Endless Aisle solution empowers your store associates to say "yes" to every customer request, offering a seamless shopping experience that blends the convenience of online shopping with the personal touch of in-store service. From intelligent searching to flexible payment methods, Planet Order In-Store ensures that no sale is lost due to stockouts or limited inventory.
Ready to transform your in-store experience and exceed customer expectations?
Contact us today to learn more about how Planet's Endless Aisle solution can elevate your retail operations.
*Sources: Convictional, Salecycle, National Retail Federation
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