How Ecommerce Web Development Changed the Face of the High Street in the 21st Century.
High
street retail stores are going through a rocky phase in current times when
several big-name brands are either downsizing or succumbing to the brutal
trading conditions and impending retail apocalypse. But, there’s light at the
end of the retail tunnel, yet. UK consumers still see the high street as the
perfect venue for shopping. Despite this, leading brands like Woolworths, Toys
R Us and Maplin folded.
High
street retailers need to change with the times or crash out. In-store footfall
during peak shopping periods is also on the decline. With falling GDP growth
and rising inflation, overall consumer spending remains flat in the UK despite
low-interest rates. Business rates are expanding sharply in major cities like
Brit capital city London. Competition is at unprecedented levels, with internet
giants and nimble entrants at the door. The looming spectre of Brexit is
further haunting UK retailers. In such conditions, ecommerce web development
technologies are redefining the retail landscape.
- Countering the Amazon Effect?
Many
retailers are realising the Amazon factor is shaping the retail market in new
and unexpected ways. With the range of smart devices installed in homes or
carried by consumers, the internet giant is surpassing the mission to personally
cater for every need from groceries to FMCG. Based on the consumer’s digital
profile, the customisation of the retail experience is taking place. YouGov’s
survey found that high street is not exactly a spent force, with 54% of
respondents saying high street was their favourite place to shop. Less than
one-third or 31% preferred online shopping.
The
gap is closing and to thrive and survive, high street retailers need to strike
the golden balance. While the original marketing mix now includes product, price,
place, promotion, packaging, place, positioning as well as people.
Personalisation focuses on harnessing the power of bespoke marketing to gain
the edge over competitors.
Creating
an immersive, frictionless experience by tapping the power of ecommerce web development is
the key. You Gov found consumers would like to see high street retailers embrace
the tech-led experience, with nearly 70% choosing personalised deals, bargains
and discounts customised to previous purchases.
- Customising Hi-Tech Ecommerce Technologies
High
street retail is now geared towards technology appropriate for deployment for
the in-store environment, while understanding what customers need and how they
want to interact with the store. Self-checkouts need to be appropriate for the
brand. Further, smartphone payments use mobile phone gateways and may be a
positive feature for high street retailers. Neiman Marcus’s PoS, mobile-enabled
check-outs are case in point. Data channels are what internet giants work on
for targeting and retargeting online customers and high street retailers need
to keep up, using ecommerce web development and click-and-brick models to
analyse customer preferences and habits.
- Creating Immersive In-Store Experiences
High
street retailers provide engaged consumers with the chance to access truly
immersive retail experiences. Premium brands like Burberry have found success
in the area. The Brit fashion label uses interactive retail mirrors to showcase
footage from fashion shows and collections when consumers approach the screen.
Immersive
experiences are spreading across retailers everywhere now. With UK retailers
facing the ecommerce discount challenge, brands like New Look, Mothercare and
House of Fraser are facing massive store closures. In an increasingly digital
world, online and email communications are promoting the in-store experience.
But it is important to remember there is no polarisation between digital and
traditional retail models, but innovative channels that blend both to engage
with present consumers.