Numerous studies show just how important customer experience is when shopping. For one, 84% of businesses that improved their customer service managed to boost their income. Those who lead in customer experience outperform companies who fail in this category by nearly 80%. And what better way to improve customer service than by making your customers feel comfortable while shopping?
Creating a comfortable shopping experience is crucial for any retailer, whether they sell clothes, electronics, or groceries. Customers who feel comfortable while shopping is more likely to spend more time in your store and make impulse purchases. They are also more likely to positively associate with the store and return in the future.
Here are four of the most effective ways you can increase your customer’s comfort while shopping
1. Keep the Store Neat and Organized
A messy and cluttered store will make customers feel uncomfortable and stressed. They may not be able to find what they are looking for or feel like they are being watched too closely by sales staff. This can also lead to accidents like tripping over things left on the floor.
Failure to keep the store clean can also send a message that the business doesn’t care about its appearance, making customers question the merchandise’s quality. This will also make your store feel unsafe, as customers will believe that if the store is not well-maintained, then the products may not be either.
To avoid this, keep your store neat and organized at all times. This means regularly cleaning the floors, straightening up shelves and displays, and ensuring there’s a clear path for customers to walk through the store. Train your staff to pick up any trash that may be left on the floor or counters.
2. Maintain a Comfortable Temperature
No one likes to shop in a hot, stuffy store — or a cold, drafty one. Maintaining a comfortable temperature is essential to creating a pleasant shopping experience for your customers. Fortunately, there are a few simple steps you can take to ensure that your store is always at the perfect temperature.
Invest in a quality thermostat and make sure to calibrate this regularly. This will help you to more accurately control the temperature of your store. A quality thermostat will also allow you to create different temperature zones within your store, keeping your products at the ideal temperature while still providing a comfortable environment for customers.
Another way to maintain a comfortable temperature is to use fans and air conditioning units wisely. Place these near doors and windows to help regulate the temperature of your store. Make sure that your air conditioning units are not too loud, as this can also be disruptive and make it difficult for customers to concentrate on shopping.
Don’t forget about taking air conditioning maintenance seriously. This means regularly cleaning and changing air filters and hiring reliable technicians to maintain your commercial air conditioning system. Find a service provider with years of experience who can do 24/7 emergency repairs, so you won’t have a hard time fixing broken units in the middle of a heatwave.
3. Offer a Variety of Payment Options
Giving your customers different ways to pay for their purchases will make them feel more comfortable while shopping. This is because they will not be limited by the type of payment you accept. They will not have to worry about whether or not you accept their preferred payment method or if they have enough cash on hand.
There are a few different payment options you can offer your customers. Cash, credit and debit cards, and gift cards are the most common. You can also accept mobile payments through apps like Apple Pay or Google Pay.
Studies show that up to 71% of merchants now accept mobile payments. This is because more and more people are using their smartphones to make purchases. Your customers will appreciate the convenience of being able to pay with their phones.
When choosing a mobile payment system, make sure that it is compatible with the type of smartphone your customers use. It should also be easy to use and secure. Lastly, find one that can create digital receipts to give your customers another way to keep track of their purchases.
4. Invest in Relationship Sales
Building relationships with your customers is a great way to make them feel more comfortable while shopping. This is because they will feel valued and appreciated, rather than just being seen as a sales target. Doing so will also make your customers more loyal to your business, leading to repeat sales and referrals.
Here are a few tips for building relationships with your customers:
- Get to know them by name
- Ask about their interests, families, and jobs
- Find out what they like and don’t like about your products or services
- Offer them personalized recommendations
- Send them birthday and holiday greetings
- Give them exclusive deals and discounts
- Make sure to follow up with them after they make a purchase
You can make follow-ups more personal by calling instead of emailing them. This will show that you care about their experience and want to ensure they are satisfied with their purchase. If this is not possible, send a handwritten thank-you note instead.
Your customer’s comfort levels while shopping can make a difference in whether they return to your store. By following these tips, you can create a more comfortable environment that will encourage customers to come back again and again.