3 Factors That Affect Retail Shoppers

Creating a retail environment that invites customers to feel comfortable while considering their purchases is a challenging task. Finding ways to differentiate their value proposition involves creative merchandising. Competition for patrons is at an all-time high and details that might seem insignificant can tip the balance in the fierce battle for consumer dollars.

Luckily for retailers, much study has been devoted to identifying the kinds of shopping experiences favored by customers. Research to determine consumer behaviors based on lighting, atmosphere and even store fixtures abound. Successful merchandising increases convenience and invites buying signals. Shoppers respond positively when they feel catered to and important.

There are many factors that influence consumers while shopping. Proper attention a few of them can make all the difference in the volume of sales. Considering each of these items carefully while making decisions about how retail merchandise is presented will surely win more customers.

The Time Factor

Life’s pace seems frantic and this is particularly true during traditionally high-sales volume seasons such as the 4^th quarter of the year. The safe assumption that people are in a hurry should inform every merchandising decision and action. Large print, plain language product messaging in the retail environment can speed up the buying decision process and reduce shopper frustration. Similarly, locating related products near one another physically will often increase total revenues per shopper.

The Convenience Factor

Shoppers typically have some ideas about what products they are interested in prior to entering the retail location. The most successful retailers effectively align their offerings to match those consumer expectations. Careful attention to keeping inventory that includes a variety of sizes, colors or patterns is one good example. Another is presenting the option of purchasing a single item or 2 or 3 per package. The latter appeals to both customers who are budget conscious and those who prefer to stock up.

The Competition Factor

This factor is where retailers are confronted with their most difficult decisions and must arrive at sensible compromises. Pricing strategies designed to win and keep customers must account for profit margin on the one hand and competition on the other. Proprietors must constantly look for ways to add value to the products and services they sell and capitalize on that added value. Online shopping has impacted bricks and mortar retail shops more every year since its inception. Most retailers are well served by offering online shopping experiences along with physical retail locations.

Successful retailers must build a loyal customer base and keep them happy. Exhibiting sensitivity to consumer time pressures and making shopping convenient while remaining competitive are 3 fundamentals in retailing that help accomplish this goal.