How Retail Brick and Mortar Can Adapt in COVID

It’s no secret that COVID-19 has affected many businesses across all industries, especially Brick and Mortar Retail stores. Store-front businesses have traditionally relied on foot traffic and with more people staying at home, Retail has to adapt to the new ways of the world. We’re sharing five simple ways to update your Brick and Mortar business during a pandemic and post-pandemic environment.

Online Shopping and Website Presence

As a brick and mortar business owner, updating your online presence is essential to your business. COVID-19 has forced individuals to leave their house only for essentials, so retail shops are not seeing the kind of foot traffic they are accustomed to in normal times. This is why a priority for your brick and mortar store is to update your website to allow online shopping and transactions. Lucky for business owners, there are so many options available to you when creating online stores! Platforms like Shopify, and even WordPress, now make it easier than ever to include a retail section on your website. Customers can browse, shop and complete transactions all online, which brings in more business for your company. The best part – online stores never close! Transactions can be completed around the clock, which means more money in your pocket.

Contactless Payment Readers

Another facet of safety that business owners should consider is installing contactless payment readers in their store. If people are venturing out to retail stores once again, they want to avoid contact with any potential germs as much as possible. These contactless payment readers, like Square, are a great way to minimize contact between employees and customers. There are also payment readers that just require customers to “tap” their credit card on it, which is even safer.

Curbside Pickup

Here’s an easy solution that will keep your customers happy! Offer a contactless pickup option at your brick and mortar storefront. Customers can browse your products online or through social media, then drive to a designated spot at the front of your store. This is a great opportunity for your sales staff to run out to the car, greet your customer and provide an easy experience for them to grab their goods on the go.

Change the Layout of Your Store

This is relevant for stores with a great deal of inventory. If your items are packed closely into your store’s aisles, you may want to consider spacing the area out a bit more. The reason for this is to avoid customers standing close together in the aisles while they browse the store. Respect the need for social distancing and change the layout of your store to accommodate this new normal.

Offer Sanitizing Stations

You’re probably already doing this, but just in case it’s slipped your mind – always be sure to offer sanitizing products for your customers. Hand sanitizer and wipes should be on clear display throughout the store for customers to use while shopping. If you really want to make an impact and also spread brand awareness, you can even include mini-hand sanitizer bottles as freebies for your customers.

Visit our website or call 410-290-3284 for more information on how your brick and mortar business can succeed during and after the pandemic.