Introduction Inefficient operations can be a significant problem for retailers, leading to increased costs and reduced profitability. However, with the rise of e-commerce and the increasing demand for convenience and flexibility, retailers now can streamline their operations and reduce costs through a Click & Collect offering. According to a study by OrderDynamics, retailers offering Click & Collect have seen a 28% reduction in order processing costs. In this blog post, we will explore the benefits of a Click & Collect offering and how it can help retailers improve their operations and profitability.
What is Click & Collect? Click & Collect is a service that allows customers to order products online and pick them up in-store or at a designated pickup location. This service eliminates checkout lines and reduces wait times, providing a better experience for customers. Click & Collect is becoming increasingly popular among retailers as it provides a way for customers to shop online while also having the option to physically pick up their purchases.
According to a study by Capgemini, Click & Collect is the fastest-growing delivery option in the retail industry, with a 35% increase in usage between 2018 and 2019 [1]. This growth can be attributed to the convenience and flexibility that Click & Collect offers customers, as well as the cost savings that it provides for retailers.
Benefits of Click & Collect
Streamlined Operations
By offering a Click & Collect service, retailers can streamline their operations and reduce costs by reducing the number of staff needed to process orders and handle customer inquiries. With Click & Collect, customers can place their orders online, and the retailer can prepare the order for pickup, eliminating the need for additional staff to handle the order Click & Collect orders are typically fulfilled from the retailer's stores, which eliminates the need for additional warehouse space and reduces shipping costs. In addition, Click & Collect orders are typically processed faster than traditional online orders, which can lead to improved efficiency and reduced labour costs. This, in turn, can reduce costs and increase efficiency, allowing retailers to focus on other aspects of their business.
Improved Inventory Management
Click & Collect can also help retailers improve their inventory management. By fulfilling orders from their stores, retailers can avoid shipping costs and reduce the time it takes to restock their inventory [4]. This can lead to improved efficiency and reduced costs for retailers. In addition, retailers can use data analytics to track customer behaviour and preferences, allowing them to make informed decisions about their inventory.
Increased Sales
Click & Collect can increase sales by providing customers with more ways to shop and purchase products. By offering Click & Collect, retailers can provide customers with the convenience of online shopping while also providing them with the option to physically pick up their purchases. This can be especially beneficial for customers who may be hesitant to shop online due to concerns over shipping times or delivery fees.
By offering online shopping options and the ability to pick up orders in-store, retailers can cater to the needs and preferences of their customers. In addition, Click & Collect can help retailers reduce cart abandonment rates, as customers are more likely to complete their purchase if they have the option to pick up their order in-store.
Interestingly, a report by Invesp found that customers who use Click & Collect are more likely to make additional purchases while picking up their orders in-store [2].
Improved Customer Experience
Click & Collect can also improve the customer experience by providing a more convenient and flexible shopping experience. With Click & Collect, customers can place their orders online and pick them up in-store or at a designated pickup location. This eliminates the need for customers to wait in checkout lines, which can be especially beneficial during peak shopping periods. Click & Collect allows customers to pick up their orders at a time that is convenient for them, providing them with greater flexibility and control over their shopping experience. In addition, Click & Collect can help retailers improve their customer satisfaction rates, as customers are more likely to be satisfied with their purchase if they have a positive shopping experience. A study by OrderDynamics found that retailers offering Click & Collect experienced a 13% increase in customer satisfaction [3].
Examples of Successful Click & Collect Retailers
Zara
Zara is a great example of a fast fashion retailer that has successfully adopted an Omnichannel strategy. The company has integrated its online and offline channels to provide a seamless shopping experience for customers. Customers can shop online, in-store, or through the Zara app, and have the option to pick up their orders in-store. Zara has also used inventory data to fulfil their online orders using existing stock at the stores and reduce costs.
Target
Target is another successful Click & Collect retailer. The company has integrated its online and offline channels to provide a seamless shopping experience for customers. Customers can shop online, in-store, or through the Target app, and have the option to pick up their orders in-store. Target has also used personalized recommendations and targeted marketing to increase sales and improve customer satisfaction.
Home Depot
Home Depot exemplifies a traditional retailer that effectively implemented Click & Collect. Through seamless integration of online and offline channels, customers can shop via various platforms and conveniently pick up their orders in-store. Utilizing data analytics, Home Depot optimizes inventory management, enhancing efficiency and cost reduction.
How Seeplus by Inovretail can help
Seeplus by Inovretail is an excellent solution for retailers looking to implement click-and-collect offerings quickly and efficiently. The platform offers support in the key areas of software development, integration of e-commerce, inventory management, and staff training, making it easy for retailers to get started quickly.
Seeplus by Inovretail enables retailers to offer pick-up options anywhere, which unlocks exciting new cross-selling opportunities and exponential profit growth by empowering retailers to take advantage of different customer purchase trends. Furthermore, Seeplus by Inovretail helps retailers develop a more personalized approach by providing a detailed understanding of their customer needs and expectations based on their shopping behaviour and preferences.
Conclusion Inefficient operations can be a significant problem for retailers, leading to increased costs and reduced profitability. However, with a Click & Collect offering, retailers can streamline their operations and reduce costs, leading to a more efficient and profitable business. By offering a more convenient and flexible shopping experience, retailers can improve customer satisfaction rates and increase sales.
Successful Click & Collect retailers like Walmart, Target, and Home Depot have shown that adopting a Click & Collect offering can lead to improved operations and profitability. As the retail industry continues to evolve, adopting a Click & Collect offering will become increasingly important for retailers to remain competitive and meet the needs of their customers.
To learn more about Inovretail's Click & Collect offerings, visit our website.
Sources:
https://www.capgemini.com/research/click-and-collect-retailers-are-failing-to-meet-consumer-expectations/
https://www.invespcro.com/blog/click-and-collect/
https://www.orderdynamics.com/click-and-collect-infographic/
https://www.retailtouchpoints.com/features/special-reports/click-and-collect-drives-40-lift-in-online-sales-for-uk-retailers
Great!