No need to stand in a checkout line to make a purchase. With omnichannel retail, modern-day shopping transcends the boundaries of brick-and-mortar stores and online platforms. In fact, nearly 60% of shoppers say they’re likely to browse online and then buy in-store, while more than half report looking at a product in person and buying it online later.1
By crafting a cohesive, interconnected journey across multiple mediums, brands can delight customers at every touchpoint. This powerful strategy can also revolutionize how businesses connect with their audience, expand their reach, build brand loyalty, and boost sales.
Use our guide to discover insights, actionable strategies, and practical tips to bridge the gap between physical and digital commerce — and propel your small business to new heights.
Omnichannel retail provides a consistent, seamless shopping experience across multiple sales and marketing platforms, whether online, in-store, or through mobile devices.
Take holiday shopping as an example: More than half of U.S. shoppers who visited a store in person reported that they researched product reviews online or had initially viewed the item online before heading to the store.2 This highlights a growing trend of consumers blending their online and offline shopping experiences before making a purchase.
Omnichannel retail can be especially beneficial for small- and medium-sized businesses to stand out in a crowded marketplace of global retail giants. By integrating multiple channels, brands can extend their reach beyond physical storefronts, tapping into broader audiences across several platforms.
Here are some examples of what an omnichannel retail strategy may look like in action:
There are different types of retail strategies businesses can employ. Here are some examples:
Businesses that provide an omnichannel retail experience may experience benefits like:
Learn more about how omnichannel data can drive growth.
Before implementing an omnichannel retail strategy, consider some of the potential challenges and risks:
At its core, an omnichannel retail strategy involves several key components to ensure seamless customer experiences across various channels:
As you craft your omnichannel retail strategy, get started with these general steps:
From understanding your customers and crafting consistent messaging to leveraging technology and data analytics, successful implementation hinges on careful planning and execution across all touchpoints.
Here are some quick tips:
Omnichannel retail is more than just a buzzword. With omnichannel ecommerce, businesses can expand their reach and engagement while unlocking the potential for personalized interactions, streamlined operations, and increased sales.
In partnership with three expert business owners, the PayPal Bootcamp includes practical checklists and a short video loaded with tips to help take your business to the next level.
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