120 Days of Retail: Day 65 - Selling Local to Compete with Ecommerce

Neighborhood businesses can leverage their location to beat ecommerce companies to the sale

May 9, 2023

The Buy Online Pickup In-Store market is growing faster than delivery, and expected to triple in the next few years.

Selling to local customers can be challenging for businesses, especially in today's digital age where customers have endless options at their fingertips. However, businesses can leverage Buy Online, Pick Up In Store (BOPIS) to overcome these challenges and enhance their customer experience.

According to the National Retail Federation, in 2020, BOPIS and curbside pickup options grew by 52% compared to the previous year. This indicates that more customers are turning to BOPIS as a convenient and efficient way to shop. Additionally, a recent survey by Adobe found that 64% of consumers prefer BOPIS due to the speed and convenience it offers.

One challenge businesses face when selling to local customers is the need to compete with online retailers. According to a study by PwC, 27% of US consumers prefer to shop online due to the convenience it offers. By offering BOPIS, businesses can compete with online retailers by providing the convenience of online shopping while still offering the option for customers to pick up their purchases in-store.

Another challenge businesses face is the need to provide a seamless customer experience. According to a survey by Invesp, 83% of customers want a seamless experience across all channels. By implementing BOPIS, businesses can provide a seamless experience by allowing customers to purchase online and pick up in-store without the need for additional shipping or waiting time.

Furthermore, BOPIS can also increase customer loyalty. According to a study by RIS News, 90% of customers who use BOPIS are likely to shop at the same retailer again. This is because BOPIS offers a convenient and efficient shopping experience, which can lead to increased customer satisfaction and loyalty.

Selling to local customers can be challenging for businesses, but by leveraging BOPIS, they can overcome these challenges and enhance their customer experience. With the growing trend of BOPIS, businesses should consider implementing this option to stay competitive and meet the needs of their customers.

ListIt is the Buy Online Pickup In-Store solution for local retailers. It’s free and takes only seconds to upload your first product. You can reach out to me directly at james@listit.one