Why do local retail stores need e-commerce for survival?

The landscape of retail is constantly evolving, and having an online presence is now a necessity for local retail stores. E-commerce is a game-changer, and businesses that don’t adapt get left behind. If you want to thrive in today’s market, you need the kind of robust e-commerce solution that platforms like Growith provide.

Growith is designed to empower local retailers. We understand your challenges and provide an all-in-one platform with online storefronts, delivery logistics, marketing tools, and much more. Let’s explore why partnering with Growith to enhance your e-commerce strategy is a smart move for your retail business.

Expanded Reach Beyond Physical Stores

One of the most significant advantages of having an online storefront for local retail stores is how it removes geographical barriers. Your reach is no longer limited to those walking past your store or living in the neighborhood.  An e-commerce platform like Growith opens up your business to customers across the city, state, or even the country. This means a larger pool of potential shoppers who can discover your unique products.

Consider the success of independent bookstores that adopted e-commerce. These stores now cater to book lovers worldwide, not just those within their physical location.

One example of a retail store that has successfully expanded its reach through e-commerce platforms is Nike. Through its online storefront, Nike offers customers worldwide access to its products, leveraging personalized recommendations and exclusive releases to drive sales. By embracing e-commerce, Nike has extended its reach far beyond its physical locations, demonstrating the power of online platforms in reaching global audiences and driving business growth.

24/7 Availability so You’re Always Open for Business

Unlike a physical store with its operating hours, an online storefront works 24/7, 365 days a year. Growith helps you cater to the modern customer who can shop when it suits their schedules, not the other way around. This offers immense convenience to those pressed for time or people browsing after work or on weekends.

Studies show that online retailers offering round-the-clock availability see increased customer satisfaction, loyalty, and ultimately, a boost in sales. If your shop is always open for business online, you won’t lose out on potential sales because someone couldn’t make it during regular hours.

Increased Sales Opportunities for Cross-Selling and Upselling

Growith understands the importance of boosting sales. An online storefront  with us gives you valuable space to showcase curated product displays and recommendations. This opens the door to effective cross-selling (promoting complementary items) and upselling (offering upgrades or premium versions). An intuitive online store simplifies how you guide customers to related products or more exclusive options tailored to their interests.

Think of online fashion stores that cleverly suggest matching accessories or the “complete the look” sections. These tactics drive higher order values and can positively impact your bottom line.

Amazon utilizes a “Frequently Bought Together” feature, suggesting complementary products to customers based on their browsing and purchasing history. For example, when a customer adds a laptop to their cart, Amazon may suggest accessories such as a laptop case or mouse. This encourages customers to add additional items to their order, increasing the average order value.

Cost-Effectiveness

While setting up an online storefront requires investment, in the long run, it is significantly more cost-effective than solely relying on a physical shop. You can save on rent, utilities, and some staffing costs. An e-commerce platform allows you to reallocate resources, fueling business growth and innovation.

Platforms like Growith understand this and offer affordable and tailored e-commerce solutions to help local retail stores make a smooth transition into the digital world without breaking the bank.

Data-Driven Insights into Customer Behavior and Purchasing Patterns

Growith turns your online storefront into a data goldmine. You can track traffic, see what products people are most interested in, and analyze their purchase patterns. This information is invaluable for making data-driven decisions. You can better target your marketing, personalize product recommendations, and identify product gaps or improvement areas.

This level of customer understanding would be difficult to achieve with just a physical store.

For example, eBay utilizes customer data to personalize marketing campaigns, curate product assortments based on trends, and enhance the overall shopping experience. By leveraging data analytics, eBay stays competitive, drives growth, and fosters customer loyalty.

Competitive Edge Over Competitors

Embrace the future of retail with Growith. Establish a clear competitive advantage in your local market by offering the convenience and flexibility that customers demand. An online presence backed by Growith allows you to better serve your community and attract new shoppers searching for exactly what you sell.

Local retail stores that were quick to adopt e-commerce initiatives often outperform those who cling to traditional models. 

For example, Target has embraced e-commerce innovation to enhance the customer experience and compete with online rivals. The retailer offers features such as same-day delivery through Shipt, curbside pickup, and a user-friendly mobile app that integrates online and offline shopping seamlessly. Target also leverages data analytics to personalize the shopping experience, offering personalized product recommendations and promotions to customers based on their preferences and behavior. These e-commerce initiatives have contributed to Target’s success and helped them gain a competitive edge in the retail industry.

Conclusion

In today’s digital-first landscape, having an online storefront is essential for the success of local retail stores.  Growith is the ideal partner to help you not just survive, but thrive in this competitive environment. With Growith’s comprehensive solutions and support, you can extend your reach, boost sales, make better business decisions, and keep your customers coming back for more.

Ready to take your retail business to the next level? Schedule a demo with us today and see how we unlock the unlimited potential of e-commerce for your business.