We all know that retail trends continuously evolve at the speed of the customer’s preference experience, and the speed of technology has heightened that change at unprecedented rates. But what does that mean for brands seeking to keep up with an omnichannel approach for today’s consumer? According to Deloitte’s Retail Outlook Survey, over the next five years, 67% of respondents cite e-commerce and online shopping platforms as top investment areas. Implementing a hybrid or virtual component can create immersive new experiences for your customers to engage with your brand and products. Embracing these new standards will create a strong and consistent online or virtual presence across all consumer touchpoints.

An omnichannel strategy is a marketing and sales approach that involves connecting all consumer touchpoints, both online and in-person, and integrating them seamlessly to create a consistent experience for a brand’s customers. A successful omnichannel approach allows for a personalized and consistent customer shopping experience, resulting in stronger brand loyalty.
Previously seen as an afterthought, omnichannel initiatives now generate an additional 80% of store visits. Customers are more likely to engage with a brand when they have multiple access points, such as apps, virtual dressing rooms, and camera lenses, allowing them to visualize products in their homes. The omnichannel approach supports all these functions, culminating in the ultimate consumer experience.

Perhaps one of the most up-and-coming and innovative retail experiences is virtual retail stores. According to forecasts by Goldman Sachs, the augmented reality and virtual reality market is anticipated to grow up to $95 billion by 2025. Brands looking to expand into new territory and reach new audiences have started incorporating immersive virtual storefronts. Innovations such as BrightShops™ virtual brand stores give customers the opportunity to explore and engage with a brand’s products on the go, or from the comfort of their homes.

Even when a customer shops online, nothing beats the power of human connection. Tap-a-Tech™ Virtual Sales Specialists allow customers to interact with your products from anywhere while still giving them a fully branded, live, and personal customer service experience through live video chat. Tap-a-Tech™ will instantly connect your shoppers with Sales Specialists, equipped to perform product demos through your e-commerce site virtually, or via an in-store display on the salesfloor. By 2026, 24% of retail purchases are expected to take place online. Don’t miss out on those sales by not being equipped with the tools to assist your online customers.

Elevating the experience for your online shoppers is now the new standard for buying online, and prioritizing your online customer satisfaction is now more important than ever. Designing an omnichannel approach to create seamless shopping experiences through multiple platforms and virtual sales tools like Tap-A-Tech™ and Brightshops™, for your brand will ensure that no stones are left unturned when it comes to the customer purchase journey.

As new avenues of virtual retail experiences emerge, BDS continues to adapt to bring clients the best possible solutions for their brand. Find out how BDS’ solutions can help elevate and guide your brand to reach new audiences and boost sales. If you’re ready to create new, shareable experiences for your brand and customers, contact us today!