Online shopping boomed in 2020 - but what does this mean for in-store shopping? Well, it turns out that people are still choosing to shop in-person. 2020 saw that 92% of customers miss in-person shopping. There are many reasons why customers would prefer to go in-store to make a purchase. Even in pandemic times, people still crave that in-store experience. After all, humans require a sense of community and connection with one another - something online shopping can’t offer. Aside from the psychological aspect of in-store shopping, immediacy and being able to experience a product prior to buying it are the driving factors of in-store shopping. We all know waiting sucks - especially for a package! 13% of customers prefer purchasing in-store to avoid delivery wait times. On top of that, people are able to interact with the product, ask questions, and even take advantage of in-store deals. Overall, people aren’t giving up their brick & mortar just yet.

COVID-19 has shifted consumer’s behavior for shopping local to support independent businesses. Rather than purchasing a product on Amazon, people are more inclined to shop at their local “mom & pop” hardware store, for example. This year will show more change in consumer behavior than ever before which will require dealers and brands (who distribute to dealer networks) to adjust to market demands and pivot from what they have always known.

While we know that in-store shopping isn’t going anywhere, online channels still play a major role in the customer journey. People today have countless sources to search for product information, reviews, and store locations. In fact, 81% of shoppers do online research before buying a product. That is why businesses cannot rely solely on a physical location - they need to have a strong online presence to make that sale. With this new hybrid customer journey, brands and their dealer networks should have cohesive websites equipped with up-to-date product information and store information - but it doesn’t stop there. Dealers need to participate in digital marketing tactics in order to fuel those sites with interested customers. By combining these efforts, the customer can effortlessly locate their neighborhood dealer and continue their journey in-store. With this growing demand, now is the time for brands to re-evaluate their online presence and offerings. 

So, how can large brands grow their online presence when they distribute to local dealers? One solution - The PowerChord Platform.  

The PowerChord platform makes it easy for brands to maintain a local presence in each of their markets. Every participating dealer receives a mobile-friendly website that’s templated to match brand standards. On that site, customers get updated store information, the opportunity to make contact, and know what products are available for them in-store. It also provides dealers who may not have experience in maintaining a digital presence or in implementing a digital marketing strategy a turnkey solution that takes care of each of those components for them. 

Talk to a PowerChord Expert today to receive a free demo.

info@powerchord.com | 800-350-0981