Effective Solutions for Retailers Looking to Survive During COVID-19 Outbreak

The vicious virus known as COVID-19 is everywhere (literally). With millions of people contracting the coronavirus and thousands losing their lives, nations large and small have gone to great lengths to protect its citizens. This includes demanding (or strongly suggesting) that citizens remain home and keep a safe distance from one another to slow the spread. Many government officials and leaders have even gone to the lengths of requesting that retailers with physical stores to close up shop. 

For anyone in the retail business, these changes (while necessary) impact your bottom line. With customers unable to visit stores and vendors delayed in shipping merchandise, many retailers have been scrambling to figure out efficient solutions to remain in business while also learning more about their options if bankruptcy becomes inevitable. Read on for some examples of solutions retailers have been using to survive during the COVID-19 outbreak: 

eStores

While selling merchandise in physical locations isn’t allowed, modern technology has made it possible for brick and mortar locations to sell products virtually. With effective marketing, target audiences will flock to these eStores to purchase things they want without having to leave the comfort of their home. This keeps money coming into the business to keep you afloat during the pandemic. 

Steep Discounts

Inventory management has become another big issue for retailers. Consumers are unable to come in and shop leaving lots of items in stock. Beyond creating an avenue for consumers to purchase these products online, many retailers have opted to discount their products. The hope is that interested parties will be persuaded to make a purchase to increase sales and get rid of backed-up inventory. 

Remote Teams

In an effort to keep its employees safe, several businesses have opted to create remote teams. Utilizing messenger applications, project management software, file sharing sites, and other technological resources, companies have been able to allow their staff to work from home. This helps to boost morale, improve productivity, and reduce unemployment rates. It also allows customers to continue getting the assistance they need. 

Messenger Marketing

With millions of people sitting at home, the use of mobile devices has increased tremendously. Having no other means of staying connected with friends and relatives and wanting desperately to be informed and entertained, lots of people flock to social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram. Retailers looking to connect with their target audience while also increasing sales have turned to messenger marketing as an effective solution. 

Even with the recent Facebook Messenger update, retailers have been able to generate new leads and sustain positive relationships with existing customers through meaningful instant messages. As messenger applications are a widely used and preferred method of contact for many online consumers, retailers are able to use this platform to connect with their target audience, provide informational and entertaining content, and encourage interested parties to make a purchase, visit a company website, subscribe to a mailing list, or download company applications. 

Convenient Shipping/Pick-Up Options

Getting consumers their products is another factor retailers are seriously working on. Though having products shipped to the customer’s home is convenient, retailers are offering other solutions to make things as easy and efficient as possible for their customers. This includes offering free shipping on purchases over a certain dollar amount, contactless shipping where products are safely left at the door, and ship to store options where customers can drive to the retailer’s physical location and pick up the items in-person. 

Pick-up options are also including curbside pickup and contactless options where the sales associate loads the car for you so there is no hand to hand contact or physical interaction. These options not only allow consumers to get what the want quickly and affordably, but it also shows your target audience that you care about their safety and well-being which can be ideal for driving sales. 

It goes without saying that the COVID-19 outbreak has caused panic and chaos around the globe. As citizens do what they can to protect themselves and their families, businesses are struggling to find ways to remain intact. Fortunately, there are technological solutions such as those discussed above that retailers can use to continue to operate successfully until things return to “normal”.