3 Ways Retailers Can Capitalize on Holiday Sales

By Amber Hovious, VP Marketing and Partnerships at Teamwork Commerce

It’s that time of the year when sales take on new horizons and retailers have the opportunity to capitalize on fresh consumer enthusiasm during the holiday season. The festive period is here, and retailers must prepare and refine their approach to make the most of increased sales opportunities.

The holiday period proves itself to be one of the most important times of the year for retailers, providing significant sales opportunities that can drive growth. According to Statista, U.S. consumers spent approximately $923 billion during the shopping season in 2023. This year’s estimates are expected to record a 4 percent increase, with retail sales over the holiday shopping season expected to reach $960 billion in 2024.

While it’s critical to drive sales during the festive season, retailers need to think long term and deploy results-driven strategies that can help them thrive even after the holiday season.

Personalization Becoming a Game-Changer

Creating personalized discounts for consumers can play an important role in enabling retailers to make their customers feel valued and thus drive long-term customer loyalty. Personalization comes through more than just messaging and emails. The importance of merchants fully understanding their customers — their preferences, purchasing habits and styles — is key.

Utilizing technologies such as customer relationship management (CRM) software provides retailers with visibility of each shopper’s activity. It provides in-store associates with actionable data around customer preferences, sizing and purchase history, which allows associates to tailor every interaction to specific customers.

The integration of personalization can be paired with loyalty schemes and personalized promotions that leave customers feeling valued, driving loyalty and helping retailers develop long-term relationships with shoppers. Customers will feel more connected to the brand with memorable interactions and associates can easily add value to their in-store visit, increasing sales opportunities and encouraging future purchases.

Related story: How Retailers Can Utilize Tech to Empower Their Workforces

Turbocharging Transactions

Today’s retail landscape is fast-paced, and so are consumers. Self-checkout technology is being adopted frequently by retailers as it enables faster purchases, which, in turn, increases the number of transactions that retailers can complete in a day. Importantly, self-checkout solutions ensure that in-store associates are no longer tied to checkouts, enabling them to spend their time delivering enhanced customer experiences. Solutions such as RFID-powered self-checkout technology, where all items are automatically scanned for the customer with 100 percent accuracy, significantly enhance the checkout process, reducing the time spent completing purchases for customers and creating a seamless experience at the final touchpoint of the retail journey.

As we approach the holiday season, retailers will experience increased foot traffic. In order to remain efficient, their point-of-sale (POS) system must operate effectively. Aside from self-checkout, retailers can equip their in-store associates with mobile POS solutions that allow customers to check out from anywhere in-store. This plays an important role in reducing shop floor queuing, significantly increasing customer satisfaction. Associates can meet customers on the shop floor, provide recommendations and promotions tailored to each individual consumer, and complete the transaction on the spot.

Driving Customer Retention

Retailers want to succeed long term and build a loyal customer base. It’s important during the holiday season to keep the long-term picture in mind. Their short-term actions can play an important role in this, delivering high-quality experiences that convert in-store visitors into loyal customers. The festive period is a great time to do this. Ultimately, the technology that retailers utilize will be the key to supporting this goal. Innovative solutions can help retailers achieve increased revenue as well as secure a valuable customer base and attract new customers for the long term.

While tech can be extremely useful and important when developing and perfecting retail processes, it cannot replace the human touch. It’s important to display the correct balance when deploying new technology; keep the human element involved to promote the ultimate shopping experience. If retailers are able to master this, they’ll see an uplift in sales and strengthen their customer loyalty base.

A Festive Feast

The festive season is one of the most important periods of the year for retailers. As the end of 2024 approaches, the appetite for gift-giving and capitalizing on in-store promotions can make or break a retailer’s year. Those that succeed this winter will be the retailers that can deliver speed, convenience and, importantly, high-quality in-store experiences.

Amber Hovious is vice president of marketing and partnerships at Teamwork Commerce, a leading omnichannel solution provider.

Michael Buble is fully defrosted, and the pop icon herself, Mariah Carey, has officially declared, ‘It’s time!!!’ This can only mean one thing: the holiday season is in full swing. The retail world is ready for the chaos as brands pull out all the stops to drive those all-important end-of-year sales. In November, Black Friday went down a storm, with UK shoppers estimated to have spent over £1.2 billion online, a 7.2% increase compared to 2023.

Likewise, over the past few months, retailers have been putting significant effort into providing magical experiences for their customers. With the festive period taking hold of experiential retail, in-store traffic is estimated to recover to 81% of pre-pandemic levels by the end of 2024, demonstrating the value of going that extra mile for shoppers.

With customers on the hunt for holiday savings and tech taking retail to the next level, our latest Retail in Review blog explores what brands have been up to so far this festive season..

A Truly Magical Customer Experience

It is all about the customer this season, providing those extra special moments to convert new customers into loyal ones. Retailers have been looking to offer immersive shopping experiences to customers, creating unique experiences to remember. Brands such as Lush have done exactly that, launching a pop-up shop in St Pancras station to celebrate its collaboration with Wicked. Fans of the franchise and musical lovers can fully immerse themselves into the world of Wicked with Glinda and Elpha-themed bath and shower goodies. Alongside customers getting their hands on exclusive products, shoppers can feel as though they are travelling to Oz by exploring the truly Wicked Christmas tree on display in the station.

Likewise, beauty brand, E.L.F Cosmetics, has launched its first immersive eCommerce experience for loyal customers in the UK and the US. Members can explore a 3D platform to shop for new products and receive exclusive deals just in time for the holiday season. It not only offers customers a new shopping experience but also provides an opportunity for the brand’s audience to engage with and shop for new products.

Customer experience is becoming a major priority for retailers. By utilising immersive experiences, retailers can target their loyal customers and strive to bring in new ones. This ensures the brand continues to keep audiences engaged, and enables them to keep up with the increasing demands of consumers, inside and outside of the store.

Bringing Joy Back Into Stores

The high street is back and in-store retail is thriving. In fact, technology retailer, Garmin, has opened its first store in the UK. The brand that specialises in smartwatches and GPS tech will be displaying a range of watches, consumer electronics and products for the car and marine industry. It is the first time the brand has hit the high street – giving customers the opportunity to experience products first-hand and see what the brand has to offer.

Also looking to make its mark on the high street is clothing brand, Juicy Couture. The fashion retailer’s iconic image from the early 2000s is making its return to the UK market. Due to the growing interest in 90s and 00s-inspired trends among Gen Z, the brand is set to bring a nostalgic experience for shoppers throughout the holiday season.

With the opening of new and former brick-and-mortar stores, there are endless opportunities for brands to get creative and get shoppers back into traditional shopping habits. By leveraging the use of in-person shopping, brands can get to know their customers and tailor in-store interactions to suit consumer needs.

Seasonal Savings On The Rise

The cost of living crisis is continuing to impact consumer spending habits. However, this has opened up doors for a rise in purchasing pre-loved gifts this holiday season. According to Retail Economics, 10.2% of Christmas gifts are forecasted to be secondhand items and 84% of shoppers say they are likely to spend some of their Christmas budget on pre-loved products.

Brands such as Amazon have started to sell pre-owned designer products online. From Chanel bags to Bottega dresses, the partnership between Amazon’s luxury store and brand, Hardly Ever Worn, offers affordable luxury items to shoppers at prices that won’t break the bank. It is the first time the storefront has launched in the UK following previous success in the US. For the brand, it provides an innovative route for consumers to get their hands on designer products.

Alongside buying preloved gifts, customers can now also look their best for any festive occasion with in-store rentals. Clothing brand, Karen Millen has launched an in-store and online rental service inside high-end department store, Selfridges. Customers have the opportunity to discover the brand’s party collection and bestselling items just in time for party season. Consumers also get the option to purchase the item after renting if they grow too attached. This provides a new way for customers to discover the brand’s products while getting to experience and wear them before deciding whether to splash the cash.

A Holly Jolly Techmas

In retail, tech is always evolving and bringing new ways for consumers to shop. It has been revealed that (AI) is one of the top technologies in the UK that retail leaders feel will unlock and accelerate growth for their businesses in 2025. With this in mind, brands have already started exploring ways tech can elevate their brand.

Coffee brand, Grind, is working in collaboration with Google to utilise AI and uncover ways to unlock productivity. The 3-month trial encourages workers at Grind to use AI tools such as Gemini, Google’s AI tool, to write up exciting product descriptions, assist in writing emails to loyal customers and streamline the brand’s onboarding process. The trial aims to not only be a game changer for the brand but also act as a starting point to showcase how brands across the UK can unlock the potential of AI in their everyday work.

AI also gives brands the chance to connect with their audience, sporting brand, Puma, has been allowing fans to design Manchester United’s team kit for 2026. The AI tool allows consumers to generate custom designs that will be filtered and selected through fan votes and expert judging. The brand hopes this will encourage people to get creative and engage in the reshaping of sports merchandising.

An Exciting Year Ahead

This year has seen many exciting innovations for brands. So far throughout this retail season, it has been a time for brands to build on going the extra mile for their customers and create a shopping experience that they will never forget. Heading into the new year, brands have the ongoing challenge of elevating that experience to make their mark on the retail scene in 2025.

Want to know how your brand can stand out to consumers this festive season? Get in touch.

The festive season is around the corner, and retailers are busy crafting holiday campaigns to make the most of the seasonal footfall. However, retailers must create promotional strategies and campaigns that not only aim to drive immediate sales but also shape long-term relationships.

Consumer behavior is constantly evolving. Individual shoppers have their own unique preferences and demands. While some consumers prioritise finding the perfect gifts, others are driven by the allure of deals and promotions. For retailers, understanding these psychological triggers is key to crafting offers that resonate. This is where the role of real-time insights comes into play, empowering brands to better understand their customers and their requirements. From their appetite for omnichannel shopping experiences to demands for convenience, brands must be considerate of all factors while designing their impactful holiday campaigns.

Balance and Relevance: Avoiding Overload in Promotional Messaging

Amidst the hustle and bustle of festive shopping, an overload of promotions can overwhelm shoppers, leading to decision fatigue and frustration. The question is how can brands cut through the clutter? The real solution lies in prioritising clarity, relevance, and value.

Using historical data and real-time insights, retailers can create tailored offers on products they regularly purchase or view. Keeping track of consumer history, their activity and understanding what is relevant to them without spamming them in communication, allows retailers to deliver promotions that have a more meaningful impact. Additionally, creating strategic discounts paired with tactics that create urgency and foster the fear of missing out (FOMO), can further boost sales opportunities for retailers.

To be able to create tailored offers that resonate with customers’ needs, retailers must have a robust and integrated customer relationship management (CRM) tool in place. The Teamwork Commerce Secure CRM connects seamlessly with retailers’ wider platforms, facilitating data in real-time. This allows retailers to create universal customer profiles, with information accessible across sales channels.

Building Long-Term Loyalty Post-Holiday Rush

To thrive in the long term, retailers must continue to expand their loyal customer base. This allows them to maximize sales opportunities and drive business growth. The festive season offers countless opportunities for immediate sales. It’s also a chance to attract new customers and strengthen relationships with existing ones. However, retailers must ensure that their sole focus isn’t just focused on holiday promotions and driving revenue, but how this can be replicated and maintained all year round for consumers. The key lies in converting the surge in festive footfall into a base of long-term, loyal patrons. But how can this be achieved?

While a luring discount offer can drive impulsive buying and increase sales, it alone may not be the only driving factor to bring shoppers back in the long term. Brands need to be upfront about the duration of promotions when aiming to secure long-term footfall and not just promotion shoppers. However, brands that combine their holiday campaigns with top-tier customer experiences, and uphold this all year round, can stand out and build meaningful customer relationships. Retailers must bring together key elements including relevance, convenience, personalization, and high-quality interactions into their shopping experience, providing customers with unforgettable shopping journeys that drive them back to shop again.

Using an integrated state-of-the-art technology stack can help retailers combine all these elements to deliver a top-tier customer experience.  With the Teamwork Commerce all-encompassing software, retailers can weave their entire retail ecosystem together. This creates real-time transparency and provides retailers with accurate data and actionable insights and recommendations to work on.

The Teamwork Commerce Mobile Point-of-Sale (POS) solution allows retail associates to leverage all-in-one Clienteling delivered by Endear, a premier clienteling solution. The data-driven software allows sales associates to communicate seamlessly with their customers, and tailor interactions. As a result, staff can provide highly personalized recommendations such as stock updates, relevant product alternatives and suggestions. Using the Clienteling software, associates can store and update data which can be later used for personalizing offers and communication to drive repeat purchases. All this makes it seamless for brands to not only create holiday campaigns but also deliver seamless customer experiences through exclusive promotions.

Act now

Customer footfall during the festive season provides retailers with numerous opportunities to interact with first-time as well as existing customers. Those who focus on nurturing relationships and providing unforgettable and seamless shopping experiences can ensure they are able to convert first-time customers into repeat shoppers.

All retailers need to do is lean on cutting-edge technologies and plan their holiday campaigns strategically. Need more insights to help craft your holiday campaigns? Learn more from Casey Drake, VP of Sales at Endear, and David Maurerer, Sales Manager at Teamwork Commerce, who recently took part in an exclusive webinar on Avoiding Promotion Fatigue: Crafting Impactful Campaigns.

The webinar delivered actionable insights, advising retailerson how to ensure theri promotion campaigns for both the holidays and beyond captivate audiences without overwhelming, enabling brands to shine beyond the busy season.

To access the webinar, visit here.

‘Twas the week before Christmas, when all through the store,

Every shopper was racing, around the sales floor,

Depleted shelves and lengthy queues, the chaos was reaching its pinnacle,

Then in stepped Teamwork Commerce, with a retail Christmas miracle!

In the lead up to Christmas, many retailers can quickly become overwhelmed by the onslaught of in-store traffic. As consumers rush to tie up their shopping – purchasing gifts, outfits and treats before they can settle in for the festivities – the final couple of weeks before December 25th have the potential to make or break a retailer’s year. 

According to Deloitte, 57% of shoppers will still be completing their Christmas purchases into late December this year. The challenge for retailers lies in their ability to capitalize on late season purchases, and use it as an opportunity to not only maximize sales opportunities, but to build long-lasting customer relationships.

Here are three ways retailers can achieve this, all while mitigating the shop floor stress levels that many might expect…

You Can’t Sell What You Don’t Have

Accurate inventory management is one of the most important practices during busy shopping periods. If a retailer doesn’t have enough stock of a specific product, it will quickly sell out and miss out on sales opportunities – while also disappointing customers. Conversely, if a retailer overstocks a product, there will be an excess of inventory left over that either won’t sell, or will have to be sold at a discounted price. Not only does that factor alone significantly impact profits, but the retailer will have also wasted resources in the procurement, transport and storage of that product.

Accurate inventory practices completely streamline a retailer’s operation. They procure only the items they need, optimizing transport and storage, but also ensuring that they maximize their ability to sell specific items. This both reduces costs and increases revenue. Importantly, during the holiday period, customers also recognize reliable product availability in the retailer, with minimal cancel rates on orders – whether in-store, online or through omnichannel purchases such as Buy Online, Pick Up In-Store (BOPIS).

In order to achieve optimal inventory management, retailers can leverage a range of technologies, from tracking products at item-level through RFID technology, to utilizing an all-encompassing retail technology solution that automatically keeps retailers and their teams informed of changing inventory levels. Our customer, Moose Knuckles, has leveraged a “Send Sales” system through Teamwork Commerce’s Point of Sale (POS) technology to minimize missed sales opportunities while enhancing the customer journey through product availability and improved interactions.

Point of Sale Must Be Seamless

A busy shop floor creates potential for stagnated sales and frustrated customers. Difficulty navigating stores, and waiting in painstakingly long queues will quickly turn customers away from a retailer. Not only does this sacrifice short-term sales opportunities, but it leaves a sour taste in their mouth that they won’t necessarily be quick to forget.

Speed is essential during the Christmas season. Customers want their products and they want them quickly. The first step to success lies in product availability, but the second hinges on the retailer’s ability to streamline the in-store experience with minimal waiting.

Two solutions play a highly effective role in facilitating this: Mobile POS and RFID-Powered Self-Checkout. The key driver to success for both of these comes through the fact they both deliver rapid checkout experiences.

Providing retail associates with the ability to complete transactions from anywhere in-store, Mobile POS effectively removes the need for queuing. Instead, an in-store associate can simply approach a visitor, handle any queries they might have around product availability and location, and complete the transaction there and then, without the customer needing to go anywhere. An effective tool for queue-busting, Mobile POS allows customers to step in-store, receive on-the-spot assistance, and purchase their items. They can be in and out of the store in only a few minutes, keeping in-store footfall at manageable levels and getting everything they need before quickly moving to the next item on their list.

Footwear and apparel giant, ASICS, utilized our cutting-edge Mobile POS solution to transform its shop floor operations. Find out how here.

While self-checkout technology continues to undergo scrutiny around the challenges it causes some retailers around customer experience and theft, one variation of the solution, which utilizes RFID technology to automatically scan items, is transforming the speed at which transactions take place. RFID-Powered Self-Checkout automatically scans all items in a basket or cart as soon as they are placed in a designated scanning area. Without the need to manually scan products at checkout, customers can complete transactions in 30 seconds or less. Suddenly, checkout times significantly reduced, and in-store queuing moves along much faster.

Ultimately, both Mobile POS and RFID Self-Checkout serve to reduce in-store queuing and streamline the checkout process. In turn, this allows retailers to deliver a high-quality customer experience – with ease – even during the busiest of periods.

A Christmas Miracle

The last couple of weeks before Christmas can be tough for retailers, but it can also be extremely beneficial both for profits and for building long-term customer retention. During this time, speed is the best friend of both the retailer and the customer. However, if a brand can provide this speed while delivering high-quality customer experiences that leave visitors feeling satisfied, retailers can find short and long-term success.

With the countdown to the New Year just around the corner, 2024 appears to have shot by. And what a year it has been. The Paris Olympics took the world by storm, Oasis got back together, and pop icon, Taylor Swift is still going strong with ‘The Era’s Tour’. It hasn’t been a quiet year for the retail world, either. So far, 2024 has seen a number of brands exploring new and innovative solutions, catering to evolving consumer preferences, and adjusting to changing trends.

From AI and RFID to self-checkout kiosks and mobile POS solutions, there are a number of innovative technologies that have been making significant waves throughout 2024. As retail technology continues to evolve, brands must push the boundaries to gain a competitive edge over rivals. In this blog, we take a look at the key trends that shaped the UK retail industry in 2024…

AI & Excelling Sales

AI has been a key tool in helping retailers streamline and create personalized shopping experiences for customers. Many global brands such as Amazon have introduced AI to analyse product attributes and customer shopping information through search, browsing, and purchase history.

Likewise, skincare brand Dove has seen a 7% higher purchasing intent through providing AI tools to customers. One of its three new AI tools, the BeautyHub PRO, offers product advice for both skincare and haircare on one engaging online platform. It not only helps consumers find products that work for their specific needs but also drives growth for the brand’s beauty portfolio. The same Dove report revealed that 43% of consumers are more likely to complete a purchase after utilizing the Beautyhub PRO tool.

AI allows brands to seamlessly go the extra mile for consumers by providing personalised product recommendations and exclusive deals to entice customers and optimise sales opportunities. In doing so, brands can put all their efforts into creating the ultimate customer experience.

The Rise In Speedy Shopping

2024 also saw a rise in consumer appetite for speedy shopping experiences. Features such as same-day delivery and express checkouts are becoming ingrained behaviours for shoppers on the go. According to Statista, in 2023 nearly two-thirds of global shoppers anticipated receiving their items within 24 hours, and this demand for speed has only continued in 2024. 

To keep up with demand, supermarket chains such as Co-op have introduced a 24-hour rapid delivery service. Likewise, the impact of customers wanting a speeding shopping experience is also making its way into stores. Sainburys introduced a mobile point of sale (POS) system that allows staff to approve transactions via tablet. The platform has now been rolled out to over 22,500 checkouts across the country. This ultimately speeds up the checkout process and boosts the consumer shopping experience.

Improving consumer satisfaction will be pivotal for brands moving forward.

Entertaining Experiences: A 2024 Priority for Retailers

Throughout 2024, many brands seemed to have looked outside the box to create engaging and innovative retail journeys for their customers.

Brands such as IKEA are among the many retailers that have aimed to create an immersive experience for their customers. In June, the brand launched a collaboration with gaming brand Roblox to open up its first virtual store within the game. This allowed fans to branch out and live their home-furnishing dreams, virtually. Furthermore, beauty brand Benefit has also dived into the immersive side of retail, by launching a 3D shopping experience for customers. Available across the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, and France, shoppers will be able to add Benefit sets to their digital cart and virtually try on products.

As retailers progress into 2025, innovative ways to create exciting experiences for customers will be key in building brand loyalty and keeping up with consumer demand. The retail landscape is ever-changing and retailers need to ensure their brand is up to speed with what retail technology has to offer for their online and in-store operations.

The Balancing Act of Self-checkout

Self-checkout solutions have been a hot topic throughout 2024. While some retailers seemed to question its ability to ensure high-quality customer experiences, others have credited the tech with boosting efficiency. Some of the UK’s leading retail brands made their debut with self-checkout kiosks in their stores. 

Clothing brand, Primark, has been one of many retail giants this year to continue to introduce self-checkouts. First mentioned in 2022, the brand has been rolling out self-checkout terminals across the UK with 75 stores to date, streamlining in-store services and enabling the brand to expand into click-and-collect services.

To allow in-store associates to utilise their time more effectively during peak shopping periods, M&S recently announced its decision to deploy self-checkouts in changing rooms areas. By 2028, the brand plans to install over 100 self-checkout kiosks for customers, designed to streamline in-store experiences and alleviate pressure on associates.

What’s On The Cards for 2025?

For retailers, it has been a year of learning and adapting. With technology deployment now one of the most important factors of any in-store experience, it is clear the UK retail scene recognises the need to evolve with it. Moving into 2025, brands will be expected to bring new ideas to the table, and introduce and build on innovative tools such as AI and RFID technology to ensure operations run smoothly and that customers have the best service possible.

Looking to level up your retail prospects for 2025? Get in touch with our team today!

https://retailistmag.com/black-friday-2024-what-should-retailers-be-prepared-for/​

By Amber Hovious, VP Marketing and Partnerships at Teamwork Commerce

Black Friday, the curtain raiser for the festive season, is fast approaching. Increased customer footfall during the shopping extravaganza provides retailers with enormous opportunities to drive sales. According to Statista, shoppers were expected to spend a total of £8.74 billion over the course of Black Friday weekend in 2023. Meanwhile, recent Statista forecasts indicate that the total value of retail sales made during the 2024 holiday season as a whole is estimated to reach £96 billion in the UK, increasing from 2023’s value of approximately £93 billion. 

While it is clear that the festive season brings significant opportunities to drive sales volumes, it can also help brands boost consumer loyalty and expand their customer base. However, the opposite can happen if retailers fail to meet consumer expectations. 

From delivering seamless and convenient shopping experiences to personalising each interaction with their customers, retailers must ensure customer satisfaction during Black Friday to be able to capitalise on increased opportunities during and after the busy shopping day. With Black Friday fast approaching, retail brands must prepare to make the most of the increased customer footfall and convert in-store visitors into loyal customers.

Delivering Real Convenience

Amidst the chaos of Black Friday madness, retailers must be able to facilitate convenience at every touchpoint of the customer shopping journey. Whether using RFID to help customers easily navigate items they are looking for, or deploying cutting-edge technologies such as mobile point-of-sale (POS) and RFID-powered self-checkout systems to streamline the checkout process, there are multiple ways retailers can lean on tech innovations to deliver convenience.  

By leveraging mobile POS technology, retailers can empower their associates to bring POS to the customer and complete transactions from any part of a store. Not only does this dramatically reduce checkout queues, but it also allows customers to complete their checkout process seamlessly. Additionally, store associates are not tied to a traditional checkout terminal. They can move around the store, helping customers, answering their queries, and completing transactions seamlessly. Similarly, RFID-powered self-checkout systems can facilitate seamless checkout experiences, automatically scanning items placed on customers’ scanning baskets and completing checkout transactions within seconds. This allows customers to swiftly complete the checkout process, providing a high level of convenience. 

Personalising Interactions

While convenience significantly improves the customer experience, customer interactions can be significantly enhanced when combined with a number of other elements – including the availability and visibility of the inventory, high-quality customer personalisation, and exciting discounts. This ensures that customers leave the store feeling satisfied. 

Today’s innovative mobile POS solutions also feature integrated customer relationship management (CRM) systems that function in real-time. Associates can use these tools to personalise their interactions with the customer – from suggesting products that match their size and style to offering personalised discounts tailored to their preferences. Meanwhile, using integrated mobile POS solutions can also help associates update all relevant information in real-time. As a result, retailers can tailor the omnichannel experiences of their shoppers. 

Based on the in-store data provided by mobile POS solutions, retailers can tailor online experiences and make them more consistent for their customers. By analysing recent in-store purchases made by the customer, brands can make informed suggestions when the same customer explores their online store. Not only does this enhance the shopping experience, but can also increase sales. All this contributes to a high-quality customer experience that significantly boosts customer loyalty.

Turning Festival Footfall Into Loyal Customers

Undoubtedly, using Black Friday footfall to drive sales volumes is important for retailers. However, if brands want to thrive in the long term, they must not consider short-term sales as their primary and end goal. The true value lies in expanding the customer base, converting first-time shoppers into loyal customers, and understanding evolving customer habits. Retailers who can deliver top-tier experiences can make sure customers are returning to make purchases again. 

One way retailers can achieve this is by not only focusing on pushing sales but significantly improving the shopping and post-purchase experience of customers. Whether by rewarding shoppers through loyalty programs using advanced CRM tools or using customers’ information to wisely tailor brand communications, retailers can encourage customers to come back, resulting in repeat customers. This, if done consistently, can help retailers maximise their loyal customer base in the long term, resulting in sustainable growth. 

Ultimately, brands need to understand that there is no single element that can help them achieve everything. Retailers must be able to get several factors together in order to meet evolving customer expectations. An integrated and all-encompassing approach to tech can help brands achieve their objectives and thrive in the market. Those who prepare now can significantly benefit during the busy shopping season and the new year ahead.