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Wi-fi is no longer a luxury but a key component to driving customer satisfaction and engagement, facilitating sales, and monitoring inventory
“Free in-store wi-fi” is a sign that is increasingly seen on the doors of retail stores across the country. Whether it is a boutique shop or large chain, stores of all sizes rely on fast, efficient wi-fi networks to create a positive experience for guests, employees, and the business itself.
Smartphone ownership is growing every year, and as it does, the likelihood that customers are entering retail locations with wi-fi-enabled devices is also growing. A customer entering your store expects to see at least one free, high-speed option listed when they open the settings of their smartphone. Wi-fi is also an essential element of the retail experience for businesses that rely on point of sales (POS) devices and inventory monitoring.
Wireless networks in the retail space are an important element for both the consumer and the business operator. Implementing wireless networks can help brick-and-mortar stores compete with e-commerce platforms by offering a modern, streamlined experience that not only puts the customer first but uses technology to inform purchasing decisions, make sales, and help operations run smoothly. Retail businesses of all sizes can realize the benefits of wireless networks by purchasing and utilizing associated technology.
Here are five key reasons a savvy retail operator should use a wireless network, plus considerations on design and security.
Wi-Fi keeps customers in the store
Whether customers are entering the retail space with a specific purchasing objective in mind or simply browsing, a wireless network can keep them there longer.
The reason this works is simple: customer satisfaction. A customer will look for a wi-fi network and use that network while in-store. Perhaps the customer uses this to answer emails that they might otherwise need to get back to the office to answer. Perhaps the customer uses this to browse social media while waiting in line at the register. Maybe the customer’s spouse uses the wi-fi to check the basketball score while his partner shops. Whatever the case may be, offering speedy wi-fi encourages customers to stay in the store and creates opportunities for them to purchase products while they are there.
Helps customers make purchasing decisions
An estimated 82% of smartphone users research products on their devices while they’re in the store. With the wide availability of consumer and expert reviews online, plus price comparisons, customers are less and less likely to simply pluck an item from the shelf, put it in their cart and bring it to the register. They are used to the Amazon experience, where product information, photos, and hundreds of reviews are readily available to inform decisions.
Offering an in-store wireless network allows customers to access this data. Retailers who offer an app or social media for their business can also integrate these platforms to provide customers with coupons that will incentivize them to buy now rather than waiting.
Facilitates reviews
In the cutthroat world of brick-and-mortar retail, online reviews are a key component of digital marketing efforts that lead to in-store traffic. Businesses with a high volume of recent, positive customer reviews are more likely to show up in search results. Customers who leave these reviews on Google, Yelp, and other review platforms can directly lead new customers to the business.
If a retailer chooses to offer an in-store wireless network that is accessible to consumers, the business can nudge happy customers to leave reviews while on-site. Capturing a review on-site eliminates the possibility of a customer pledging to leave an online review later only to forget upon arriving home.
Allows for inventory monitoring
Implementing a wireless network revolutionizes the traditionally archaic process of inventory monitoring. A retailer can tap into real-time inventory by using tags and sensors to update product availability. Retailers can use this data to inform restocking efforts and cross-check other locations to confirm product availability for customers.
Necessary for point of sales systems
There is a wide variety of point of sales (POS) systems in the marketplace. Every single one requires a fast, reliable wireless network. Choosing the correct technology helps the store operate efficiently and creates a seamless shopping experience for staff and customers alike.
Considerations
Choosing wireless technology for a business is very different from choosing wireless technology for a home. Retailers must account for the unique size and architecture of the space as well as building materials that may interrupt the signal.
Business owners must also account for usage capabilities. That is why data on customer volume is key when setting up any public wi-fi, as are Security considerations. Retailers can prevent data breaches by requiring users to log in and by using role-based access control.
When choosing wireless network technology and planning for a retail space to providing fast, free, secure internet, the best way to source best-in-class technology is by contacting Unisol International.
Unisol is a technology company with a massive online catalog backed by experts who are dedicated to helping businesses around the world find the best solutions for their needs. We’ll answer all your installation questions, from product recommendations to set-up, and make sure your retail store has exactly the network it needs.
