The digital revolution is one of the most notorious changes we have experienced in recent years. It is a change of paradigm in which we have been submerged and has affected us in all areas, one of them is the purchase process.
Now, more than ever, online purchases have skyrocketed since almost half of buyers do so through different online platforms. Users choose to buy online thanks to the convenience offered and, as a result, retail businesses, including shopping centers, are affected directly.
So, we are at a point where the shopping centers will have to overcome multiple challenges so their sales don’t fall. But, at the same time, it is an era full of opportunities that, if well exploited, could increase the sales of our business.
Digital opportunities and innovation are the key
As a point of interest, sales made in shopping centers grew by + 0.6% last year and the influx of traffic to establishments grew by + 1.3% according to Enrique Martínez Laguna, “the centers want to stop being a simple physical commerce and become a large online store “(La Vanguardia, July 2018).
So, over the years this increase is maintained the shopping centers must resort to innovation and improvement of the services of the establishment, in order to offer the user a unique and unbeatable shopping experience.
To face the challenge, many shopping centers have begun to implement new strategies to attract users, all aimed at customer loyalty.
How to achieve customer engagement?
Well, to achieve this the consumer must enjoy their time at the mall. And, although it is a laborious function, with some of the ideas that we break down below you will be able to increase the influx of users to the mall.
Prepare the Pre-purchase process
Most people, before visiting an establishment, look for information on the internet. Therefore, you must have all your online communication channels updated with the latest offers, services, equipment, etc.
And without doubt, have an excellent customer service. In this case, social networks play a key role. So, if your shopping center has a good management of social networks, surely many users will be tempted to go to the mall to see what they can offer.
Signalling by digital screens
It is very common that visitors do not find what they are looking for. This is why, your customers will appreciate the incorporation of signage screens in which they can search for the desired establishment. It is very simple but it will make a big difference to your competition. In Yupcharge we have totems and charging lockers that integrate a digital screen up to 50 “to be able to issue advertising of a brand or information about the services of your center. Even as optional, we can install touch screens on computers to achieve direct interaction with your client.
Digital shopping assistant
This type of online assistants, are in charge of advising the clients throughout the purchase process, resolving any doubts that may arise regarding any aspect of their purchase. In addition, it will recommend complementary products which will influence the increase of the average ticket of the buyers and the permanence in the shopping center.
Take advantage of the parking space
Parking, in addition to fulfilling its function, may be the ideal space to offer complementary services. Here are some ideas:
Shopping lockers
It is common in supermarkets and hypermarkets, but it is not common in shopping centers. However, in this case we do not recommend lockers to store customers’ bags, but to convert them into a profitable space.
We suggest you use the ticket offices as spaces for the collection of the purchase online or for returns. It is a very interesting option that if studied could become decisive for the visit of new users.
Logistics center
This option is something different but that has been seen for years in other types of businesses and businesses. It is about making the purchase from the car with the help of an assistant or simply picking up the purchase made online without having to move from the car.
Customize all your communication
Clients want to be treated as a person and not as a community. Therefore, those communications that are addressed to them by their name tend to be more successful. So, we suggest installing functional screens where basic information or any other relevant data of the center’s clients is requested.
This practice will thank you very much at the moment that the center has to offer events or launches, since you will be able to customize all the information to the tastes of each of your users.
Prevent your clients from being disconnected
It is very likely that if customers spend a long time in the mall, there is a point where they run out of battery in their mobile phone and this often means leaving the mall before time to charge the phone.
That’s right, we’re talking about charging stations. These are spaces in which customers can rest and have battery chargers where they can charge their mobile in complete safety.
We say with total security because our Yupcharge chargers are made with the latest technology and are compatible with all mobile phones in the market, thus offering an optimal, efficient and safe charging experience.
The public charging stations are presented in different formats to adapt to the needs of the consumer and the space available. One of the most used formats are the charging lockers.
In addition to its main function, loading mobile devices safely so that no client runs out of battery and can safely charge your Smartphone, they are a perfect support in which to enter information, offers and other information of interest.
On the other hand, we will highlight the new Yupcharge solar charger. This is the new model called: Soleo, an urban charging station that works thanks to renewable energy.
An ecological solar charger for mobile phones or a charging station with hydraulic power. Can you imagine the great impact that would be generated by just implementing this innovation in your shopping center? And that’s not all! With the new Soleo they will also have Wi-Fi and digital interconnection technologies (IoT).
Both the charging lockers and the solar charger Soleo and other formats of loaders can be easily located in areas such as gyms, restaurants, terraces, bars, etc. In addition, with its affordable prices it is a great way to retain the customers of the shopping center and increase its profitability to the maximum.
What do you think of our innovative technology ideas to implement in shopping centers? Having said that, we invite you to take a look at the Yupcharge chargers and surprise everyone with all these innovations.
