Should I shop in-store or online?
These days, customers are spoiled for choice. Even though online retail is growing many times faster than brick-and-mortar retail, the latter still offers many advantages that customers are happy to take advantage of. We’re not quite at the point where online retail is replacing brick-and-mortar retail. However, in the wake of digitalization, brick-and-mortar retail also has a transformation ahead of it. It’s no coincidence that the saying goes, “Retail is change.”
That's why shopping at brick-and-mortar stores is popular
A representative, Germany-wide study conducted by the performance agency Peak Ace on behalf of the fashion and lifestyle magazine Lifestyleslab examined what makes offline shopping so popular.
In fact, 27 percent of respondents said they shop at brick-and-mortar stores so they can touch and try out the products. This is indeed still a major strength of local retail. With some products, it’s simply necessary to take a closer look at them or even try them on, test them out, or sit in them. No matter how detailed the product descriptions are, they’re of no use in such cases.
Local retailers also have an edge when it comes to in-person advice. After all, 15 percent of respondents said they would prefer brick-and-mortar stores to online shopping for personalized advice. When shopping online, on the other hand, customers are on their own. The face-to-face advice from a friendly employee simply can’t be replaced. If the advice is so good that the customer goes home thrilled, they’ll tell others about this positive experience.
According to the 2019 MoodMedia study, 16 percent cite a positive and pleasant atmosphere in the store as the reason they shop at local retailers.
This gives the retail sector strong arguments in its favor, which it should definitely use to its advantage.
Other reasons to shop at brick-and-mortar stores
Immediate Availability: When shopping in brick-and-mortar stores, you can usually take the products home right away. There are no delivery times to worry about. This is especially important when you need something immediately—for example, for last-minute gifts, because something has broken, or because you want to have the product in your hands as soon as possible.
Less electronic surveillance: Whenshopping online, a lot of data is collected—for example, products viewed, purchases made, return rates, and so on. As a result, personalized ads may be displayed. This does not happen when shopping at brick-and-mortar stores. Those who pay with cash also don’t need to worry about their purchases being tracked.
No shipping costs: Most online stores charge shipping fees for purchases. You can save these costs by shopping at brick-and-mortar stores.
With our innovative solutions, we support brick-and-mortar retailers
A brief overview of the hardware lineup:
• Cash Cassettes & Cash Drawers – The interior features a variable layout, making them versatile. With many options—such as electronic or manual locking, lockable designs, or a push function—these cash cassettes and cash drawers are practical tools for the retail industry.
• Self-Checkout — Payment Made Easy — thanks to plug-and-play solutions and ease of maintenance. Our intuitive self-checkout solutions ensure an optimal customer journey and a convenient shopping experience.
• Cash Recycler - The ANKER Recycler is a banknote and coin processing terminal that ensures secure, closed-loop cash processing. When combined with our self-checkout solutions, customers can easily pay with cash as well.
• Poles – The modular Poles concept allows you to customize your setup with the elements you need. The high-quality materials ensure a long service life.
• Retrokasse RK10 – The elegant retro housing is a real eye-catcher. The cash register can be easily customized with design panels in a variety of colors. This plug-and-play solution is 100% Made in Germany.
• Cash counters – When you need to work faster. This handy little tool counts cash 6 times faster than doing it by hand.
• Cash drop boxes – Secure storage of cash right at the register.
All the info at a glance:anker
Features of our POS solution:
• Store Inventory Management – Management of inventory, orders, goods received, and inventory counts.
• Product Management – Descriptions, prices, images, and much more.
• Inventory Management – Precise ordering based on sales.
• Inventory – Quick and easy inventory counts.
• Supplier Management – Integration with ordering portals is possible.
• Time tracking – Data recorded directly from the register; reports generated in the back office
• Orders – Store Customer Orders
• Omnichannel – Click & Collect, Click & Return, Ship to Store, Order History
• CRM – A View of the Customer
• Endless Aisle – Real-time inventory visibility across all locations
• Guided Selling – Upselling, Cross-selling, Personal Shopping
• Reports & Statistics
• Add-on modules for the restaurant industry, the franchise business, or event planning and ticketing
All the info at a glance:anker
