Modern shoppers have high expectations from their retailers, particularly physical stores. While eCommerce is thriving, many experts believe that we’ve reached peak online retail and that physical stores could make a comeback.Â
One remaining concern that some individuals have about shopping in brick-and-mortar stores is safety. Â
Following the pandemic, safety has become a key concern, and many consumers stated directly afterwards that they would be willing to abandon brand loyalty if businesses didn’t make them feel safe.Â
As well as safety when it comes to infections, consumers are also looking for safety when it comes to the products they buy and the environment in which they are stored and sold.Â
Whether you manage a food retailer or a clothing store, a chain or a small boutique, you need to ensure that you focus on safety and make the most of modern technology, solutions and tactics to bolster health and safety for your customers.Â
These tips should help you to find techniques and solutions that will help you to optimise safety in your retail environment.Â
PAT Test All Your Electronics
Retailers don’t legally have to PAT test their electronic devices, but doing so can reduce your chances of an accident. Also, it can prove that you’re committed to the safety of your customers and team members, particularly if you put electrical test labels from Label Source on your devices throughout your store. You’ll then be able to ensure that your electrical devices are safe and replace anything that is old before it causes any potentially dangerous issues.Â
Use Floor Markers To Highlight Escape Routes And Safety InformationÂ
Previously, floor signage was used to mark out social distancing. Now that the practice is no longer in wide use, you can still make the most of your floor space by adding signs directing customers to emergency exits. You could also use floor signage to remind customers to sanitise their hands at nearby sanitiser stations or even put QR codes on the ground to send them to your business’s app, where you can offer important safety updates alongside offers and marketing updates for your store. Making the most of ground space is a key focus for 2023, so ensure you use this valuable and often overlooked area to promote your focus on safety and improve customer engagement with your business.Â
Automate Date RotationÂ
For food retailers, date rotation is key to ensuring the safety of your customers. Out-of-date products can easily be picked up and consumers by accident by busy shoppers. Also, products that have expired can leave mould and spores on surfaces, which could contaminate other foods. Manually checking dates and labels can be time-consuming and leaves room for error. Thankfully, technology can help you to improve date rotation in your store quickly. That means that you can improve safety and reduce waste in your store, which will help you to attract safety and sustainability-conscious customers.Â
Providing a safe and comfortable retail experience is crucial for physical stores looking to attract more customers. While this guide isn’t definitive, it should help you to get some inspiration and find ideas to start you off on the road towards a popular and successful retail business.Â