It is no secret that the expansion of the internet has changed the way that most people shop. More and more people choose to shop online rather than at physical stores, posing a serious challenge to brick-and-mortar stores. Despite this, some of the biggest names in the retail world are still thriving. If you take a look, you will notice that those who succeed are the ones that have added some elements of e-commerce into their in-Store shopping experience.

Four of the most successful retailers for the recent quarter were Kohl’s, Walmart, Target, and Nordstrom. Each of those stores incorporates technology and e-commerce in different ways, providing plenty of inspiration for retailers of any size.

Kohl’s

Kohl’s has taken the e-commerce route to the extreme by actually partnering with Amazon. In 2017, the clothing department store started introducing Amazon sales kiosks into its stores and offered in-store returns for the items ordered online. Since the launch of the program, Kohl’s stores with Amazon kiosks have outperformed nearby stores without these kiosks by around 8.5 percent and drew in new customers at a higher rate.

Nordstrom

Nordstrom’s integration with e-commerce comes from its men’s store in NYC that opened in April. This location has familiar in-store services, such as food, shoe shining, and tailoring. However, it also incorporates online shopping in several ways. There is a high-tech system for ordering online and making returns. Shoppers can reserve items in advance via the application, and when they arrive at the store, the items will be waiting for them to try on. Or, they can buy online then pick up the items at the store.

Target

One of the ways that Target has incorporated elements of e-commerce with in-store shopping is by letting shoppers in urban locations buy in-store then have the products shipped to their homes for a flat fee. That service provides the convenience of home delivery with the ability to try on clothing or pick out items in person. Target also now lets customers purchase items via an application and wait for a team member to bring the products to their car, turning Target into a drive-through of sorts.

Walmart

Walmart is working on multiple integrations of technology you would typically only find online, including expansion of its grocery-delivery service. Walmart is reportedly working towards creating a store without cashiers and working on tech that predicts products’ shelf life. It also has pick-up areas at 1,800 locations.

Source:

https://www.thisisinsider.com/walmart-target-fighting-back-against-e-commerce-2018-9

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