Retail as a service – the future of brick-and-mortar retail for online retailers
Retail as a Service is conquering the world of retail, bringing new opportunities for online retailers to expand their presence and offer customers an unforgettable shopping experience. In this article, you will learn everything you need to know about this innovative strategy and how Showme Stores can help you take your brand to the next level.
Contents:
- What is Retail as a Service?
- Different models of Retail as a Service
- How can Retail as a Service complement the online store?
- How do retailers benefit from reverse ROPO?
- For which sectors is Retail as a Service suitable?
- What is the best way to convince the end consumer on site in the showroom?
- Showme Stores: Your partner for Retail as a Service
- The advantages of Showme Stores for your company
- Sensible expansion of online trading with RaaS
What is Retail as a Service?
Retail as a Service (RaaS) is a concept that enables online retailers to present their products in physical retail spaces, such as showrooms or pop-up stores, and thus give customers a personal experience with their products. RaaS allows online retailers to benefit from the advantages of brick-and-mortar retail without having to invest in expensive retail space themselves.
Different models of Retail as a Service
There are various RaaS models that are tailored to the specific needs of online retailers. Some of the best-known models are showrooming, where products are presented in a showroom, and pop-up stores, which provide temporary retail space in high-traffic areas.
How can Retail as a Service complement the online store?
Retail as a Service can complement an online store in many ways:
- Online-only retailers are given more local presence and can display their products so that customers can experience them.
- Customers receive on-site advice from trained specialist advisors who support them in their purchasing decisions.
- In contrast to classic ROPO behavior, in which customers research online and buy offline, reverse ROPO describes the phenomenon in which customers research products offline in brick-and-mortar stores, find out about them and try them out before buying them online.
- This can particularly be the case when customers discover a product in a store that appeals to them and then search online for better prices or additional information before making the purchase.
How do retailers benefit from reverse ROPO?
Retail as a service, as offered by Showme Stores, enables online retailers to respond to precisely these customer needs. By combining online information and a stationary presence through showrooms, retailers can bring their products to life both online and offline and thus offer the best of both worlds.
Customers benefit from the opportunity to examine the products on site and receive advice from specialist staff, while retailers can increase their brand presence and sales. Reverse ROPO is therefore an important factor that online retailers should consider as part of their sales strategy.
For which sectors is Retail as a Service suitable?
Retail as a service is particularly suitable for industries with complex products or those from the Home & Living sector. Customers often want to see, touch and test these products before buying in order to assess their quality and fit.
For example, high-quality sofas and seating furniture are often very individual and difficult to fully evaluate online. In a showroom, customers have the opportunity to experience the seating experience and comfort directly.
Custom-made tables, cabinets or shelving systems are another example. Customers can examine materials, colors and workmanship and better assess functionality before deciding on an individual solution.
What should be on offer in the showroom to convince the end consumer?
A successful showroom should offer the following:
- Attractive presentation of the products in a pleasant atmosphere
- Dedicated and knowledgeable advisors who support customers with questions and decisions
- Additional services, such as a coffee lounge, to round off the shopping experience
- Seamless integration of the online store so that customers can shop conveniently and easily via the showroom
Showme Stores: Your partner for Retail as a Service
Showme Stores gives you the perfect platform to expand your online presence through Retail as a Service. With attractive locations, dedicated on-site consultants, staggered display areas from 20 square meters and a homely design, we create an appealing shopping experience for your customers.
Our aim is to offer customers the best possible service and give them the opportunity to experience your products from the Home & Living sector live and receive advice from experts.
The advantages of Showme Stores for your company
The following five arguments speak in favor of using Showme Stores:
- An increased local presence is achieved. Your brand receives more attention and awareness in attractive regions with high purchasing power and optimal transport connections.
- With dedicated advice, customers are optimally supported in the purchasing process. Our competent and knowledgeable staff welcome customers on site and advise them individually on your products.
- The feel-good atmosphere has a relaxing effect and improves the mood. Our coffee lounge and the homely interior design invite you to linger and contribute to a positive shopping experience.
- Flexibility in presentation is guaranteed. We have staggered exhibition areas from 20 m² to showcase your products in the best possible way.
- Online conversion is also possible. Customers are guided to your online store on site by QR codes, tablets and specialist advisors and can shop there as usual.
With Showme Stores, you also benefit from the expertise of eCommerce Werkstatt, an agency for e-commerce and online marketing. In addition to the exhibition space for your products, we offer you the following agency services:
- Omnichannel consulting
- Web development
- Search engine optimization
- Further services relating to e-commerce and online marketing
Sensible expansion of online trading with RaaS
Retail as a Service gives online retailers in the Home & Living sector an innovative way to increase their brand presence, offer customers a unique shopping experience and thus increase their sales.
Showme Stores supports you in making the most of this potential and leading your company successfully into the future. Discover the benefits of Retail as a Service and contact us today to receive your personalized offer.
