After the COVID-19 pandemic changed our social landscape through lockdowns and social distancing, many retailers were forced to pivot and adopt e-commerce as their primary sales channel. While this shift was essential during the pandemic, the appeal of brick-and-mortar storefronts is making a resurgence as shoppers try to reconnect with what feels ‘normal.’
Both new and established retailers are seeing the value in maintaining physical locations as foot traffic continues to rise, and tools like Planit’s measuring services can help retailers optimize their locations for long-term success and financial stability. If you’re planning to open a physical storefront this year, keep reading to learn more about how Planit can help your business thrive.
The Pandemic Pivot to E-Commerce
During the height of the pandemic, retailers faced an unprecedented challenge: how to keep their businesses running when customers couldn’t shop in person. For many, this forced retailers to shift their operations online. Digital storefronts became a lifeline, allowing brands to reach customers and continue operations despite the physical restrictions everybody faced.
However, this rapid pivot came with its own challenges, including increased competition in the digital space, shipping logistics, and the loss of personal connections with customers. Many brands with little to no e-commerce plans were forced to set up a digital storefront overnight, creating friction between user experience and customer satisfaction. Five years later, as most restrictions have lifted and we all adjust to our ‘new normal,’ the importance of brick-and-mortar locations began to resurface as a vital part of a retailer’s overall strategy.
Why Customers Are Returning to Stores
Now that protocols have stabilized and restrictions have eased, shoppers are rediscovering the joys of in-person retail experiences. This is a clear indicator that physical storefronts remain vital to retail success. Here are some of the key reasons shoppers are coming back to stores:
- Personalized Service: In-store shopping offers interaction with knowledgeable staff who can provide tailored advice and assistance— something sorely missing from an online experience that cannot be replicated online, especially regarding aspects like sizing.
- Tactile Decision-Making: For luxury items or significant investments, customers prefer to see, touch, and try products before making a purchase. Whether it’s testing the fit of a new suit or feeling the quality of a sofa, the sensory experience matters to savvy buyers.
- A Sense of Normalcy: After years of isolation and virtual interactions, many shoppers value the social and emotional aspects of shopping in person. Browsing products and engaging with staff brings a welcome sense of comfort and human connection.
Optimizing Retail Spaces For Peak Profitability With Planit Engineering
Investing in a physical store is a vast undertaking that can be challenging even under the best of circumstances. Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, many retailers struggled to make ends meet without careful planning and an ironclad business model— and part of that plan should include optimization of any proposed space. Even if you’re not signing a new lease or moving locations, optimizing your existing space will lead to significant improvements in functionality and profitability. Planit’s retail measurement services provide retailers with the tools and data they need to make the most of their square footage. Some of our core values are:
- Space Utilization: From the sales floor to stockroom and cash office, understanding how much space you have and how to use it most effectively is essential. Planit helps map out every inch of your store to maximize usability— and your profit margins.
- Structural Insights: Knowing the details of your store’s physical structure— such as load-bearing walls and utility lines— is crucial for renovations or reconfigurations. Planit’s expert surveys guarantee you have all the information needed for safe, savvy updates.
- Cost Savings: Well-measured and optimized spaces lead to significant savings on utilities and operational expenses. Planit’s insights are proven to help retailers create layouts that improve workflow, reduce energy consumption, enhance customer and employee experiences, and maximize overall ROI on a brick-and-mortar store.
It’s Time for Brick-and-Mortar Retailers to Make Their Return, and Planit Engineering is Here to Help!
Whether you’re a small local shop or a globally recognized brand, investing in physical stores remains a savvy decision in today’s competitive retail landscape. With the help of Planit’s expert measurement services, retailers can make the most of their spaces by creating better customer experiences, safer conditions for workers, and lower operating costs to impress shareholders.
If your business plans to invest in a brick-and-mortar storefront this year, don’t just occupy your retail space— optimize it! Visit the Planit Engineering website or contact our team for more information on how our commercial and retail measurement services will help you succeed in the evolving world of retail operations.
