Communication Processes Optimized for Retailers This Holiday Season

SECAUCUS, N.J., December 5, 2017 (Newswire.com) - Every year retailers are faced with the challenge of ensuring a positive customer experience when stretched to full capacity. A task made all the more difficult by the fact that a lot of shoppers have already had their nerves worn thin by the stressful search for gifts in a crowded shopping mall. Information logistics experts at Retarus reveal the added value communication processes can provide in this regard:

1. More targeted controlling of customer traffic
In the lead-up to Christmas, the stream of customers entering stores increases dramatically, especially during the evening hours and the weekends. Alternatively, online buyers just walk into the stores to pick up their purchases ordered via "Click & Collect", rather than having to wait for overloaded delivery services. The trend in increasing number of store pickups, whether to avoid a delivery free or collecting the package at the earliest, is an indication of change in consumer behavior as it relates to shopping. Cloud Messaging Services enable better management of visitor frequency and an improved service experience for customers. For instance, SMS or email could be used to communicate a clear time window for collecting orders, during which the store is not so busy or staff numbers have been optimized to meet demand. Special service offers or discounts can also provide customers with an additional incentive to fetch their orders within a given time period. This prevents shops from becoming overcrowded and long queues from developing, leading to an overall improved customer experience.

2. Coordinating staff flexibly
To keep checkout queues as short as possible, while still offering satisfactory levels of expert advice and other forms of added value, such as a gift wrapping service, retailers generally turn to temporary, seasonal staff. At the same time, short-term staffing shortages due to illness have to be covered without delay. Cloud-based communication platforms provide valuable support for the coordination of human resources. Using Retarus Enterprise SMS Services, retailers only need a couple of clicks to send out an SMS including a reply option when they need additional staff. The staffing coordinator then only has to contact those members of staff who gave a positive response to clarify the details of the assignment.

3. Addressing customers individually
Once a shopper has entered a store, there is a good chance that they may buy additional goods which didn't even feature on their original shopping list. Thanks to cloud messaging, this can be turned into an advantageous scenario for retailers, especially with "Click & Collect" customers. In combination with the order confirmation or pick-up notification, the customers can continue to receive personalized offers through SMS or email. This way, they are able to order recommended products or services quickly and easily by means of a reply function. Reminders about an extended period for returns or a personalized holiday greeting can also be achieved without much effort and sustainably strengthen customer loyalty.

Contact for journalists
Tim Armstrong
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About Retarus
Since 1992, Retarus has been supporting companies in achieving highly efficient communication. The global information logistics provider always plays an important role where large amounts of data need to be transmitted securely and reliably – irrespective of which communication channels, interfaces, applications and devices are required. The services are soundly based on a Global Delivery Network which includes the company's own data centers in the USA, Europe and the APAC region, as well as redundant carrier infrastructure. A total of 17 percent of Dow Jones corporations as well as numerous Fortune 500 companies in the banking, finance and healthcare sectors depend on Retarus' services. Longstanding customers include Adidas, Bayer, Continental, DHL, Honda, Puma, and Sony. For more details: www.retarus.com/us

Source: Retarus Inc.