Tips for Engaging Your In-Store Holiday Shoppers

12/3/24

Retail PC holiday shoppersAs the digital landscape evolves, so do the ways consumers shop for tech products. While online shopping offers convenience, in-store experiences provide a unique opportunity to connect with customers in meaningful ways. With the holiday shopping season in full swing, it’s essential for retailers to adopt innovative strategies that not only attract but also effectively engage customers.

Here are six tips to help you and your sales associates connect with shoppers looking for the latest computers and tech products this holiday season.

 

1. Create Greater Visual Appeal

First impressions are everything! A well-designed store layout can significantly enhance the shopping experience. By creating an inviting atmosphere that encourages easy navigation, you can invite customers to explore your offerings with enthusiasm.

Incorporating eye-catching visual elements—like bold signage, vibrant displays, and interactive endcaps—can draw customers in and guide them through your store. Modern technologies, such as digital signage, allow for dynamic content that highlights product information, promotes special sales, or introduces exciting marketing campaigns. This captures attention and keeps customers informed and engaged throughout their shopping journey.

Holiday Tip: Festive Displays

Add festive decorations and themed displays that resonate with the spirit of the season. Highlighting holiday gift guides, special promotions, and bundled offers can spark interest and encourage customers to make purchases for their loved ones.

 

2. Maintain Inventory of Popular Computers and Tech Accessories

One of the best perks of in-store shopping is instant gratification. Customers love being able to walk out with their new gadgets right away, avoiding shipping delays and fees. To make the most of this, ensure your inventory includes the most sought-after Intel®-powered computers and tech accessories.

The rise of Buy-Online, Pick-up-in-Store (BOPIS) options has reshaped consumer behavior. According to a survey by Curbside, over 43% of the top 500 retailers offer BOPIS, creating more opportunities for foot traffic and sales. Always keep popular items in stock, and empower your sales associates with real-time inventory data to assist customers promptly.

Holiday Tip: Stock Up on Gift Items

Ensure you have plenty of popular gift items, such as laptops, tablets, and accessories. Highlighting bundles or discounts on these items can entice customers looking for the perfect gifts.

 

3. Provide Personalized Service

The value of personal interaction cannot be overstated. While technology provides insights into customer preferences, nothing beats the personalized service knowledgeable sales associates offer. Equip your team with the skills and tools necessary to create tailored experiences for every shopper.

Investing in high-quality product and sales training can empower your associates to offer customized advice based on individual customer needs. Tools like the Intel® Retail Experience Tool (Intel® RXT) can enhance this experience, providing easy-to-use demos, quick videos, and interactive content that associates can use to engage customers effectively. This personalized approach fosters trust and builds lasting relationships with shoppers.

Holiday Tip: Gift Recommendations

Encourage your associates to provide personalized gift recommendations based on customer preferences. This enhances the shopping experience and helps customers find the perfect gifts for their friends and family.

 

4. Take Advantage of Tech Trends

The tech landscape is constantly evolving, with new products and innovations emerging regularly. To stay ahead, it is crucial to showcase the latest desktops, laptops, and 2-in-1 devices that capture consumer interest. Prominently displaying trending products can attract more customers eager for the latest technology.

This holiday season, emphasize the new Intel® Core™ Ultra processors designed for AI PCs. These processors deliver exceptional performance and capabilities, making them ideal for both work and play. Ensure your sales associates are well-informed about the features and benefits of these cutting-edge processors, as many customers are interested in the latest advancements in AI technology.

Holiday Tip: Highlight AI Capabilities

Showcasing products equipped with Intel® Core™ Ultra processors can appeal to tech-savvy customers looking for powerful devices. Highlight how these processors enhance productivity, gaming, and creative tasks, making them perfect gifts for anyone on their holiday shopping list.

 

5. Incorporate Mobile Strategies

Mobile devices play a pivotal role in today’s consumer shopping habits. Many customers use their smartphones while in-store to compare prices, read reviews, or search for additional product information. By leveraging this trend, retailers can enhance the shopping experience and drive sales.

Consider implementing mobile apps or exclusive in-store promotions to encourage customers to engage with your brand while shopping. A report by eMarketer indicates that mobile devices influence over 50% of in-store purchases.

These strategies can facilitate real-time interactions, allowing you to promote in-store sales and foster connections with both current and potential customers. Providing a seamless mobile experience can significantly enhance customer satisfaction and loyalty.

Holiday Tip: Mobile Holiday Campaigns

Launch mobile-exclusive holiday campaigns, such as digital coupons, QR codes for additional discounts, or an app-based holiday rewards program near PC demo displays and endcaps. Encourage customers to scan QR codes to unlock special offers or holiday-themed content.

 

6. Provide Immersive Experiences

Creating an immersive shopping environment can elevate customer engagement and decision-making. Incorporate technologies such as the Intel® RXT, interactive demos, or intelligent kiosks that allow customers to explore product features in-depth while shopping in your store. These tools provide valuable information and create an engaging atmosphere that encourages customers to interact with the products.

By offering hands-on experiences, you can instill confidence in your customers, making them more likely to purchase. Additionally, these immersive experiences serve as a valuable resource for your sales associates, helping them address customer inquiries and fill knowledge gaps about your product offerings.

Holiday Tip: Festive Interactive Demos

Organize holiday-themed demo events where customers can test products, such as laptops or gaming setups. For example, create a tech station where kids and parents can explore products together. These events foster community spirit and boost product engagement.

 

Establish Your Store as the Authoritative Source

Implementing these strategies can attract more customers and position your store as a trusted authority on computers and tech products. A well-informed staff, engaging displays, and a personalized shopping experience will help build your reputation as the go-to destination for technology needs.

To further enhance your sales team’s ability to engage customers, explore how the Intel® Retail Edge Program can provide valuable resources and training. This Program helps retail sales associates create meaningful connections with shoppers and drive sales of PCs powered by Intel® processors and technologies.

Find out how the Intel® Retail Edge Program can help optimize your in-store customer engagement strategies this holiday season and beyond.

Get more information about the Intel Retail Edge Program

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This article has been updated. The original version appears here on the Intel® Retail Edge Program blog for managers.

 

 

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