The eCommerce tsunami has already begun to build. FMI and Nielsen project that more than $2Billion brick and mortar trips will be migrating to eCommerce over the next 3 years. The spigot is on and no one can stop the flow as this is a cultural phenomenon more than an industry phenomenon. Size wise, this means $50 Billion migrating from brick and mortar to eCommerce. That’s like the size of a retailer TWICE the size of HEB entering the marketplace to grab business away from existing retailers. A true tsunami, and the independent grocer faces an extremely volatile environment if they cannot defend against the onslaught, and do so in a profitable way.
So what will it take? ShopHero feels that five objectives must be achieved, all simultaneously, and we can deliver on all five:
Low Cost: Why engage with eCommerce if you can’t make money? ShopHero has built our business organically, and we own our own software, pay no hefty licensing fees and even own our servers. We pass these savings on to our clients. Also, no per order fee…so you are not penalized as your business grows.
Retailer Branding: To win with at grocery eCommerce as a small independent, your brand name means everything. This is the way to combat the big box stores. Your shoppers love your neighborhood feel, the service and the attention. So why give your brand away to an eCommerce vendor? We customize your site, your mobile app and your buying gateway to show your brand name and your brand name only.
Operational Ease: I have seen outrageous picking solutions that have ranged to a laptop strapped to a shopping cart to a specialty software devise. All clunky, cumbersome and costly. Our picking solution works off of any smart device…even your iPhone or Android.
Shopper Communication: The independents built your businesses on the principle of excellent communication with your shoppers. Why should this be any different with eCommerce? Our mobile app, delivery interface, website, etc. etc. offers real time, live communication with your shoppers, letting them continue the home store experience.
Ease to Purchase: Our solution offers state of the art ease of purchase, including click to cart from ad, recipes, listings, etc. etc. Make the purchase easy, or the shopper will migrate to a big box provider who does, and the statistics show that once lost this shopper will be very difficult to pull back into the franchise. ShopHero will retain your customer base, and give them the assurance they are buying from you, not a website provider.
We would love to provide a demo, and an easy entry program that is easy on your time and budget. Give us a shout at sales@shophero.com or 801.703.3229
by Rob Christian, CEO, ShopHero
ShopHero is the leading digital customer engagement platform for independent retailers. ShopHero helps grocers of all sizes remain relevant, successful, and profitable. This is done through a custom, end-to-end platform consisting of eCommerce, digital marketing, order fulfillment, delivery services, and more. Shopper habits are changing, is your store keeping up? Contact ShopHero for a free evaluation today!