The Importance of Building an Omnichannel Experience in Retail

Designed for retail leaders and lovers alike, Retail Refined explores the in-store technology of the future, challenges the industry’s preconceived notions, and brings together retail’s biggest names to understand the brand strategies that will define the next decade in retail.

 

The ecosystem of eCommerce is always evolving, and the last year has seen a rapid pivot for retailers. So, what can an eCommerce expert share? Host Melissa Gonzalez sat down with Hatch CEO and Founder Joris Kroese to learn more about what Hatch does and the changing online shopping environment.

Kroese has an extensive history in eCommerce, once owning a brand that sold technology products. He noticed that the manufacturers weren’t usually sellers, and consumers weren’t able to find where they could buy a TV or appliance. This “hatched” the idea of Hatch, an eCommerce platform that connects brands and retailers.

In looking at the last year, Kroese said, “I was surprised at the agility of retailers and the pace at which they adapted. It happened in months, not years.”

The acceleration of online sales in the pandemic was astronomical, and Kroese said, “We are driving consumers to online retailers, and some clients are seeing 20 times for business than the year prior.”

He does acknowledge there were and are hurdles to retail in the pandemic. “Coping with the supply for online demand, the supply chain, delivery logics, brick and mortar stores shifting to digital, which requires different skillsets and comes with new competition,” he noted.

While eCommerce is climbing, Kroese doesn’t believe in-store experiences are over. In fact, having a local store is a good complement to digital channels.  “Omnichannel solutions provide a competitive advantage. With local stores, you have proximity and the ability to see the product and get advice from a salesperson. That’s not going away,” he commented.

Overall, the new retail experience should be seamless from online to offline. Physical stores are also filling the needs of eCommerce, offering BOPIS (buy online pick up in-store), curbside, and last-mile delivery. Kroese believes these trends will continue. “Those retailers that embrace these changes will do well,” he added.

Listen to Previous Episodes of Retail Refined Right Here!

Follow us on social media for the latest updates in B2B!

Image

Latest

DER management
Charting the Course in DER Management: Itron’s Solutions for Tomorrow’s Energy Challenges
March 19, 2024

With DER management at the helm of steering the energy sector through its significant transformation, the industry stands at the confluence of decarbonization and technological advancement. This pivotal shift emphasizes the critical need to adeptly navigate the increased load demands from electric vehicles (EVs) and the seamless integration of Distributed Energy Resources (DERs). Insights […]

Read More
digital solutions
Digital Solutions at the Heart of Energy Transition: ABB’s Strategy for a Greener Tomorrow
March 19, 2024

As the world embarks on a pivotal energy transition, companies like ABB are at the forefront, integrating digital solutions to support this shift. By focusing on sustainability, reliability, and the development of in-country value, ABB is reshaping how the energy sector operates, making it more efficient and adaptable to new challenges such as renewable […]

Read More
data migration
Data Experts to the Rescue! Syniti Navigates Your Utility’s Data Migration Maze with Ease
March 19, 2024

In the rapidly evolving utilities industry, the transition towards modern and efficient data management systems is fraught with challenges, yet essential for scalability and sustainability. As companies strive for modernization, data migration emerges as a critical yet complex task, highlighted by the risk of data loss, the need for stakeholder engagement, and the potential […]

Read More
operational technology
Skydio Pioneers Future of Utility Sector with Groundbreaking Operational Technology
March 18, 2024

The utility industry, at a pivotal moment of transformation, is witnessing a technological renaissance, spearheaded by innovative companies like Skydio. The Skydio X10 drone, a marvel of modern engineering, is revolutionizing how utilities inspect and maintain critical infrastructure, offering unmatched precision and reliability. This advancement is not isolated; it’s part of a broader trend […]

Read More