In the next few years, retailers and manufacturers will face numerous challenges, notably the growing problem of retail theft. With reports indicating sales losses in the 20-40% range due to locked-up products, retailers are grappling with declining profits, dissatisfied customers, and a compromised shopping experience.
Customers now face lengthy wait times and frustration as they seek assistance to access locked items, disrupting the shopping process and diminishing satisfaction. This dilemma leaves retailers with the choice of losing inventory to theft or sacrificing sales due to locked products, both of which result in decreased profits.
Despite the shift towards online sales, which brings its own set of challenges, including packing and shipping costs, the majority of shopping still occurs in physical stores. This underscores the urgent need for innovative solutions that address these challenges while enhancing the customer experience.
Social Shelf®, a versatile platform, serves as a vital customer service tool and communication hub, offering a seamless solution to the problem of locked inventory. By utilizing AI technology, shoppers can request assistance directly through their app, enabling retail staff to respond promptly to requests for in-aisle assistance, lockbox items, and merchandise pickup. Social Shelf minimizes delays, improves the shopping experience, and boosts sales.
“The impact of shrinkage on the industry is undeniable, but finding the right solution has been elusive. With Social Shelf, customers can use their phones to notify staff of out-of-stock items, request product assistance, or be directed to the appropriate counter to complete their sales transaction.” said Frank Gussoni, CEO of Social Shelf. “Social Shelf improves customer service, increases lockbox sales and assists with shrinkage issues, which in turn is better for all parties involved.”
Social Shelf offers retailers a comprehensive solution for in-store communication, while generating additional retail revenue streams, since the platform also offers on-demand video, audio and static advertising, digital coupons, rebates, gamification opportunities and more.
For more information about Social Shelf and how it can benefit your retail business, visit www.socialshelf.net, email [email protected], or call 1.855.466.8584.
Social Shelf® is a patented digital platform that is multifaceted. It offers a comprehensive suite of tools and features designed to enhance the shopping experience, streamline operations, and create additional revenue for retailers.
Utilizing QR and AI technology, brands can engage with customers via branded videos, digital coupons and rebates, cross-promotions, push notifications, and more. Beyond its advertising features, Social Shelf® also serves as a two-way communication and customer service tool. An email or SMS message can be sent to a predetermined station or can trigger a message to a handheld tablet. Staff can respond to requests for in-aisle assistance, lockbox items, merchandise pickup and more. Social Shelf® also includes access to a live dashboard portal providing a comprehensive overview of brand activity, audience demographics, and more.
To learn more about Social Shelf’s in-store and online solutions, visit www.socialshelf.net.