Retail businesses thrive when they understand the behaviors and motivations of their store customers and retail customers. Every customer walking into a store brings unique expectations, preferences, and buying habits. Identifying the types of customers you serve allows retailers to tailor their strategies, ensuring a seamless shopping experience for all retail customers.
With tools like SaasyPOS, tracking these customer interactions becomes effortless, helping you refine your approach and increase sales. So, who are these types of customers, and how can you serve them better?
1. The Browsers / Window-Shopper
Browsers are window shoppers. They visit your store without the intention to buy—at least not immediately. They are curious, exploring products to compare features or prices. These customers visit with no immediate intention of buying but enjoy browsing your store. Their visits may be more about entertainment or curiosity.
However, a pleasant in-store experience, interactive displays, or product sample can leave a lasting impression, increasing the chances they’ll return in the future when they’re ready to buy. Providing excellent customer service and giving them time to look around can leave a lasting impression, making them more likely to return and eventually make a purchase.
2. The Bargain Hunters
These customers are laser-focused on finding the best deals. They compare prices, search for discounts, and often wait for sales before deciding. To attract bargain hunters, it’s important to regularly update promotions and communicate available discounts, ensuring they know when and where to find the best offers.
3. The Impulse Buyers
Impulse buyers make spontaneous decisions, often influenced by emotions or visually appealing displays. They are more likely to purchase on the spot if the right product catches their eye. Strategic product placement, attractive displays, and limited-time offers are key factors in converting these impulse shoppers into buyers.
4. The Loyal Customers
Loyal customers are the backbone of any retail business. They return regularly and prefer your store over others. Nurturing this relationship through personalized experiences and a strong loyalty program can ensure they continue coming back. Studies show that a 5% increase in customer retention can boost profits by 25% to 95%, highlighting the importance of fostering loyalty.
5. The Need-Based Customers
These customers enter your store with a specific purpose and know exactly what they want. They expect a quick and efficient shopping experience without any unnecessary delays. Clear signage, organized store layouts, and self-service options can make their visit more convenient, increasing the likelihood of a smooth transaction.
6. The Researchers
These customers enter your store with a specific purpose and know exactly what they want. They expect a quick and efficient shopping experience without any unnecessary delays. Clear signage, organized store layouts, and self-service options can make their visit more convenient, increasing the likelihood of a smooth transaction.
7. Unsure Customers (Indecisive)
These customers visit with no immediate intention of buying but enjoy browsing your store. Their visits may be more about entertainment or curiosity. However, a pleasant in-store experience, interactive displays, or product samples can leave a lasting impression, increasing the chances they’ll return in the future when they’re ready to buy.
Key Stats on Retail Customers:
Customer Type
Browsers
Bargain Hunters
Impulse Buyers
Loyal Customers
Need-Based
% of Retail Shoppers
45%
30%
20%
10%
5%
How to Serve Them Better:
Develop Targeted Marketing Campaigns
Each customer type responds to different strategies. Bargain Hunters love promotional emails and discounts. Loyal Customers prefer personalized offers and exclusive rewards. Tailor your campaigns to meet their preferences. This helps increase engagement and boost sales.
Leverage Advanced Retail Technology
Use tools like SaasyPOS to understand customer behavior. Collect data on purchases and preferences to personalize their experience. U.S. retailers can create a seamless omnichannel experience by integrating real-time inventory tracking with personalized customer insights, driving stronger loyalty and repeat business.
Conclusion
Understanding the different types of customers is essential for optimizing the retail experience. Whether it’s the loyal regular or the impulse buyer, catering to their specific needs builds trust and boosts sales.
In your retail business, which type of customer do you serve the most?
