Digital advancements have reshaped consumer expectations for retailers over the past decade. While the rise of e-commerce has introduced unmatched convenience, it hasn’t eliminated the appeal of in-person shopping. Many customers still appreciate being able to see, feel, and try products before purchasing. In-store shopping also comes with plenty of instant gratification—no waiting for deliveries, no concerns about product discrepancies, and the added benefit of human interaction. This means that there’s plenty of room in the contemporary retail landscape for physical stores, provided that the in-store experience they offer meets modern expectations.
Customers today are looking for much more than just great products and services. Physical retailers need to go beyond traditional store models and integrate contemporary technology and best practices for a memorable, fulfilling shopping experience. If you’re looking to get in on this race, then adopting innovative tools is a great way to get on your customers’ good side. Maya Business, a trusted fintech partner for startups and small retailers in the Philippines, offers enterprise-grade solutions to help businesses modernize their in-store operations.
Let’s learn about some key features that contemporary customers look for when shopping at physical stores and how retailers can implement them to improve customer satisfaction and loyalty.
An Optimized Checkout Process
Few things frustrate customers more than long lines and slow transactions. A smooth, efficient checkout process will be at the core of a positive shopping experience for many. The best way to make this happen for your customers? Leverage a fast, secure POS solution or credit card terminal that accepts a wide variety of payment methods.
Maya Terminal, for instance, can help you streamline transactions by serving as a one-stop payment terminal for all forms of digital payment currently used in the Philippines. At present, these include credit and debit cards, QR Ph payments, and digital wallets like Maya, GCash, and GrabPay. The faster your staff can process payments, the happier your customers will be—and the easier it will be for traffic to move through your store.
Seamless Omnichannel Integration
Today’s consumers no longer see a strict divide between online and offline shopping. Many browse online before visiting a store, while others prefer to shop in person but want the flexibility of home delivery or digital receipts. A disjointed experience between your physical and digital storefronts can frustrate customers and drive them toward competitors who promise greater convenience.
The better-integrated your in-store and online experiences are, the more cohesive and satisfying the shopping journey will likely be for your customers. Look into implementing features like buy online, pick up in-store (BOPIS), real-time inventory updates, and digital receipts. These will work well to improve customer confidence and streamline the buying process.
In-Store Events and Other Interactive Experiences
Many customers today visit physical stores for more than just products. They seek engagement, excitement, and opportunities to connect with a brand and with other people in ways they can’t online. Without compelling reasons to visit, even the most well-stocked stores can struggle to drive foot traffic.
In-store events and similar interactive experiences are excellent ways to add value beyond simple transactions. Product demonstrations, workshops, and limited-time pop-up events encourage customers to engage more deeply with your brand. Exclusive events, such as VIP shopping nights or hands-on classes, can make a visit to your store feel like a special occasion rather than just another errand.
A Comfortable and Engaging Store Layout
A well-designed store environment draws customers in—but more than that, it influences how long customers stay, how they navigate your space, and ultimately, how much they spend. A cramped, cluttered, or confusing layout can frustrate shoppers, while a thoughtfully arranged space encourages exploration and engagement.
Unsure how to start creating an inviting atmosphere? Focus on clear signage, intuitive product placement, and comfortable spaces where customers can browse at their own pace. Elements like good lighting and pleasant background music can make a store feel more welcoming and less transactional. A well-organized layout also helps staff provide better service and makes it easy for customers to find what they need without unnecessary hassle. When customers feel at ease in your store, they’re more likely to enjoy their visit and return in the future.
Exclusive In-Store Perks and Promotions
Even in an era of digital discounts and flash sales, shoppers still love the excitement of exclusive in-store deals. Limited-time promotions and personalized offers give customers a compelling reason to visit your store rather than shop online. And the more value they associate with an in-person visit, the more likely they are to make repeat trips.
You can implement in-store perks in various ways, from offering early access to new arrivals to providing special discounts for loyalty members who shop in person. QR codes placed around the store can unlock hidden deals, while digital payment integrations allow customers to earn rewards seamlessly with every purchase.
Provide a One-of-a-Kind In-Store Experience with Maya Business Solutions
Just starting out with your physical store? We’re here to help you stand out from the crowd and keep your customers coming back for an exceptional shopping experience. Sign up for Maya Business today, and you’ll unlock an industry-leading suite of fintech solutions that can elevate your in-store operations to never-before-seen heights.
Through your Maya Business account, you’ll get to open a Maya Business Deposit account and use it as your settlement account. With an industry-leading 2.5% per annum interest rate, you’ll earn PHP 25,000 in interest per year on a PHP 1 million deposit. You can also send money to your partners and suppliers for free via InstaPay and PESONet and earn more savings in the process.
Your Maya Business account also qualifies you for a no-collateral Maya Flexi Loan offer of up to PHP 2 million in just 3 months, which you can use to implement even more improvements at your store. Just use Maya as your primary processor for all wallet and card payments. The more you use our solutions, the better the loan offer will be.
Open an account with Maya Business today and enjoy the many benefits our top solutions can bring to your startup.
