The New Reality of Retail: Meeting Customer Needs in the E-commerce Era

The face of retail has forever changed, with the COVID-19 pandemic further amplifying an already dismal outlook for brick-and-mortar operations. Coresight Research is now predicting store closures could reach an all-time high in 2021 as the effects of the virus and online shopping habits continue to grow.

E-commerce Requires Flexible Fulfillment Solutions

While consumers may prefer to do more online ordering in the future, retailers can repurpose their brick-and-mortar stores as fulfillment hubs to meet evolving customer needs. Stores offering low-contact click-and-collect pickup options, such as buy online pick up in store (BOPIS) and curbside pickup, will continue to attract more shoppers. These services provide the convenience and safety consumers value, especially post-pandemic.

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Transforming Stores into Fulfillment Hubs

With online orders  overwhelming warehouse operations, some retailers are also transforming their physical stores into mini-fulfillment centers. In addition to the popular click-and-collect services, retailers are able to leverage their in-store inventory and physical proximity to customers to increase delivery speeds and reduce transportation costs.

Adding Automation to Expand Fulfillment Capabilities

With the ongoing labor shortage and mandatory social distancing practices, automation can provide some added relief for retailers looking to expand their fulfillment capabilities. Flexible automation solutions, in particular, offer rapid deployment and lower costs compared to traditional fixed systems.

Benefits of Flexible Automation

• Quick Installation: Flexible solutions can be implemented in weeks.
• Scalability: Retailers can expand or relocate systems as demand evolves.
• Cost-Effectiveness: These systems require lower upfront investment, making them accessible to a wider range of retailers.

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A version of this article originally appeared in SupplyChainBrain.

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