Digitization: transforming a physical store into an e-shop

Digital transformation affects all sectors, and especially commerce. To cope with the explosion of online commerce, physical stores must reinvent themselves to find a viable economic model in the all-digital era.

The digitalization of commerce faces new trends that have fundamentally revolutionized the sales sector.

Beyond the buzzword, a reality exists, and merchants must address the question of developing their online activity.

Digitalizing one's point of sale is a challenge that must be met quickly to avoid missing the digital turn and dying from the effects of the digital transition. We tell you everything about POS management in our ultimate Shopify guide.

Digitalization of businesses: the impact on e-merchants

There is no longer any doubt, technology has disrupted our way of consuming, and even more, changed consumer expectations in the world of commerce.

96% is the growth of online sales in just 7 years, increasing from 57 billion in 2014 to 112 billion in 2021. In this context, embracing the digital shift has become essential for retailers.

The global change that has occurred in recent years has transformed the environment of brick-and-mortar stores. Digital technology has caused chaos, with the 2019 health crisis being an additional factor in accelerating the process.

However, while the adoption of new digital technologies may have initially been seen as a shake-up in the sector, it is above all an opportunity that, in particular, allows for improved supply chains and reaching a wider customer base without geographical limitations. The catchment area of a physical establishment obviously reduces its growth potential unless multiple points of sale are added.

With the internet, growth is exponential and occurs without having to invest more capital to expand.

Are e-commerce stores the new face of retail?

Commerce has gone from a world of physical stores to 100% digital. The answer lies not only in technological developments but also, and above all, in consumer behavior. The success of online commerce shows the public's appetite for online shopping.

While physical stores allowed for better interaction between seller and customer and the ability to touch the product or see the service in action, online business has provided an even more valuable experience for the consumer.

A store is accessible 24/7 without interruption. This is a significant difference compared to a brick-and-mortar store, which cannot claim the same hourly volume. Free returns and improved customer service have further reduced the advantage of physical stores over 100% digitized ones.

E-commerce, where to start?

1. Choosing the best e-commerce platform

The first step to a successful online transition is choosing a development solution (CMS) for your store. One of the most well-known CMS is the Shopify platform, which allows merchants to create and manage their own online store. Shopify is equipped with all the features you will need to develop your e-commerce business, with an intuitive and perfectly mobile-optimized design.

2. Preparing your store for mobile traffic

The majority of consumers now use their smartphones to place online orders. With 50% of online purchases made from a mobile phone, e-merchants must consider this new web trend before starting their digital adventure.

If you want to have a profitable business, it's best not to miss out on mobile consumers. A responsive or mobile-friendly site, meaning one designed and optimized for easy navigation on this type of screen, is no longer an option for merchant sites but a necessity.

3. Opting for a well-branded store

Design is an important factor when it comes to building a profitable store. It helps improve the on-site experience and potentially generate more sales.

In e-commerce more than anywhere else, you will likely not get a second chance to convince a potential customer. The first impression created by your site is therefore an essential point not to be overlooked!

It increases brand credibility and helps build the identity that will be extended to other channels such as social networks.

Hybrid store, the right compromise?

The merchant does not have to make a critical choice between a physical store and an online store. It is possible to make a compromise between the two, which is called the hybrid model. A business that aims to be both digitalized while retaining a physical point of sale to serve as a transition or to benefit from the advantages of both worlds.

The immediacy of purchase, face-to-face interaction with salespeople, or the ability to try the product are still benefits that some consumers are not ready to give up, especially an older generation less accustomed to web usage.

Technology re-enables the purchasing journey. It is not always intended to destroy to rebuild. Owning a Shopify store while keeping your physical store is therefore entirely feasible.

Commerce is a constantly evolving environment that undergoes transformations every decade. It would seem that the current innovation is won by the transition to e-commerce, which should establish itself as the consumption model in the years to come. With the personalization enabled by big data and marketing tools opening up to an ever-wider audience, e-shops are the cornerstone of the future of commerce.

Important: a Shopify agency can assist you in the success of your digital transition by creating a custom online store and implementing strategies to generate traffic to your site.