The Total Retail Experience
While one consumer may shop at a discount retailer, another at a neighborhood
store, and a third at a full-service firm, these diverse customers all have something
crucial in common: They each encounter a total retail experience (including everything
from parking to checkout counter) in making a purchase. According to the
director of IBM’s global retail consulting practice, “Consumers are clearly telling
retailers that they want a personalized and interactive shopping experience. They
want immediate access to promotions based on past purchases and loyalty, as well
as precise details on product availability or items that are out-of-stock. They also
want helpful sales associates, fast service, and a store that is easy to shop, sometimes
even more than they want low prices