POS systems help small businesses take on big box retailers

Big box retailers are preparing busy shopping seasons with larger inventories and mass-market campaigns to draw in consumers. Small businesses have to work hard to keep up – but are poised to adapt to consumer preferences and offer unmatched experiences that will retain loyal customers. In fact, research shows* that consumers are willing to spend up to 150 USD per month to keep local stores in business – recognizing the importance of unique options and values-driven consumption.

Given this opportunity, small businesses need to equip themselves with the tools to cater products to consumer preferences and create personalized shopping experiences – driving up loyalty among repeat customers while drawing in new shoppers as well. You aren’t in this alone – your point-of-sale system* and payments provider are powerful resources to improve your operations and boost the bottom line. Here are three ideas to get you started:

Use your online catalogue to enhance the shopping experience – in-person and online

Your customers want to be able to see and evaluate all options before making a purchase. Make their search process – in your physical store or online – easier by creating a dynamic catalogue of all of your products available on your website, social media accounts*, and in your store. Bonus: personalize your catalogue versions by target customer attributes and make purchase recommendations to customers based on data from your POS system.

Next, equip your employees with mobile POS devices*, allowing them to access your online product catalogue quickly to help customers identify items to consider, right in the aisle – all without leaving the customer’s side. That way, customers feel like they’re purchasing the right product and getting personalized service. This is especially important as consumers increasingly expect to compare products before and during a store visit – and may choose to buy online and pick up in-store later. This flexibility enables them to do their research the way they want to and have a tangible experience once in your store.

Don’t underestimate the easy checkout

Check-out is a coveted moment; it’s your final touchpoint before customers leave your store. Your POS system should enrich that customer experience, instead of adding friction and confusion. That’s why you should embrace mobile POS solutions that bring the checkout experience out from behind the counter and into your shopping space – where your customers feel more comfortable completing transactions and responding to potential upselling opportunities. Even better – ensure your POS solution can accept cards, mobile wallets, smart watches, and more for a seamless checkout. Research from RFI Global* shows that more than 50% of customers in Canada completed a transaction by tapping with a mobile device in 2023.

Go social with your gift card and loyalty programs for small business

Once your customers have made a purchase, their journey isn’t over – be prepared to stay in contact with customers with loyalty programs, social media activity, and gift cards to spur repeat purchases. Research shows that Gen Z and Millennial consumers in Canada* are increasingly comfortable finding and purchasing products directly from social media posts and advertisements – without ever visiting a business website or store. Thus, it is important to sync your POS system with your website and social accounts to create a seamless shopping experience for your returning customers – even pushing loyalty rewards and personalized offers to your followers and repeat customers to drive additional sales.

Your small business can keep up with the big box retailers during busy shopping seasons by turning your POS system into a powerful tool. From personalizing the in-store shopping experience to connecting with your customers on social platforms, you are ready to take on large chains and win over customers with your unique offerings.