OMNICHANNEL (BRICKS & CLICKS) STRATEGY FOR BUSINESSES IN PAKISTAN

WHAT IS OMNICHANNEL (BRICKS & CLICKS)?

Let’s begin with a basic concept. An omnichannel strategy merely implies providing a convenient shopping experience, regardless of whether the buyer buys from an offline or online channel. It’s similar to integrating all shopping channels into a single combined system so that the buyer cannot sense any difference between buying from a website and collecting products from a physical outlet.

The bricks & clicks moniker captures this union. “Bricks” are the stores you go into in the real world, and “Clicks” are the websites you know, sites, apps, etc. This is the strategy of putting both approaches together, so companies can serve customers wherever they might be and the device and platform they might be using.

WHY OMNICHANNEL IS IMPORTANT FOR BUSINESS IN PAKISTAN?

Now, more than ever, Pakistani companies are learning that the key is to maintain both a brick-and-mortar presence and a digital presence. While customers continue to enjoy going to stores, they also like the convenience of shopping online. An omnichannel strategy enables companies to provide customers with both options, and that is a tremendous benefit!

In Pakistan, the emergence of online stores, food ordering apps, and digital payment systems is compelling local businesses to do more than mere conventional selling. Omnichannel Pakistan has emerged as a trend that has become a necessity to remain competitive in the market.

THE RISE OF OMNICHANNEL IN PAKISTAN

GROWTH OF ONLINE SHOPPING IN PAKISTAN

Online shopping is certainly becoming popular here. From food to clothes, from electronics to furniture, whatever it may be, people are buying it online. Growth of eCommerce in Pakistan is revolutionizing the way companies are focusing on their selling strategy.

Statistics show growth in online sales every year. Platforms like Daraz, Foodpanda, and others have gained trust among individuals for online shopping. Add mobile banking and easy returns, and voila. You have a growing digital marketplace. So, becoming a pure bricks & clicks now makes perfect sense.

BENEFITS OF OMNICHANNEL FOR PAKISTANI CONSUMERS

The beauty of an omnichannel strategy is the liberty it offers to customers. Today, they may be shopping online, and tomorrow they may step into your store to touch and feel the product.

It is time-saving.
It adds convenience.
It provides individuals with more options.

For example, if someone finds a shirt online but wants to try it out before buying, he or she can just visit the store. That’s the kind of freedom omnichannel benefits offer.

KEY FEATURES OF OMNICHANNEL (BRICKS & CLICKS) STRATEGY

SEAMLESS CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE

An omnichannel strategy ensures that the customer journey, from discovery to buying, is seamless through all channels. Whether they start the shopping journey on Instagram or a website and end it in a store, the journey is consistent along the way.

CONSISTENT BRANDING AND MESSAGING

Your brand must look and feel the same everywhere. That’s an extremely critical aspect of omnichannel benefits. If your offline shop is classy, but your website is old-fashioned, it destroys the customer’s trust. Consistency of brand tone, color, and message across channels creates a stronger image.

CLICK AND COLLECT

One of the most convenient things about online and offline shopping is ‘Click and Collect’. It is an indication that the customer buys online and picks up the item from the store. It’s speedy and avoids delivery delays.

REAL-TIME INVENTORY UPDATES

With a strong omnichannel strategy, businesses can update stock levels in real-time. If it’s out of stock online, it should be out of stock in-store too. This avoids confusion and makes buying cleaner.

HOW BUSINESSES IN PAKISTAN CAN BENEFIT FROM OMNICHANNEL

INCREASED SALES

When you’re selling multiple ways in a store, on a website, in an app, and on social media you just reach more people. More reach equals more sales. That’s one of the best things about going to bricks & clicks.

IMPROVED CUSTOMER LOYALTY

When customers can easily shop from your brand, they will continue doing so. Availability of products, good service, and autonomy in where and how they shop keep them happy. This is the way a Pakistani business strategy can win loyal customers.

BETTER INSIGHTS INTO CUSTOMER PREFERENCES

And one additional advantage? Information. Web-based systems enable you to monitor what customers are purchasing, when, and why. That provides companies with information to better optimize offers, promotions, and inventory control, something physical stores can’t easily accomplish on their own.

CHALLENGES OF IMPLEMENTING AN OMNICHANNEL STRATEGY IN PAKISTAN

TECHNOLOGY INFRASTRUCTURE

Let’s be pragmatic, not everywhere in Pakistan has a stable internet or better technological infrastructure. Numerous firms in small towns are still trying to establish an appropriate digital framework.

INTEGRATION BETWEEN ONLINE AND OFFLINE SYSTEMS

It’s not simple to get your physical and digital channels in sync. From inventory updates to order and return management, it requires intelligent technology and well-trained personnel. A solid omnichannel strategy requires robust systems to function optimally.

COST AND RESOURCES

The installation of sites, mobile apps, delivery infrastructure, and staff training takes time and money. It is hard for most small businesses to do so. With appropriate assistance, such as services from Rholab, this can be achieved.

BEST PRACTICES FOR SUCCESSFUL OMNICHANNEL STRATEGY

INVEST IN USER-FRIENDLY WEBSITES AND MOBILE APPS

Your online store needs to be simple to navigate, fast to load, great-looking, and with easy checkout. Customers become impatient quickly when presented with a website or mobile app that’s slow or unclear.

ENSURE FAST AND RELIABLE DELIVERY

For Pakistani consumers, timely delivery is the key. Late deliveries translate to negative reviews. For such consumers, a good logistics partner can make a big difference.

CUSTOMER SUPPORT ACROSS CHANNELS

Regardless of whether someone visits your store or messages you through the internet, your customer service must be fantastic. Resolve issues quickly and remain polite at all times.

LEVERAGE SOCIAL MEDIA FOR ENGAGEMENT

Everyone’s on social media. Use Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp to reach your audience. Post frequently, respond quickly, and offer deals. It’s the new Pakistani business strategy.

CASE STUDY: A PAKISTANI BUSINESS SUCCEEDING WITH OMNICHANNEL

Imagine a local fashion brand that started with a small shop in Lahore. They launched a website, integrated Instagram and WhatsApp shopping, and partnered with Rholab for their fulfillment requirements. Now, they have customers across Pakistan, with both online and offline shopping. Such is the power of omnichannel Pakistan.

FINAL THOUGHTS ON OMNICHANNEL (BRICKS & CLICKS) IN PAKISTAN

In short, combining physical and virtual platforms using an omnichannel strategy is the way to go. The Pakistani businesses to stay competitive and thrive have no choice but to adopt the bricks & clicks strategy. Firms like Rholab are making it easy for you by offering professional eCommerce fulfillment services. So, if you are in business, this is your invitation to adopt an omnichannel strategy today!