Retailers are set for a big holiday shopping season. Consumers today are more discerning than ever, seeking convenience, personalization, and customization. For retailers, this is both a challenge and an opportunity. Those who digitally transform to become more visible, personalized, and connected will be well-positioned to thrive.

Location data has always been integral to Retail companies. With the addition of Artificial Intelligence, this data can be transformed into a powerful tool to understand consumer behavior, optimize operations, and remain connected to their audiences.

Here are the top ways in which Location Intelligence and AI are transforming the Retail industry:

1. Increased Visibility Through Store Locators and SEO

   It has become increasingly critical for retailers to provide a seamless omni-channel experience for their consumers as the physical & digital worlds continue to merge. Adding an advanced store locator to a website or mobile app can boost footfall, especially with click-and-collect options that enable customers to buy or order goods from a store's website and collect them from a local store. Insider Intelligence estimates that click-and-collect sales will surpass the $100 billion mark in 2023 in the US alone.

   Additionally, keeping your store information and customer reviews updated online can greatly improve SEO visibility for both large and small retailers. Location intelligence tools let businesses manage all of their store details, reviews, and ratings at once, while also providing information on users' favorite products and offers, helping create a seamless omnichannel experience.

2. Strategic Marketing Through Geomarketing and AI-Powered Recommendations

   Geomarketing, also known as location-based marketing, uses location data to plan and execute marketing activities. It can be used for any aspect of the marketing mix — including product, price, promotion, and place (geotargeting).

   In a world where consumers expect products and services to be available at the click of a button, traditional marketing practices are struggling to gain traction. Location-based marketing allows businesses to send personalized messages to users about offers and new product launches at their nearest stores, engaging them at the right moment.

   Artificial intelligence (AI) can be used to leverage historical data on past purchases and preferences to generate personalized recommendations that will entice users to shop from their favorite brands and products. Additionally, AI chatbots can easily direct customers to their desired products and enhance the overall user experience.

3. Enhanced Shopping Experience with Faster Checkouts and Accurate Addresses

   Online shopping and ordering has become an ubiquitous part of our lives, offering a faster and more responsive experience than ever before. However, any additional steps or complexity in the checkout process can lead to shopping cart abandonment. While there are many reasons why customers may abandon their carts, such as hidden shipping costs, lack of payment options, or simply window shopping; too many steps and complexity in the checkout process remain a top reason why purchases are not completed.

   Location intelligence tools can help to reduce shopping cart abandonment by autocompleting and validating addresses, ensuring minimal errors and faster checkouts. This improves the user experience, address reliability, and conversion rates.

4. Efficient Supply Chain Management and Reverse Logistics

   Holiday traffic also brings the task of planning, dispatching bulk orders and dealing with returns, while ensuring quick and accurate deliveries. Retailers not only require a well planned supply chain but also models that can process and operate such a huge amount of order data. Artificial Intelligence tools applied to location-based solutions can be used for efficient last-mile deliveries and pickups while factoring in costs, sustainability, and unforeseen supply chain disruptions. Providing consumers with real time tracking of those cherished & much-awaited holiday packages can further enhance the overall consumer experience.

By using these technologies to increase visibility, execute targeted marketing, enhance the shopping experience, and optimize supply chain management, retailers can create a seamless omnichannel experience that meets the needs of today's consumers. The holiday shopping season is a critical time for retailers, and those who embrace location-based services and AI will be well-positioned to succeed. By taking advantage of these technologies, retailers can create a holiday shopping experience that is convenient, personalized, and efficient for their customers, leading to increased sales and customer loyalty.

Want to know more about how Location Intelligence tools can boost your business? Check out Searce’s very own custom store locator tool here and discover the art of possible!