Breaking Barriers: How Filipino Retailers Are Redefining the Customer Journey

The Philippine retail industry has been steadily growing over the years, with a market size of approximately Php 4.5 trillion in 2020. This growth can be attributed to the increasing purchasing power of Filipinos, the rise of e-commerce platforms, and the expansion of retail companies in the country.

In this industry, customer experience plays a crucial role in attracting and retaining customers. With the rise of technology and social media, customers have become more discerning and demanding, expecting a seamless and personalized shopping experience. Retailers who prioritize customer experience have a higher chance of gaining customer loyalty and increasing sales.

I. Understanding the Customer Journey

The customer journey refers to the entire process that a customer goes through when interacting with a brand, from initial awareness to post-purchase evaluation. It encompasses all touchpoints and interactions that a customer has with a brand, including online and offline channels.

The customer journey can be broken down into several stages, each of which represents a different phase of the customer's experience with the brand. These stages may vary depending on the industry and the specific customer, but generally include:

1. Awareness: The customer becomes aware of the brand and its products or services through advertising, word-of-mouth, or other marketing efforts.

2. Consideration: The customer begins to research and evaluate the brand and its offerings, comparing them to other options in the market.

3. Purchase: The customer decides to make a purchase and completes the transaction.

4. Post-purchase: The customer evaluates their experience with the brand and may provide feedback or engage in repeat purchases.

Mapping out the customer journey is important for several reasons. Firstly, it allows brands to gain a better understanding of their customers' needs, preferences, and pain points at each stage of the journey. This information can then be used to improve the customer experience and increase customer satisfaction and loyalty.

Secondly, mapping out the customer journey can help brands identify areas where they may be losing customers or missing opportunities to engage with them. By understanding the customer journey, brands can optimize their marketing and sales efforts to better meet the needs of their customers and improve conversion rates.

For example, international brands like Apple and Nike have successfully mapped out their customer journeys and used this information to create personalized experiences for their customers. Apple's Genius Bar, for instance, provides customers with one-on-one support and troubleshooting, while Nike's Run Club app offers personalized training plans and community support for runners.

Actionable steps for mapping out the customer journey include conducting customer research, analyzing customer data, and creating customer personas to represent different segments of the customer base. Brands can then use this information to create a customer journey map that outlines the touchpoints and interactions that customers have with the brand at each stage of the journey.

II. Breaking Barriers in the Customer Journey

The Philippine retail industry has been facing various barriers that hinder the customer journey. These barriers include limited payment options, lack of accessibility, poor customer service, and inadequate product information. These issues can lead to customer dissatisfaction, lower sales, and reduced customer loyalty.

Limited payment options are one of the most significant barriers in the Philippine retail industry. Many retailers only accept cash payments, which can be inconvenient for customers who prefer to pay using credit or debit cards. This can lead to lost sales and missed opportunities for retailers. Lack of accessibility is another barrier, as many retailers are located in areas that are difficult to reach or have limited parking spaces.

Poor customer service is also a significant barrier in the Philippine retail industry. Customers expect to be treated with respect and receive prompt assistance when they have questions or concerns. Inadequate product information is another issue, as customers may not have enough information about a product to make an informed purchase decision.

To break down these barriers, retailers can implement various strategies. One effective strategy is to offer multiple payment options, including credit and debit cards, online payment platforms, and cash on delivery. This can make it easier for customers to make purchases and increase sales for retailers.

Retailers can also improve accessibility by opening stores in more convenient locations or offering online shopping options. Providing excellent customer service is crucial, and retailers can achieve this by training their staff to be knowledgeable, friendly, and responsive to customer needs.

Personalized experiences are also essential in breaking down barriers in the customer journey. Customers want to feel valued and appreciated, and personalized experiences can help achieve this. Retailers can use customer data to personalize their marketing messages, recommend products based on past purchases, and offer exclusive promotions to loyal customers.

 

III. Embracing Technology in Retail

Technology has become an integral part of the retail industry, transforming the way customers interact with brands and making the shopping experience more convenient and personalized. By embracing technology, retailers can enhance the customer experience and create a seamless journey that meets the needs and expectations of modern consumers.

One of the key roles of technology in retail is to provide customers with a more personalized experience. With the help of data analytics and artificial intelligence, retailers can gather insights about their customers' preferences, behaviors, and purchase history. This information can be used to create personalized recommendations, targeted promotions, and customized offers that are tailored to each customer's needs and interests.

Another important role of technology in retail is to improve the efficiency and convenience of the shopping experience. For example, self-checkout kiosks, mobile payment options, and digital signage can help reduce wait times and streamline the checkout process. Augmented reality and virtual reality technologies can also be used to provide customers with a more immersive and interactive shopping experience.

In the Philippines, many retailers have already started to embrace technology to enhance the customer experience. For example, SM Supermalls has launched an app that allows customers to browse products, check prices, and receive promotions and discounts. Robinsons Retail Holdings has also introduced a mobile app that enables customers to order groceries online and have them delivered to their doorstep.

Other examples of technology used in Philippine retail include digital signage, interactive displays, and mobile payment options. Some retailers have also started to experiment with augmented reality and virtual reality technologies to create more engaging and immersive shopping experiences.

Integrating technology into the customer journey is essential for retailers who want to stay competitive in today's digital age. By providing customers with a seamless and personalized experience, retailers can build stronger relationships with their customers and increase loyalty and retention. Moreover, technology can help retailers gather valuable data and insights that can be used to improve their products, services, and marketing strategies.

IV. Creating a Seamless Omnichannel Experience

In today's digital age, customers expect a seamless shopping experience across all channels, whether it's online, in-store, or through mobile devices. This is where omnichannel retail comes in. Omnichannel retail is a strategy that integrates all channels of a retailer's business to provide a seamless and consistent shopping experience for customers.

Offering a seamless omnichannel experience is crucial for retailers to stay competitive in the market. Customers want the convenience of shopping whenever and wherever they want, and they expect a consistent experience across all channels. A seamless omnichannel experience can lead to increased customer loyalty, higher sales, and improved customer satisfaction.

To implement an omnichannel approach, retailers need to consider the following strategies:

1. Integrate all channels: Retailers need to integrate all channels of their business, including online, in-store, and mobile, to provide a seamless experience for customers. This means ensuring that inventory, pricing, and promotions are consistent across all channels.

2. Personalize the experience: Personalization is key to providing a seamless omnichannel experience. Retailers can use data to personalize the shopping experience for customers, such as recommending products based on their browsing and purchase history.

3. Offer multiple fulfillment options: Customers want the flexibility to choose how they receive their purchases. Retailers can offer multiple fulfillment options, such as in-store pickup, curbside pickup, and home delivery, to provide a convenient and seamless experience.

4. Use technology: Technology can help retailers provide a seamless omnichannel experience. For example, using mobile apps can allow customers to browse and purchase products, track their orders, and receive personalized recommendations.

 

V. Empowering Employees to Deliver Exceptional Customer Service

In the highly competitive retail industry, delivering exceptional customer service is crucial for success. However, it is not just about having the right products and services, but also about having the right people who can provide excellent customer service. This is where employee training and development come into play.

Importance of Employee Training and Development

Employee training and development are essential for ensuring that employees have the necessary skills and knowledge to provide exceptional customer service. It helps employees understand the company's values, mission, and goals, and how they can contribute to achieving them. It also helps them develop the necessary skills, such as communication, problem-solving, and conflict resolution, to handle different customer situations effectively.

Moreover, employee training and development can boost employee morale and job satisfaction, leading to higher employee retention rates. When employees feel valued and invested in, they are more likely to stay with the company and provide better customer service.

Strategies for Empowering Employees to Deliver Exceptional Customer Service

There are several strategies that retailers can use to empower their employees to deliver exceptional customer service:

1. Provide comprehensive training: Retailers should provide comprehensive training to their employees, covering everything from product knowledge to customer service skills. This training should be ongoing, with regular updates and refresher courses.

2. Encourage employee feedback: Retailers should encourage their employees to provide feedback on their experiences with customers. This feedback can help identify areas for improvement and provide insights into customer needs and preferences.

3. Empower employees to make decisions: Retailers should empower their employees to make decisions that benefit the customer, such as offering discounts or refunds. This can help build trust and loyalty with customers.

4. Recognize and reward exceptional customer service: Retailers should recognize and reward employees who provide exceptional customer service. This can be in the form of bonuses, promotions, or public recognition.

Role of Employee Engagement in Customer Experience

Employee engagement is crucial for delivering exceptional customer service. Engaged employees are more likely to go above and beyond to provide excellent customer service, leading to higher customer satisfaction rates.

Moreover, engaged employees are more likely to stay with the company, reducing turnover rates and ensuring continuity of service. This can lead to better relationships with customers, as they are more likely to interact with familiar faces and receive consistent service.

 

Actionable Steps:

1. Conduct a training needs assessment to identify areas where employees need training and development.

2. Develop a comprehensive training program that covers product knowledge, customer service skills, and company values.

3. Empower employees to make decisions that benefit the customer, such as offering discounts or refunds.

4. Recognize and reward employees who provide exceptional customer service.

5. Measure employee engagement levels and take steps to improve engagement, such as providing opportunities for career development and promoting work-life balance.

Let's wrap it up

Philippine retailers must prioritize customer experience to remain competitive in the market. By providing personalized and engaging experiences, retailers can build brand loyalty and increase customer retention. This can be achieved by investing in technology, training employees to provide exceptional customer service, and continuously gathering feedback from customers to improve their experience.

Looking ahead, the future of Philippine retail is promising, with the industry expected to continue to grow and evolve. Retailers who embrace innovation and prioritize customer experience will be well-positioned to succeed in the market.