It doesn’t matter if your entire retail business is online or if you run a brick and mortar retail store, ecommerce trends apply to you. That’s a trend in and of itself.

Ecommerce Trends 2015: Mobile shopping

Mobile devices are everywhere. That means your customers are using them to shop, even if they end up walking into your retail store personally to make the purchase. Customers are doing their research and price comparisons on mobile devices like smart phones and iPads. Many want the option to pick up an order they place online the same day in the store. This blending of your online and offline retailing will trip you up if you don’t stay current.

Ecommerce Trends 2015: A multichannel presence is essential

Having a multichannel presence means your customers can find you regardless of the means they use to look. Your website should be current and mobile ready. Your online and in-store inventory should be synched and up to date. When a customer finds what they’re looking for in your online store, they should have the option to have it shipped or to pick it up in person. If you want to compete, you have to be in multiple places at the same time.

Ecommerce Trends 2015: User experience and customer service

Customer service and the user experience are one in the same with ecommerce. That means your website should be easy to navigate, that customers’ personal information should be protected, and your shipping estimates should be accurate. Living in an age when instant gratification reigns supreme dictates your customers’ desire for same day delivery or sooner. This is why Amazon feels threatened by brick and mortar retailers.

Ecommerce Trends 2015: Free shipping

In order for your ecommerce business to compete, free shipping needs to be part of the service you provide. It’s a perk that’s quickly becoming an expectation, especially for large orders. Of all the ecommerce trends of 2015, this may be the one you can implement almost immediately.

Ecommerce Trends 2015: The pursuit of customer loyalty

One of the best things about ecommerce is your ability to reach customers around the world. One of the biggest challenges of ecommerce is that you’re competing with businesses from around the world. These competitive opportunities lead to the need to pursue customer loyalty. Companies like Zappos have found a way to create an online customer experience that keeps their customers coming back. It’s a combination of great customer service, free returns, and happy customers. What are you doing to keep your customers once they’ve found you?

Ecommerce Trends 2015: Virtual experience blends with real life experience

Retail is no longer a matter of either/or. The most successful companies find a way to do both/and when it comes to customer experience. Your customers may be able to watch a video of your product in action online, but they want to test it out for themselves in real life. They may do some product research online, but they want to be able to talk to a knowledgeable salesperson when they get to the store. What customers experience with you in person will inevitably make its way to social media, with the potential to make or break your brand reputation.

To succeed in retail in 2015 and beyond, you need to understand these trends and adapt where necessary. Bindo iPad POS gives retailers an all-in-one small business management tool that helps you navigate the blurred lines between your online and offline worlds. Bindo Storefront offers retailers the opportunity to merge those worlds by synchronizing product information and availability on multiple channels with one-click. Start your free trial today!