4 reasons why your retail store needs an omnichannel solution

It's difficult to schedule staff to appropriately meet fluctuating levels of store traffic.

Although you can try to use past traffic patterns as an indicator, every day is a new day in retail. Also, employees provide their own constraints with shift preferences, turnover, scheduled and unscheduled time-off, etc.

Despite these complexities, the best retailers use a queuing and scheduling solution to help inform their decisions.

Here's why:

1. Proactively alter daily traffic volumes

Have you noticed that your stores are consistently empty every Monday and Wednesday from 2-4 PM? Smooth foot traffic by offering appointments or hosting an event. This will help ensure that traffic is steady and employees are busy.

Here are 8 ideas of great events that drive traffic to the store.

2. Publicize wait times

Customers will also benefit from an omnichannel solution. By communicating real-time waiting times, you're allowing them to choose which location they'd like to visit, and when.

Retailers are advised to carefully monitor queue waits and make staffing adjustments accordingly.

Some grocery stores are even becoming so advanced that they track the number of shoppers in the store, so they can calculate average shopping time and predict when new checkout aisles need to be opened.

Now, even your local department of motor vehicles broadcast wait times. If they can do it, anyone can.

3. Ease customer nerves

Orderly lines can help customers remain calm. Customers don't need to worry about someone else "cutting them" in line when there is clearly an established system.

While at times frustrating, this system communicates that the company wants to be fair.

Implementing a queuing and scheduling solution achieves two goals for retailers.

First, store managers will be able to better meet customer needs. Predicting and streamlining traffic makes it more convenient for the customer. No customer wants to wait in line to be serviced. Not only can it impact current sales (the customer leaves before purchasing their intended items), but it can also impact future sales (customer chooses a different retailer because their existing store is too busy).

Next, managers will be better able to meet employee needs. With retail turnover at 65% for hourly employees, incorporating employee feedback into their work schedules will result in lower turnover and happier employees.

4. Use data to make decisions

Don't rely on guesswork anymore. JRNI Analytics offers various types of reports that will help you make decisions.

• Analytics dashboard
• Capacity utilization report
• Lead times report
• Location reports
• Service reports

For more information about waiting in line, download our eBook, To queue or not to queue.