Pick up store (or pick up in store) is an English term that literally means “to pick up in store”. In retail, it is an omnichannel concept. It is about the purchase of products by a consumer in your virtual store and withdrawal of them at the counter of your physical store with personal assistance.
Difference between pick up store, pick up point and locker
Unlike the aforementioned pick-up store, in the pick-up point system , the consumer is directed to pick up the products purchased from your online store at physical locations of partner companies. These physical locations can be, for example, gas stations, supermarkets, grocery stores, pharmacies, etc.
Meanwhile, in the locker system , the consumer makes a purchase in the online store, but is then usually directed to pick up the product at a physical location. However, instead of receiving personal assistance at a counter, the consumer receives a code. This code will allow them to unlock a locker. Inside the locker, you (the e-commerce owner) will leave the product they purchased for pickup.
Advantages of the pick up store system
The pick up store system can provide you with many advantages, such as:
- Less spending on shipping products to the Distribution Center;
- Reduction in shipping costs;
- Reduction in the final price of the product;
- Optimization of delivery time (on average 2 days);
- Payment in cash, card, etc., upon collection;
- Increase in the number of consumers inside your physical store;
- Increased sales conversion opportunities within your physical store.
Not to mention that you e-commerce owner will eventually be able to guide your pick up store clerks to collect more information (satisfaction surveys, for example) about consumers when they pick up the products.
Furthermore, sales assistants will also be able to order complementary products and services, which their customers can purchase at the same time in their physical store.
How to deploy?
The first step to implement the pick up store is to have a physical store. Inside it, a duly identified counter must be installed to carry out deliveries.
Preferably, this counter should be positioned at such a point that the consumer has to walk long distances inside the store. Make the consumer go through different shelves and gondolas. This will encourage you to make more purchases.
In addition, you will need to invest in omnichannel technologies. These technologies must be able to integrate the stock, cash flow, means of payment, etc., of your virtual store with your physical stores.
Therefore, if you intend to implement this system, be prepared to invest in a good e-commerce platform and in ERP and WMS software , for example.
