Random customer flow and long queues in front of retail stores, international brand shops, banks, governmental centers, and even healthcare premises are not a new scene for us. In 1772, the British credit crisis hit, causing people to queue in front of banks; the effect had reached Scotland and Holland. In 2020, the pandemic caused long queues with stringent regulations to ensure social distancing and control occupancy of the building. Unfortunately, things aren't any better these days. Queues and disorganized customers may still be seen everywhere.

It is obvious that organizing the flow of customers and transferring the physical queue to the virtual waiting lines are two main challenges faced by businesses throughout the ages.

What is the customer flow?

Customer flow, according to the Collins definition, is the movement of customers around a shop. From a business perspective, it is the experience your customers have with your store from the moment they walk in until they depart.

Optimizing this experience in the era of the business of experiences is positioned at the top of the business agenda to survive for the next stage. The success of achieving the mission depends on the ability to deliver shopping experiences that stand out and please

How does businesses respond to the customer flow and queue challenges?

Before the revolution of technology, business managers used traditional approaches, such as increasing staff members, opening new branches, and, in the best scenarios, offering entertainment. All of that led to less revenue, exhausted staff, and a lower-than-expected shopping experience.

Online virtual queue management system and appointment: Frictionless and Safe Experience.

People will be socially isolated for decades as a result of their experiences during COVID-19. They will not like to shop at your business if there are a lot of people inside. Another thing is that some customers need instant help from the salespeople. What will happen when your staff are busy with a lot of random customers? A lot of hassles, right? What to do is as easy as 1 and 2:

1- Use an online queue system:

by allowing your customers to display your business's branches and the number of customers inside, they can issue an online visit ticket and wait in comfort until the receptionist invites them to enter. As a business, you can set up the system to schedule issuing tickets to ensure that the store's occupancy is under control.

2-Use an online appointment system:

Many shoppers will appreciate the option to plan their visit and select the salesperson who will help them. As a business, you can personalize their experience and grant them a warm welcome.

Digital Signage: Engage and Delight

Most businesses are always looking for a solution that will allow their messages to reach their customers' minds and touch their emotions, while also making the shopping experience stand out.

A digital signage system can help you engage your customers while they are waiting for check-out by drawing their attention to new products that they may have missed while shopping or reminding them to purchase an ingredient for their planned dinner. If they miss it, the entire evening will be ruined. Believe me, they will appreciate that.

For the out-of-door waiting customers, using digital signage can engage them with ads while they wait or inform them about the estimated waiting time to enter the store.

Self-service Kiosk and Shops: shape your business’ future

In the age of self-experiences, customers, especially the new generation of customers, want a self-service shopping experience and to avoid all the frustrated feelings on check-out lines, they want to be able to do grocery shopping at their preferred time of the day.

As a business, you should be prepared to meet the expectations of all your customers, whether they are in the physical or digital world. Through the technology to build an extraordinary customer flow and shopping experience, stores will guarantee customer loyalty, increased sales and revenue, and the most important thing, low expenses.

If you’d like to know more about managing customer flow and improving the shopping experience to drive more sales and thrive in the business world, book a free consultation with one of our experts.