Building Trust

The rise of online shopping has posed a challenge to local shopkeepers and traders, especially ahead of a festive occasion. In the lead up to the Eid-ul-Adha festival, local traders in Kashmir are complaining of a ‘drastic reduction’ in sales turnover. The convenience of online shopping, combined with competitive pricing and home delivery, has drawn many consumers away from physical stores. This shift in consumer behavior, accelerated by the pandemic, poses a significant challenge for traditional brick-and-mortar establishments. However, local shopkeepers and traders can take several steps to tackle the threat of online shopping and revitalise their businesses. Firstly, they can focus on providing exceptional customer service, creating a personalised shopping experience that online platforms cannot replicate. By building strong relationships with customers, local businesses can encourage repeat business. Secondly, local traders can adapt to the changing market by embracing digital technologies. They can create their own online platforms or social media accounts to showcase their products, reach a wider audience, and compete with online retailers. By leveraging technology, local businesses can stay competitive and attract new customers. Thirdly, local shopkeepers can emphasize the unique benefits of shopping in person. They can highlight the importance of supporting local economies, preserving traditional markets, and experiencing the tactile pleasure of physical shopping. By appealing to the community’s sense of pride and responsibility, local businesses can encourage people to choose physical shopping over online alternatives. Moreover, local traders can collaborate with each other and with local authorities to develop strategies that promote physical shopping. They can organise events, festivals, and promotions that attract customers to their markets. Also, it is essential to adopt competitive pricing strategies without fleecing customers. To achieve this, market research is crucial to understand the prices offered by online retailers and other local businesses. By conducting market research, local shopkeepers can determine fair and competitive prices for their products. Implementing pricing strategies like price matching, discounts, or loyalty programs can also attract and retain customers. Transparency is vital, and prices should be clearly displayed, with explanations provided for any price differences or premium charges. Local shopkeepers can offer value-added services like free gift wrapping, personalized advice, or after-sales support to justify prices and differentiate themselves from online retailers. Emphasising the quality and authenticity of products can also justify prices, highlighting the benefits of buying from a local business. Regular reviews of prices are necessary to ensure they remain competitive and fair. Encouraging customer feedback and using it to improve pricing and services can help build trust with customers. Avoiding price gouging during peak seasons or festivals is essential, as it can damage the reputation of local shopkeepers. Offering regular promotions and sales can create value for customers, making them more likely to return. By building a reputation for fair pricing and excellent customer service, local shopkeepers can demonstrate their commitment to their customers and compete effectively with online retailers. By focusing on customer service, adapting to digital technologies and competitive pricing, local businesses can continue to thrive.