Kelly Slessor, CEO and founder of Shop You, shares her insights on how local retailers can compete with big brands online.
Generally speaking, local retailers have had it tough for some time now. A decrease in high street traffic, a shift to online, increased competition from overseas and changing consumer behaviour has driven many to close their doors.
Businesses that have struggled are now faced with one of the most difficult times in the history of retail.
Not all will make it. For those that do, the opportunities to grow and to stand out in an online world are bigger now than they have ever been.
As we faced restrictions and lockdowns, availability and local convenience became a priority.
According to Australia Post, local retailers grew more than 80% year-on-year eight weeks after the COVID-19 pandemic hit.
Shifting to and standing out in a digital world is not easy for many local retailers. They often lack the skillset, funds and time. There is also the fear of the unknown.
Having worked with retailers and running her own digital growth course, Kelly has developed four key steps for growing retail online. These steps are:
- Know your customer
- Plug-and-play
- Offer convenience
- Choose your channels
Kelly Slessor is an Ecommerce coach and digital marketing expert passionate about helping retailers grow. As a thought leader, strategist and speaker she has worked with world leading companies. Companies include Westfields, Woolworths, Big W, Sainsburys, Gluestore and small independent brands and restaurants.
