Virtual Stores: a future for development

Virtual stores are the nice convergence between online and offline. When we are talking about integrated retail, Virtual stores are the perfect solution. Products are displayed on an ad, in the same layout that it would be in a store and thanks to QR codes, customers can buy the products directly with their mobile

When you think about it, it is very powerful and extremely costless. International expansion can therefore be made easier without investing too much money. It is an easy way to test customers interests for new products but also to test news brands in emerging markets. Going international is always very painful because it requires huge investments in addition to heavy legal adjustments. By doing this, we are removing one big barrier to international implementation.

Mobile is the device used by customers to buy products on the go. Research is also showing that customers do buy big ticket items via mobile too. These virtual stores are also located in very strategic locations as usually in areas where customer s do wait (for the metro, the bus, a plane). They do have time and when people have time, they spend money. It is a new experience offered to customers closer to entertainment and better integrated to their daily schedule. Now, you can also add an associate next to the virtual shop and offer special discounts for the launch of a new store so the engagement can even increase. It would be a nice addition as not all customers are yet familiar with this new ‘’way’’ to buy.