Fashion retail shops progressively want to retain potential purchases lost due to unavailability of products, ranges or sizes. It is estimated that as much as a fifth of sales are lost as customers don’t find their size or product in stock. For that matter, they are creating digital networks to cover the same.
India’s largest value-fashion brand by revenue, Max, estimated nearly 10 per cent of its customers are lost due to non-availability of products. Consequently, the brand is launching an initiative called ‘endless aisles’ in a few key stores in Bengaluru next year. This involves linking inventory and stocking data at all city stores on a single network.
The network will be used to help customers order products that are out of stock, from ranges taken off the shelves or are not available in their size on the high street. Customers can either pick up their orders from a nearby Max store or have it shipped to them.
Future Group’s retail chain Central has a ‘WhatsApp group’ where customers can send messages, photos and videos of products they like and cannot find. Customers are accordingly be notified when the product is back in stock. Also, Jealous 21, Future Group’s Indus League Clothing Ltd., has a virtual mirror at one of its stores in Bengaluru which they are planning to introduce in other stores too. The technology helps customer find perfect fit.
Also Read – Fashion retailers optimistic about future: USFIA Study
Another retailer, Shoppers Stop has earlier said that it will offer ‘Click and Collect,’ and ‘Click and Deliver’ by June 2017, which is aimed at helping consumers get products not available at one store but can be sourced from another in the same city.
