Store Locators and Where to Buy: which one should you choose?

For businesses looking to increase sales and customer loyalty, having an effective distribution strategy is crucial. There are two main tools that businesses can use to help customers find and purchase their products: store locators and where to buy solutions.

Definition of Store Locators and Where to Buy Solutions

Store locators are tools that allow customers to find the nearest physical location of a business. They are typically used by brick-and-mortar retailers, and allow customers to search for stores by location, product availability, or other criteria. Store locators are often found on the company’s website, and are designed to help customers find the products they are looking for and drive foot traffic to the store.

Where to buy solutions, on the other hand, provide a comprehensive overview of all available distribution channels for a business’s products. This can include traditional brick-and-mortar retailers, as well as online marketplaces and direct-to-consumer sales. Where to buy solutions are designed to help customers find the products they are looking for, no matter where they are available, and provide a convenient and seamless way to make a purchase.

The purpose of both store locators and where to buy solutions is to help businesses increase sales and improve the customer experience. However, there are some key differences between the two that can impact their effectiveness for businesses and consumers.

The differences between store locators and where to buy solutions

Store locators

Store locators are tools that allow customers to find the physical locations of a business’s brick-and-mortar stores. These tools typically include a search function, allowing customers to input their location and find the nearest store. Store locators are often found on a company’s website or app and can be a useful resource for customers looking to visit a store in person.

However, store locators have their limitations. For one, they are only relevant for customers who are looking to purchase from a physical location. They do not provide information about online sales or other distribution channels, such as third-party retailers or marketplaces. This means that customers who prefer to shop online or through other channels may not be able to find the products they are looking for using a store locator.

In addition, store locators may not include all of a company’s retail partners or distribution channels. This can be frustrating for customers who are unable to find the product they want at a store near them and may lead them to look elsewhere for their purchase.

Where to buy solutions

Where to buy solutions, on the other hand, provide a comprehensive overview of all available distribution channels for a product. This includes both online and offline options, such as the company’s own website, third-party retailers, marketplaces, and brick-and-mortar stores. Customers can easily search for a product and see all of the places where it is available for purchase, making it convenient for them to find the best option for their needs.

According to a survey conducted by Forrester Consulting, “84% of online shoppers prefer to see all purchase options on a single page.” This preference for convenience is a major advantage of where to buy solutions. By providing customers with a single page where they can see all of their options, businesses can make it easier for customers to find the products they want and increase the likelihood of a sale.

Where to buy solutions also allow businesses to reach a wider audience and increase sales. By offering customers a range of distribution channels, businesses can appeal to customers who prefer to shop online or in-store. In addition, where to buy solutions can help businesses increase their visibility on third-party marketplaces and reach new customers who may not have been aware of the company’s products otherwise.

Improved customer loyalty and satisfaction is another advantage of where to buy solutions. By offering customers a variety of options for purchasing products, businesses can ensure that they are meeting the needs and preferences of their target audience. This can lead to increased customer loyalty and a more positive brand reputation.

Finally, where to buy solutions give businesses greater control over the customer experience. By providing customers with a range of options for purchasing products, businesses can ensure that the process is seamless and convenient for the customer. This can lead to increased customer satisfaction and loyalty, as well as increased sales.

The advantages of where to buy solutions

Increased convenience for customers

One of the major advantages of where to buy solutions is the convenience they offer to customers. With a store locator, customers are limited to finding products at physical locations, which may not always be convenient or even possible for them to visit. On the other hand, where to buy solutions provide a comprehensive overview of all available distribution channels, including online marketplaces and direct-to-consumer sales. This allows customers to easily compare prices and purchase options, and choose the option that is most convenient for them, whether it be home delivery or pickup at a nearby store.

As evidenced in the report by Forrester, the trend towards one stop shopping is becoming more and more prevalent. This preference for convenience is especially important in today’s fast-paced world, where consumers value the ability to easily compare and purchase products online. By offering a where to buy solution, businesses can meet this demand and provide a more convenient shopping experience for their customers.

Ability to reach a wider audience and increase sales

In addition to providing convenience to customers, where to buy solutions also offer the potential to reach a wider audience and increase sales. By including all available distribution channels, where to buy solutions allow businesses to showcase their products to a larger audience, including those who may not have access to brick-and-mortar locations. This can be especially beneficial for businesses with a limited physical presence or for those looking to expand into new markets.

In fact, a study conducted by Criteo found that where to buy solutions can increase online sales by up to 30%. This increase in sales can be attributed to the wider reach and increased visibility that where to buy solutions provide. By offering a where to buy solution, businesses can tap into new customer bases and drive growth.

Improved customer loyalty and satisfaction

Where to buy solutions also have the potential to improve customer loyalty and satisfaction. By offering a wide range of purchasing options, businesses can meet the diverse needs and preferences of their customers, resulting in increased satisfaction and loyalty. In addition, by providing a convenient and seamless purchasing experience, businesses can foster positive interactions with customers and build stronger relationships.

Greater control over the customer experience

Finally, where to buy solutions offer businesses greater control over the customer experience. By providing a single source for all purchasing options, businesses can ensure that the customer journey is consistent and aligned with their brand values and messaging. This can help to improve the overall customer experience and contribute to a positive brand reputation.

Why should you choose a where to buy solution then?

While we can only speak to our own solution, this is why we consider a where to buy solution to be superior to the more basic store locator solution.

No in-house development

The magic of a where to buy solution lies within the EAN codes. Once these codes are properly implemented into the solution, it can be used directly on all communication mediums. It’s a turn key solution.

Access to statistical data via the solution

Thanks to the a back office, users have access to all the usage statistics of the solution and the sales funnel. You will be able to measure the performance of each one of your products and your dedicated project managers will help you in your analyses.

Possible use in media planning and social networks

More than a store locator, where to buy allows you to make all your digital media platforms points of sale. You can integrate it to your product pages, to your sponsored posts or to your videos across streaming platforms. Everything is possible, everything is shoppable!

Brand-exclusive sales tunnel

During their journey, the consumer is not challenged by any other brand and no element obstructs his intention to buy.

A real satisfaction

According to Criteo’s Shopper Story 2022, 72% of consumers go directly to the brand’s website to start their research. Therefore, it’s crucial to offer them a complete shopping solution that meets their expectations. By linking your products to your resellers you reinforce your omni channel strategy while improving your customer satisfaction.

So what are you waiting for?