In the ever-evolving landscape of commerce, the potential for growth and expansion is vast, especially with an industry-leading platform like Shopify. As an ecommerce agency looking to thrive in this dynamic retail environment, integrating point of sale (POS) and Omni-Channel solutions into your offerings can be a game-changer. Let’s delve into the key strategies and insights that can help your agency succeed.
I started ICEE Social back in 2009. Our journey alongside Shopify has been one of growth and transformation, particularly with point of sale (POS). Let’s explore how you can leverage our experiences to achieve more in the retail agency space.
Embracing Changes and Growth
Back in 2009, during the recession, Shopify’s Point of Sale system was still in its infancy. We grew alongside Shopify, witnessing its evolution and the pivotal role that POS solutions play in the retail landscape. Today, 25% of our business is directly or indirectly linked to POS services.
We began with door-to-door marketing efforts, gradually transitioning into a Facebook marketing company. As we observed the potential of retail events and the need for 24-hour experiences, we pivoted towards building websites for our clients. By 2013, a Shopify Plus Merchant sought to enhance their retail experience, leading us to facilitate their migration to Shopify POS. This marked a turning point for us, as we evolved into a development agency with a focus on retail solutions.
The Power of Omni-Channel Retail
The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic reinforced the importance of Omni-Channel retail experiences. Instead of scaling back, we doubled down on our retail efforts, preparing merchants for a future where channels seamlessly integrate. We firmly believe in Shopify as the ultimate platform for Omni-Channel experiences, guiding our agency’s growth and strategic direction.
POS solutions have become a cornerstone of our agency’s success, creating a unique opportunity for long-term client relationships. Factors like hardware costs and staff training make it more likely that a merchant will keep Shopify’s POS system, once they’ve implemented it and begin to understand how it can transform their business. This loyalty offers agencies a chance to establish themselves as experts in the POS space, and grow faster.
Unveiling the Retail Opportunity
The sheer scale of the retail market presents a compelling case for agencies to explore the world of POS. As an agency, tapping into this expansive market can open up new opportunities for growth and innovation.
To position your agency for success in the retail space, identify individuals with a background or interest in retail and empower them to spearhead your agency’s foray into this domain. By nurturing a team of retail specialists, you can enhance your agency’s credibility and appeal to clients seeking tailored solutions for their retail ventures.
App development is also a lucrative avenue for agencies looking to address specific needs within the retail sector. With a limited number of POS-specific apps, compared to the App Store’s offerings, your agency can become an expert in this niche, and cater to the evolving demands of the retail landscape more easily.
Empowering Clients with Omnichannel Solutions
The transition to omnichannel retail is a pivotal step for clients looking to enhance their operations and customer experience. Shopify’s POS offers a seamless integration of inventory management, customer data, and enterprise-level tools, so businesses can unify their online and offline operations effortlessly. By addressing key pain points such as inventory synchronization and customer data management, agencies can guide clients towards a more effective retail strategy.
Enterprise-level tools at a fraction of the cost makes Shopify POS an attractive proposition for businesses of all sizes. Features like endless aisle, buy online pick up in-store, and unified gift card systems enable merchants to elevate their offerings and compete on a larger scale. By aligning with Shopify’s vision of providing best-in-class tools to merchants, agencies can position themselves as catalysts for growth and innovation in the retail sector.
How to Find Retail Clients
In the competitive realm of retail, identifying potential leads and clients requires a nuanced and strategic approach. While digital marketing and online outreach are essential components of any successful client acquisition strategy, sometimes the most effective methods are the ones that involve a personal touch. One unconventional yet highly effective method that has yielded remarkable results for us is the art of going door-to-door.
Yes, you read that right. Going door-to-door can be a surprisingly fruitful sales strategy for agencies looking to tap into the retail market. Imagine walking into a retail store that you admire, one that currently uses a different point of sale solution. This presents a golden opportunity to engage in a warm and genuine conversation with the store owner or manager. Initiating a dialogue about their current POS system, discussing any inventory management challenges they might be facing, and highlighting how your agency can provide tailored solutions can plant the seeds for a potential collaboration.
This approach might sound daunting at first, but as we have discovered, it can lead to significant client acquisitions. By keeping the conversation customer-focused and solution-oriented, you can establish a rapport with retail owners and position your agency as a valuable partner in addressing their pain points. The beauty of this method lies in its simplicity and effectiveness. A casual visit to a store on a Saturday, leaving behind your business card and extending an offer of assistance, can often yield unexpected results. We have secured new clients through this grassroots approach, with referrals and word-of-mouth recommendations further amplifying their reach within the retail community.
Identifying potential leads and clients in the retail space requires a strategic approach. Attending industry events like NRF and Shoptalk can provide valuable networking opportunities and insights into the evolving retail landscape. By immersing yourself in the retail ecosystem and understanding the unique needs of retail clients, agencies can tailor their services to meet the demands of this dynamic market.
Collaborating with Shopify for Growth
Collaborating with Shopify can be a strategic move for agencies seeking to amplify their reach and impact in the retail space. Through co-selling initiatives and partnerships with Shopify, agencies can tap into a wealth of resources and support to streamline their operations and drive sales. The co-selling model not only enhances agency-client relationships but also unlocks new revenue streams and opportunities for growth.
By obtaining Shopify’s POS-specific certification and leveraging their referral program, agencies can position themselves as trusted experts in retail solutions. This certification equips agency staff with the necessary skills and knowledge to navigate the retail landscape effectively, ensuring they are well-prepared to capitalize on emerging opportunities in the market.
Finding retail clients requires a blend of innovation, strategic partnerships, and a willingness to embrace unconventional approaches. By combining the power of personal engagement with the expertise of industry leaders like Shopify, agencies can unlock a world of opportunities and drive growth in the dynamic world of retail.
Our journey from a marketing company to a retail agency with a focus on POS solutions exemplifies the growth potential within the Shopify ecosystem. By embracing Omni-Channel retail experiences and leveraging the power of Shopify’s platform, your agency can position itself as a leader in the fast-moving retail business.
