Amazon is testing a boutique style brick & mortar store in NYC called Amazon 4 star. The retail giant is already capturing a huge share of dollars with their online presence.  Now it seems, they are actively growing physical channels as well. The data and resources available to Amazon is a force not to be reckoned with. Which makes them an ideal target for learning… 

What to do successful strategies we can steal  and

What not to do ways to differentiate ourselves

In this article announcing the opening of Amazon’s new concept store, there are two key strategies brick & mortar entrepreneurs can steal for use in the their own small business. 

1. REVIEWS – are cash kings. They tell amazon what products are good and what products a particular customer likes.  Data and Statistics that are used to increase sales through UGC. User Generated Content comes directly from the Consumer, and consumers trust reviews and advice from each other more than any advertising or promise a company can make. In the article you will see that amazon has posted customer comments in signage throughout the store next to the products for sale. You too, can add ways to gather feedback and use it to encourage sales. This is also a way way to collect and repurpose content easily for your social media pages.

2. TRIGGERS – from good persuasive copy.  Trigger words can motivate customers to take action by targeting emotions. The store signage used words like – Exclusives which makes the customer think unique and special and increases FOMO (the fear of missing out).  Trending makes you want to be part of the crowd. Stylish appeals to our creative and aspirational side. And 4 star – well,  thats some more brilliant psycho mumbo jumbo that say’s “This store sells top rated stuff other’s are buying which must mean quality…do you have these items?”

I’ve been watching the mammoth growth of Amazon in an industry I’ve worked in for over 30 years – before they were even a blip on the radar.  It has forced me to watch, listen & learn, so I can use the information to help small businesses learn what’s working. 

First, let’s take a look at the big picture.  The last 3 moves Amazon has made – opening amazon go, a cashier-less convenience store, buying Whole Foods Market and now testing a “best seller” concept store is PROOF at how important, essential and ALIVE brick & mortar business is. With an a9 algorithm full of consumer data, there is no need for them to invest money into physical stores, unless there is a reason and profit to be made.

Part of that “reason” is the human element. Technology has turned us into digital nomads spending more time online watching other people live, then actually engaging in life ourselves.  While it has opened up opportunities for work-from-businesses, and lifestyle convenience – it has it’s drawbacks. Real life interaction is a basic human need, and that fact is causing a shift in perspective. The new generation Zer’s  who have grown up in a digital world, would rather shop in-store.  A fact that is fueling large e-commerce giants to rethink the benefits of  Brick & Mortar. 

That is great news for small Brick & Mortar businesses who provide value and engaging experiences in their community. Everyday you need to learn something or test a new opportunity that will advance your brand. Listen to your customers and use the data to build better relationships. You are in the best time in history to build a profitable, successful business quicker if you focus on the opportunities!

Read more about how you can effectively use trigger words and get access to a free trigger word download here.

Also, you may find more valuable information and inspiration from the passionate group of retail entrepreneurs in our private facebook group Brick & Mortar Mastery, so if you aren’t already a member….what are you waiting for??? Request to join our group here.

If you want tips, techniques, trends and up-to-date information to help your business, sign up to the blog below.

I Help creative Women Entrepreneurs plan, organize and optimize their business across multiple channels to build a profitable, thriving brand they love with more time & freedom to enjoy it. Let’s connect. 

Wishing you a super week of sales.  Jodi