Most of us face that frustration of being out shopping and trying to browse the internet… trying being the operative word here.
3G often lets us down when we’re out and about, and even when it works we are limited compared to what Wi-Fi can offer us.
So, what can stores do to help their customers with this issue?
Offer free in store Wi-Fi of course!
Why should stores offer Wi-Fi though?
There’s the obvious concern of the threat of consumers comparing online prices, but most shoppers are going to look online anyway so the internet should be embraced.
Also, retailers can use in-house free Wi-Fi to their own advantage.
Combining the use of QR codes and barcodes, and the retailer’s own mobile app, Wi-Fi can be a highly beneficial introduction for retailers to offer their customers.
Customers can be encouraged to find out more about products via the retailer’s website and a visit to the store can be enhanced, by combining the offline and online experience.
By offering free Wi-Fi, retailers may be able to get more customers into the store, as it means consumers don’t have to use their data allowance whilst browsing the internet.
We all know going over data allowance can be costly!
So, who currently offers Wi-Fi?
Currently, the big retailers such as Tesco, Debenhams and John Lewis are offering a free Wi-Fi service.
These are all stores we’re likely to spend some time in, so offering a good and most importantly free internet connection could encourage people to stick around longer in store.
Tesco offer an in store ‘sat nav’ app – which combined with free Wi-Fi could mean a much more pleasant experience for customers locating items and encourage them to return to the store.
We are all too familiar with wandering round and wondering where on earth the bed linen is, and getting frustrated is never fun!
Retailers could also inform customers of nearby great offers that they may have missed out on, yet this could be seen as annoying by some – an unwelcome nuisance, but I think this is a small price to pay for free Wi-Fi!
What do you think?
Would you like to see free Wi-Fi rolled out in your favourite shops?