Are you thinking of opening an online store but aren't quite sure if it's the right move for your business? Read on to learn more!
Are you thinking of opening an online store but aren't quite sure if it's the right move for your business?
Well, you've come to the right place! In this post, we share our top three key benefits of opening an online store, along with a few helpful stats!
Who doesn’t love online shopping?
Although this activity has been growing in popularity for years, COVID-19 further increased the average consumer’s preference to shop online. Now, more people are shopping online than ever before.
According to Fit Small Business, almost 80% of the U.S. population shops online regularly, and in 2022, U.S. eCommerce sales surpassed one trillion dollars!
As the owner or operator of a family entertainment center, it’s important to consider the changes that have taken place in the last few years. How can you capitalize on this trend?
At Party Center Software, we believe that the guest experience includes and often starts when a prospect first interacts with your business's digital footprint.
That’s why your website and social media channels are incredibly valuable and important for your business to grow. In today’s world, they’re usually the first impression a customer has of your business!
In our 2020 Online Booking Study, we discovered that FEC owners who developed and nurtured the digital arm of their business were more successful in being able to weather the COVID-19 storm. Their online booking module helped drive revenue even in the toughest of times, allowing guests to pre-book slots, purchase virtual birthday party packages, utilize a virtual tip jar, and more.
Compared to other revenue-generating features, our online store showed the largest percentage increase in sales of 148% between Q3 and Q4 of 2020. Many customers pivoted quickly as soon as it became apparent that the online store could function as a stable source of revenue, especially when some had to close their doors for several months.
Since then, our 2021 & 2022 Online Booking Studies continued to show that the online store feature grows in popularity, annually! Check out our most recent booking study for the latest stats.
Some argue that customers prefer to shop online from big box stores like Amazon or Walmart and that small businesses often struggle to make online sales.
However, according to Fit Small Business, 70% of consumers shop on local small business websites, with 57% of those customers stating they’re motivated by wanting to keep money in their communities.
First, unlike a brick-and-mortar location, your online store is available 24/7. This makes shopping easier for your customers and allows you to make money even while you’re snoozing!
Second, if marketed well, it’ll open your business up to a larger pool of customers looking for great family experiences, virtual events, or specific products that you offer. You can even promote your online store via social media, and reach customers that don’t necessarily live in your local area.
Lastly, with an online store, you can collect great data on customer purchasing behavior that’s often impossible to gather if you only collect information via phone or in person. You’ll be able to determine what products are most popular and better serve your customers over time!
So whether you’re a multi-location facility, or a small, local family entertainment center, opening an online store is incredibly valuable for your business and can quickly become a consistent and reliable revenue stream.
Leave a comment below if you liked this article. We'd love to hear your thoughts!
As the owner or operator of a family entertainment center, it’s important to consider the changes that have taken place in the last few years. If your facility isn’t able to operate as usual, you’re facing financial hardship, or you’re simply looking to expand your business, an online store can help you grow revenue!
Download Utilizing Your Online Store to Sell More Products eBook today!
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