Why is local the most influential sales channel?
In today's retail landscape, the local store experience remains a critical touchpoint for shoppers. Despite the growth of e-commerce, the vast majority of purchases—over 80%—still happen offline. For brands, having products visible and available in local stores isn't just advantageous; it's the cornerstone of building lasting brand awareness, consumer loyalty, and consistent growth across all sales channels.
Plus, brands that fail to establish a strong local presence risk losing valuable shopper mindshare to competitors who are better positioned on local shelves. Without visibility in local stores, brands not only lose immediate in-store sales but also risk weakening their direct-to-consumer (DTC) channels, as consumer attention (and clicks) shifts towards more accessible competitors.
Why is local the most influential sales channel?
When shoppers see, touch, and experience products in their local community, it creates trust and drives immediate purchasing decisions. Local retail acts as a vital connection point between the digital and physical worlds, effectively converting online browsing into offline buying. Moreover, local presence fosters stronger brand recall, enhances credibility, and supports community-driven consumer loyalty, laying a solid foundation for long-term growth.
How Locally helps brands dominate the local market:
Locally provides innovative tools specifically designed to help brands leverage the power of local presence:
Retail Intelligence: Locally’s Real-Time Intelligence gives brands actionable insights on local buying behaviors, helping both brands and stores optimize inventory, tailor assortments to customer preferences, and maximize sell-through rates. By understanding what products resonate locally, brands can better align their offerings with real-world demand.
Marketing Tools: Using Locally’s targeted marketing solutions, brands can effortlessly engage online shoppers who are researching products. These tools direct consumers to local stores with real-time inventory information, bridging online curiosity with offline purchasing opportunities. By showing shoppers exactly where to find and buy products nearby, brands significantly enhance the likelihood of purchase.
Omnichannel Shopping Solutions: Locally's omnichannel technology empowers consumers to shop seamlessly—whether buying online for in-store pickup or directly visiting local retailers. This approach not only offers convenience but also strengthens relationships between brands and local retailers, demonstrating tangible support and collaboration that fuels market growth.
The outcome: stronger local market share boosts performance everywhere
When brands achieve robust local market penetration, the benefits extend beyond brick-and-mortar sales. Enhanced local visibility directly fuels greater online sales and boosts direct-to-consumer (DTC) channels, creating a comprehensive growth ecosystem. Brands partnering with Locally have consistently reported impressive gains across every sales channel, underscoring the reality that excelling locally is essential for overall brand success.
Ultimately, prioritizing local sales and utilizing Locally’s strategic suite of intelligence, marketing, and omnichannel shopping tools equips brands to thrive in today's competitive retail environment, ensuring sustainable growth and lasting consumer loyalty.
