Consumers are increasingly shopping local stores for the connection and trust with retailers. In fact, 71% of customers prefer local retailers even if it meant a higher price, according to data from Locally, a real-time network of 55,000 retailers in the U.S.

The holiday shopping season revealed a 8.7% increase in sales, compared to 2023, and a surge in mobbing shopping, according to a press release.

While the 2024 holiday shopping season data revealed an 8.7% increase in sales compared to last year and a notable surge in mobile shopping, an untold story is the growing consumer preference for local retail. According to Locally's real-time network of over 55,000 retailers worldwide, 71% of consumers preferred local retailers and nearly 50% of online shoppers abandoned carts when a local pickup wasn't an option.

Scott Sports, a leader in innovation for outdoor sports equipment, is bridging the gap between online research and in-store shopping by partnering with Locally. With a commitment to supporting local retailers and enhancing the customer experience, Scott Sports is now leveraging Locally’s Store Locator and Product Locator tools to guide shoppers from digital discovery to nearby purchases.

According to new insights from Locally, a real-time network of over 55,000 retailers worldwide, this past holiday season saw a 7.5% year-over-year growth in Buy Online, Pick-Up In-Store (BOPIS), and Reserve Online, Pick-Up In-Store (ROPIS) transactions. Nearly 50% of online shoppers abandoned their carts when local pickup wasn’t an option, which underscores the importance of omni-channel solutions. This year, Locally says over 90% of leading retailers are expected to adopt omnichannel strategies.

YETI, renowned for premium outdoor products, has forged a decade-long partnership with Locally to enhance its local shopping experience and support its dealer network. Initially focused on wholesale expansion, YETI adopted Locally’s tools, including Store and Product Locators, to bridge the gap between online and offline retail, ensuring customers can easily find their products nearby.

We’re excited to re-introduce the updated version of Locally SwitchLive, a powerful tool designed to help brands gain real-time insights into how shoppers interact with Locally’s Store Locator, Product Locator, and landing pages. SwitchLive bridges the gap between online engagement and offline purchases by capturing valuable user interaction data, allowing brands to refine their strategies and connect with customers more effectively than ever.

Locally is thrilled to announce its partnership with the European Outdoor Group (EOG), a trade association dedicated to supporting the outdoor industry in Europe. This collaboration marks a significant step in Locally’s mission to connect shoppers with nearby retailers and drive more foot traffic to local stores. By joining EOG, Locally aims to better support European brands and retailers through tailored tools and strategies that encourage shoppers to choose click-and-collect solutions.

Reflecting on 2024: A Year of Growth and Milestones

As 2024 comes to a close, it feels like the perfect time to reflect on everything we’ve accomplished together. This year has been transformative—a time of building, learning, and setting the stage for the future.

We also hit a huge milestone: Locally turned 10! It’s amazing to think about how far we’ve come—from 3 guys brainstorming a problem while working “real jobs” to a thriving business where now a dedicated large team is constantly evolving to meet the needs of brands, retailers, and shoppers.

For brands looking to thrive in the modern retail environment, embracing online-to-offline shopping is essential. By offering robust digital tools that connect shoppers to local stores, brands can serve as the definitive marketplaces for their products. This strategy not only enhances customer satisfaction but also fosters long-term partnerships with independent retailers, preserving local ecosystems while meeting the demands of tech-savvy consumers.

By joining Locally, Kroger ensures that customers can easily locate in-stock items from beloved brands like Stanley, Old Florida Sauce, and Traeger Grill. Whether it’s finding a Stanley tumbler for outdoor adventures, picking up a bottle of Old Florida Sauce to enhance a barbecue, or purchasing Traeger Grill supplies for a cookout, shoppers can check availability in real-time and plan their visits accordingly.

Mike Massey, owner of Massey’s Outfitters in New Orleans, developed Locally, a platform that enables consumers to research products online and purchase them from nearby retailers. This innovation addresses the challenge local stores face in competing with e-commerce giants by integrating real-time inventory data, allowing customers browse inventory at local shops and place orders for pickup rather than shipment.

Catch the recording of Locally’s Mike Massey at The Running Event LIVE 2024! In this must-watch session, Mike delves into the groundbreaking concept of the Omni-Seller Marketplace, showcasing how Locally is revolutionizing the connection between online and offline shopping. With real-world success stories and actionable insights, this presentation offers a fresh perspective on the future of retail. Watch now and see how brands and retailers can thrive in today’s ever-connected world!

NEW ORLEANS —

NEW ORLEANS (December 3, 2024) – Locally, the leading technology solution bridging online and offline retail since 2014, today debuted the first Omni-Seller Marketplace (OSM) in partnership with Trek Bicycle, a global leader in the cycling industry. Locally’s OSM platform enables manufacturers to develop a robust brand-centric shopping journey unifying every possible channel with an unlimited number of sellers. 

We started Locally 10+ years ago to give local stores presence in a world of increasingly-connected shoppers who do most of their product research online.

The goal was never to disrupt DTC efforts that brands had just started to undertake. We had always seen brand-direct and local wholesale as complimentary; understanding that optimizing one was the best opportunity to optimize the other.

When I founded Locally, I envisioned creating a platform that effortlessly connects hashtag#brands, hashtag#retailers, and consumers in ways that hadn’t been possible before. Today, I’m incredibly proud to say that Locally has not only realized that vision but continues to build on it by driving success through partnerships and activations. Our platform has unlocked a powerful synergy between brands and resellers, transforming how consumers shop.

NEW ORLEANS (September 16, 2024) – Locally, the leading technology provider bridging online and offline retail serving 1,000 brands and over 47,000 retailers, today announced three new retailers joining its network making it easier for consumers to gear up for fall: Anton Sport, Pro Bike+ Run, and West Marine. These strategic partnerships give consumers access to real-time inventory making it easy to find and purchase products from their favorite brands at their local retailer.