4 Omnichannel Retail Trends for Pet Stores To Try

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Imagine a pet owner (let’s call her Sarah) is running low on her favorite brand of organic dog food (let’s call it PurPaw Nutrition). She decides to search for it on her phone — and as she searches, a local Google ad pops up. Now, she knows the product is available at her nearby pet store.

The ad offers two convenient buying options: Sarah can purchase PurePaw directly through the store’s website for a quick curbside pickup, or she can shop in person, knowing the directions and store hours (which are clearly listed on the site).

The divide between online and brick-and-mortar retailers is fading, and the way consumers shop for products continues to evolve. This means you need a new approach to sales.

Enter: the omnichannel shopping experience.

Because pet parents are seeking seamless and convenient retail experiences that combine the best of online and in-store shopping, pet store owners are using omnichannel strategies to meet these evolving needs and expectations.

Let’s dive into the top four omnichannel retail trends your pet store can try today.

Top 4 Omnichannel Retail Trends for Pet Stores

To level up customer engagement, boost sales, and give customers the best shopping experience possible, make sure to integrate these trends that cater to the fast-paced lifestyle of pet parents.

1. Social Selling

As a pet store owner, you increase your engagement with customers by embracing social selling — an active marketing approach that uses social media to bring your products to life.

Try hosting regular live streams on platforms like Instagram or Facebook, where you spotlight new pet toys, grooming products, or specialty pet foods. These interactive sessions allow you to engage with your audience in real time.

You can answer questions and build a rapport, as you direct viewers to your pet store website for easy purchasing. TikTok and Instagram have made it simple to create shops directly on the platform. At the very least, you need to post regularly to give your customers content that they can check out and interact with.

If you incorporate exclusive promotions and discounts during these live events, you boost customer engagement and grow a loyal community that comes back again and again — both online and in store.

2. Pointy from Google

Pointy from Google is an invaluable tool for pet store owners wanting to attract local customers. Using Pointy, you can display your in-store inventory online, which makes it easy for pet parents to find the exact products they need — whether it’s a specific brand of pet food or a unique pet accessory.

When someone in your vicinity searches for a pet product on Google, they can see that it’s available at your store, along with your store’s location and hours. This omnichannel retail trend significantly increases foot traffic and sales because you’re delivering the right information exactly when and where local customers need it.

3. Showrooming

Be aware of the trend where customers research products in store, and then purchase them online. Embrace the showrooming trend by creating a seamless bridge between your online presence and your physical store.

It’s important to create a simple and straightforward purchasing process to attract and keep customers in your pet store. Make sure your website and online listings are user-friendly, with clear product information and a smooth checkout process.

Your customers may use this showrooming technique in your pet store to find accessories for their pet, like collars and leashes, but often purchase perishable items like food directly from your pet store. You need to find ways to increase the chances of customers adding accessories to regular purchases.

If you give your customers an easy and enjoyable shopping experience both online and in store, you become the go-to destination for all their pet products. Customers can effortlessly find and buy what they need — making it a hassle-free choice over searching for the cheapest option elsewhere.

4. Buy Online, Pickup in Store

Implementing a buy online, pickup in store (BOPIS) option can greatly improve the shopping experience for your customers who value convenience. Allow pet owners to order their pet supplies online — whether it’s through your website or an app — so they can then pick up their products in store at a time that works best for them.

This meets the needs of those who want to avoid shipping costs or delays and gives you an opportunity to make additional sales when they visit. For instance, while collecting an online order for dog food, the customer may be tempted by an enticing display of pet treats or accessories, further driving in-store purchases.

Master Omnichannel Retail Trends With eTailPet

Adopting omnichannel retail trends is a great way to extend your pet store’s reach and boost online and in-store sales.

To simplify this transformation, eTailPet offers a suite of tools tailored specifically to the unique needs of pet store owners.

With features like smart ordering, you can ensure optimal inventory management by easily tracking top-selling products. Robust reporting gives you comprehensive insights into your business operations, which helps you make informed decisions. The integrated website builder simplifies creating a full-functioned e-commerce solution. Plus, eTailPet supports in-depth customer profiles to allow for personalized services that keep your customers happy and loyal.

To see how eTailPet helps your pet store, schedule a demo today.