Your 2024 Guide to Connected Commerce

Connected commerce is the integration of online and in-person shopping experiences so the customer can be in control. Learn more with NuORDER.

In the world of retail, adopting new technologies and strategies is essential for success. Connected commerce is one such strategy, offering a comprehensive approach that unifies sales channels to deliver a seamless shopping experience. 

As businesses aim to meet the expectations of tech-savvy consumers, connected commerce becomes increasingly important. This guide will explore the concept of connected commerce, its significance, and the benefits it brings to your business. By the end, you'll understand how implementing connected commerce with a platform like NuORDER can significantly enhance your retail operations.

a person's hands holding a tablet displaying the homepage of an online marketplaceWhat is a marketplace?

A marketplace is an online platform where multiple sellers can offer their products to a wide range of customers. Think of it as a digital shopping mall, where various brands and retailers come together to sell their goods. Marketplaces such as Amazon, eBay, and Alibaba have revolutionized the way people shop, providing a vast array of products in one convenient location. By offering a diverse selection, these platforms attract millions of shoppers, making them an essential part of the modern retail landscape.

Why do I need to sell on a marketplace?

Selling on a marketplace can significantly boost your business' visibility and sales. Marketplaces have built-in bases of customers who actively search for products, providing you with immediate access to a large audience. These platforms also often offer tools and services to help you manage your listings, payments, and customer interactions, simplifying the process of online selling.

Marketplaces offer credibility too. Customers tend to trust well-known platforms, which can translate into higher sales for your products. The marketplace handles much of the marketing and customer service, allowing you to focus on sourcing and managing your inventory. Overall, selling on a marketplace can provide a significant competitive advantage in today's digital economy.

shirts on a rack and the same shirt as represented in an online marketplaceWhat is connected commerce?

Connected commerce is a modern approach to retail that integrates different sales channels and technologies to create a seamless shopping experience for customers. It connects online and offline channels, ensuring your customers can interact with your brand consistently, regardless of where or how they choose to shop. This includes integrating physical stores, online shops, social media, and marketplaces into a unified system.

Connected commerce makes it possible to provide a cohesive and personalized shopping experience. It centers on data analytics to give you a better understanding of your customers’ behavior and preferences so you can offer targeted promotions, personalized recommendations, and a consistent brand experience. Connected commerce also streamlines operations by integrating inventory management, order fulfillment, and customer service across every channel.

Why do I need connected commerce?

Customers expect a seamless and personalized shopping experience. They want to be able to shop online, in stores, or via mobile apps, and they expect the same level of service and convenience across every channel. Connected commerce lets businesses meet these expectations by integrating their sales channels and providing a unified shopping experience.

Connected commerce also provides valuable insights into customer behavior and preferences. By analyzing data from different touchpoints, you can tailor your marketing efforts, improve customer service, and increase sales. Connected commerce also helps you streamline your operations, reduce costs and increase your efficiency.

What are the benefits of connected commerce?

Connected commerce offers many benefits for both businesses and customers. 

These are some of the greatest advantages:

Improved Customer Experience

Connected commerce enhances the customer experience by providing a seamless and consistent shopping journey. Customers can start their shopping journeys on one channel and complete it on another without any disruptions. For example, they can browse products online, check availability in a physical store, and make a purchase using a mobile app.

This integrated approach improves customer service because businesses can access customer data and preferences across all channels. It enables personalized interactions, such as tailored product recommendations and targeted promotions. By providing a superior shopping experience, businesses can foster brand loyalty and increase customer engagement.

Increased Sales

Connected commerce can drive sales by reaching customers through multiple channels. It allows businesses to meet customers wherever they are — whether online, in-store, or on social media. This omnichannel approach increases the chances of converting prospects into buyers.

Moreover, connected commerce leverages data analytics to identify sales trends and customer preferences. Businesses can use this information to optimize their product offerings, pricing strategies, and marketing campaigns, ultimately boosting sales.

Lower Costs

By integrating various sales channels and streamlining operations, connected commerce can reduce costs for businesses. It eliminates the need for separate systems to manage online and offline sales, inventory, and customer service. This integration reduces redundancies and improves efficiency.

Connected commerce also allows businesses to optimize their supply chains and their inventory management. By having a unified view of inventory across all channels, businesses can reduce overstock and stockouts to minimize holding costs and improve their cash flow.

screenshot of an example of connected commerce on NuORDER by Lightspeed featuring photo of reports dashboardConnected Commerce with NuORDER

NuORDER by Lightspeed is a leading platform that lets businesses seamlessly implement connected commerce. With its robust features and user-friendly interface, NuORDER helps businesses integrate their sales channels, manage inventory, and analyze customer data. The platform provides tools for creating personalized shopping experiences, optimizing marketing efforts, and improving operational efficiency.

One standout feature is NuORDER’s ability to provide real-time insights into customer behavior and sales trends. This data-driven approach allows businesses to make informed decisions and stay ahead of the competition. NuORDER also offers comprehensive support and training so businesses can get the most from its powerful features.

Request a demo to see how NuORDER can transform your business with connected commerce. Experience the benefits of an integrated, data-driven approach to retail firsthand, and discover how NuORDER can help you create a superior shopping experience for buyers.

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NuORDER Team

NuORDER is dedicated to providing thoughtful, informative B2B eCommerce industry insights. Brands use NuORDER's platform to deliver a seamless, more collaborative wholesale process, where buyers can browse products, plan assortments and make smarter buys in real-time.