Why and How to Adopt a BOPIS Strategy (Buy Online and Pick Up in Store) to Boost Sales

Self-service technologies have drastically changed the retail environment. Customers who want to save time and money can benefit from a variety of modern services, such as:

• Buy online and pick up in store (BOPIS or BOPS)

• Curbside pick-up (a variant of BOPIS)

• Self-checkouts (SCOs)

• Scan & Go technology

• Online booking platforms

• Virtual queuing

Although digitalisation strategies are necessary, from the retailer's perspective, they can appear to be an additional investment with no clear outcome. So, we are here to show you the potential it has to increase both customer experience and sales.

Why a Buy Online, Pick Up In Store (BOPIS) Strategy Is ‘A Must’ to Boost Sales

In a previous article, we identified the benefits of ‘buy online, pick up in store’ (an omnichannel retail strategy) to both retailers and customers.

On the one hand, clients value convenience, time effectiveness, and the avoidance of shipping costs.

On the other hand, there are numerous advantages for retailers — the increased sales being undoubtedly the most motivating and necessary to invest in further improving services and products.

Here is how ‘buy online and pick up in store’ can help:

• Shoppers make additional, spur-of-the-moment purchases in stores (either because they forgot to purchase certain products online or they feel like visiting the physical store);

• By saving money on delivery, they can afford to buy more from your store;

• Your shop becomes the go-to for online buyers if you have a good BOPIS strategy set in place—and a seamless shopping experience overall.

How to Improve Sales in Retail: Store Managers’ BOPIS Strategy Tips

When deciding how to improve sales in retail, store owners should not overlook certain ‘buy online, pick up in store’ strategy best practice tips.

1. Create an Effective Inventory Control Policy

• Sync inventory between stores and warehouses

• Balance walk-in and BOPIS customer needs

• Follow industry-specific replenishment best practices

2. Use a Functional Platform or Mobile Application

• Integrate with your site and other tools

• Provide a smooth UX for staff and customers

3. Establish an Order Pick-up Location

• In-store desk

• Parking bay (curbside)

• Third-party lockers or collection points

4. Consider Physical Retail Space

• Same-day pick-up is easier with local stores

• In-store pick-up = impulse purchases

5. Enhance the Online Experience

• Send timely confirmations and updates

• Use virtual queueing to reduce wait time

• Reward repeat purchases with coupons or VIP treatment

6. Prevent Fraud

• Flag suspicious behaviour online

• Train staff to verify identity at pick-up

Conclusion

A ‘buy online and pick up in store’ strategy combines the best of both worlds for customers and retailers.

If you’d like to learn more about how Storeplay IQ can help implement your BOPIS strategy, please reach out to us to discuss further.