It is no secret that the way in which consumers shop is changing thanks to online development. Multi-channel retail allows retailers to stay up to date with consumers shopping habits that are changing consistently. Mobile searches for “same day shipping” have grown by more than 120 percent. This suggests that quick access to products is essential for most online shoppers.

What is multi-channel retail?

In the simplest terms, multi-channel retail is basically what it sounds like. Multi-channel retail is the practice of selling your goods or services through multiple online and offline channels. These channels can be many things, from shops and social media to online marketplaces and even large department stores.

Multi-channel retail comes with many benefits for business who need to broaden the reach of their products and services. It is a proven and effective way to increase sales with good strategy and planning.

How does Multi-channel Retail effect your Warehouse Storage?

When the way consumers can purchase product changes, the way the warehouse picks, packs and ships the product also changes. If your warehouse is not properly prepared, issues can occur. This can cost you time, money and potentially customer satisfaction.

If you are considering multi-channel retail, it is important to make sure that you are as prepared as possible. Think about controlling your stock and how to prioritise the orders as they come through. How well will your inventory systems work when you are working with a variety of channels? It is also important to think about logistics. It is extremely likely that you will need to fulfil different options for shipping depending on whichever platform is used by an individual. The aim here is for you to keep your existing customers happy with the service that you offer. Be sure you avoid mistakes while packing and late delivery.

How can Warehouse Storage ensure a smooth operation?

A higher number of orders means there will be more stock for you to maintain in your warehouse. This might lead to you having to review your warehouse storage space. Staying on top of this can have a strong, positive impact on your warehouse operation.

Space

The first thing is to think about the space. Are you making use of all space available in the most efficient way possible? It is important that you ask yourself this question. Have you reached the point where you need to stop taking orders on a regular basis as your warehouse operations are suffering? Then you need to make some changes. Mezzanine floors are often an ideal solution to this problem.

Inventory and Stock

Next, you should be thinking about your inventory and stock. An easy to navigate layout and good visibility to help to pick are two key areas to consider. Double deep racking could possibly be the storage solution to help you by achieving maximum storage capacity. Double deep racking means that the pallets can be stored two-deep but are still accessible from the same aisle. By reducing the number of access aisles, there is more available floor space. This means there is a potential increase in pallet storage by up to 50 percent.

Packing Areas

Finally, we have packing areas. Assessing packing areas can be beneficial when considering multi-channel retail. It is up to you whether the orders are packaged together or in one space. You can even decide if you would benefit more from multi packaging areas for each channel. Regardless, considering how you choose to store packaging in these areas can help create efficient packaging areas. This will save you a lot of time and money.

Talk to Monarch Shelving Ltd Today

If you feel that your warehouse storage would benefit from the installation of a mezzanine floor and other warehouse storage solutions, then look no further. Contact Monarch Shelving Ltd today for more information.