There’s a huge prize up for grabs for retail businesses. The grocery retail market in the UK is predicted to reach £243.1 million in 2027. To ensure they maximise their share of the spoils, supermarkets need to deliver real value to their customers. If they don't, shoppers will vote with their feet.

While tactics such as competitive pricing are of course key, when it comes to offering value, it’s by no means the only factor. But savvy supermarkets know that, as well as competitive pricing, providing the best customer experiences is how they’ll hold on to existing customers and win new ones. Increasingly, access to fast, reliable internet plays a crucial role in getting ahead in this industry.

Keeping your retail business’s trolley-wheels spinning

From a logistical perspective, robust connectivity allows supermarkets to better manage inventory and supply chains. And with geopolitical factors making food shortages and transport delays all too common, it’s never been more important for supermarkets to have a strong grip on this aspect of their operations. With cloud-based systems, retailers can place orders, monitor stock levels and oversee delivery schedules in real time, ensuring their best-selling products remain available.

Delivering happy shopping experiences

Lightning-fast, rock-solid connectivity also enables supermarkets to create a more engaging in-store shopping experience, increasing the likelihood of repeat footfall. Digital displays and interactive kiosks not only add value from a functional perspective – they help to set supermarkets apart from others, too. But in an increasingly digital world, the customer experience is no longer restricted to the walls of bricks and mortar stores.

It’s clear the popularity of online shopping and delivery that skyrocketed during the pandemic is here to stay. A resilient internet connection allows supermarkets to offer these services more efficiently, enabling customers to shop from the comfort of their own homes conveniently and securely via business websites and mobile apps.

Stocking up on customer data

And while the latest digital tools such as chatbots and online customer support systems can enhance customers’ online experiences, making the most of websites can offer huge benefits for the retailer, too. For instance, leveraging website data and analytics can lead to a better understanding of customers’ shopping behaviours, meaning retailers can target consumers with offers and discounts based on individual customer profiles. Personalised experiences like these create stronger brand connections and drive customer loyalty.

Meeting the moment with TalkTalk Business

Whether it’s serving customers more efficiently, streamlining operations or tapping into new digital opportunities, it’s clear that fast, reliable connectivity plays a vital role for supermarkets who are looking to innovate and thrive in our digital age.

As traditional copper-based connectivity struggles to meet the challenge of modern commerce, faster, more dependable full fibre connectivity continues to become the norm. Not just a necessity ahead of the nationwide switch-off by 2025, but to unlock a wealth of digital opportunities for businesses of every size in the retail sector – including yours.

But why wait until 2025? You can get the edge over the competition today by switching to a network solution that offers unrivalled reach, resilience and reactivity. TalkTalk Business offers the ability to adjust your bandwidth whenever you need to respond to fluctuating demand; multiple back-up options that ensure your service doesn’t stop; and the most far-reaching network in the UK – offering access to more mobile providers and alternative networks than anyone else – to keep you and your customers connected wherever you set up shop. All on one straightforward contract. 

To step up your digital experiences for your customers and future-proof your operations, find out more about how nobody backs retail like us.