Omnichannel Retailing: Buy Online, Return in Store with Shopify

In the rapidly changing world of retail, the concept of "buy online, return in-store" (BORIS) is becoming a popular strategy that combines digital and physical shopping. This approach enables customers to purchase products online and then conveniently return them at a physical store, providing several benefits for both retailers and consumers. According to the National Retail Federation, retailers face $166 million in returns for every $1 billion in sales, and online shopping is a significant contributor to high return rates. 

Understanding BORIS: 

BORIS allows customers to easily return online purchases to the store, without needing to package the item, request shipping labels, or visit the post office. This simple and efficient process speeds up returns and saves customers the inconvenience of waiting for refunds to be processed via mail. 

The Benefits of BORIS: 

- Revenue Retention: BORIS reduces retailers' return shipping costs, and prevents the lower profit margin that is typically caused by traditional return procedures. 

- Increased Foot Traffic: In-store returns can drive traffic to physical stores, leading to additional purchases and enhancing the overall shopping experience. 

Navigating Challenges of BORIS: 

It is crucial for retailers to address potential challenges and implement effective strategies to integrate BORIS, despite its advantages. 

- Returns Process: Retailers should establish clear procedures for handling in-store returns, considering inventory management and customer service protocols. 

- Transparent Policies and Communication: Clear communication of BORIS policies and procedures is crucial for a smooth and efficient experience for customers and staff. 

- Integration with Inventory Systems: Retailers can benefit from integration with inventory systems, which enables them to efficiently manage returns and maintain accurate stock levels across channels. One such module is Stock Connect, which is a part of fusefabric’s Enterprise Connect. By keeping real-time inventory levels synced across all store locations and managing stock changes seamlessly, Stock Connect can help navigate these challenges. 

Embracing BORIS for Retail Success: 

Retailers who want to improve customer satisfaction, increase sales, and optimise operational efficiency should consider using a buy online, return in-store (BORIS) strategy. By implementing best practices and embracing BORIS, retailers can take full advantage of omnichannel retailing and provide their customers with exceptional experiences. 

Setting Up BORIS With Shopify:  

Now that you're familiar with the concept of BORIS and its role, you can find out more on how to manage returns at: https://www.shopify.com/uk/retail/retail-returns-exchanges. 

How Can We Help:  

Are you ready to implement BORIS? At fusefabric, we can help with this, we offer comprehensive solutions. We can provide seamless integration with Shopify to tailored transformations, aimed to elevate your operations and drive growth. Get in touch with us today to learn how we can help you. 

Closing Thoughts: 

Buy online, return in-store (BORIS) seamlessly combines digital convenience with physical interaction, providing numerous advantages for both retailers and consumers. By simplifying the return process, BORIS enhances customer satisfaction while reducing costs for retailers. Additionally, it drives foot traffic to brick-and-mortar stores, creating more sales opportunities. However, successful implementation requires strategic process design, transparent communication, and integration with inventory systems. Retailers who are interested in improving customer experiences and operational efficiency should consider BORIS as a crucial aspect of their omnichannel strategy. With the right approach and support, such as that provided by fusefabric, retailers can unlock the full potential of BORIS and elevate their retailing operations to new heights.