Webrooming vs. Showrooming: A Retail Marketing Guide [Infographic]

Webrooming works best with products such as appliances (58% of purchases in this category), electronics (54%) and apparel (49%). Generally, there are no shipping costs associated with these purchases and consumers receive their product immediately.

What is showrooming?

Showrooming refers to a shopping process that begins with in-store browsing and then leads to an online purchase. This type of shopping allows for customers to find cheaper prices and better deals with exclusive-to-online promotions.

Showrooming.  works best with products such as entertainment (55% of purchases in this category), electronics (52%) and toys/games (50%).

Consumers who opt for showrooming enjoy the convenience of receiving their purchases at home, and generally are able to choose from a wider selection with greater availability when shopping online.

Which generations prefer webrooming and showrooming?

Research shows us that shopping preferences vary by generation, and retailers and marketers should target shoppers based on these generational differences.

As you can see in the infographic, generational preferences break down like this:

• Baby Boomers
  • Shop in-store
  • Value one-to-one interaction and expect knowledgeable customer service
  • Tips for Marketers: Use traditional media to drive them to your website and provide online resources about your products.

• Millennials
  • Shop online
  • Value and influenced by word-of-mouth
  • Tips for Marketers: Showcase reviews on social channels and offer incentives for social engagement (e.g., check-in discounts).

• Gen X
  • Shop online
  • Value email tailored to their interests and buying history
  • Tips for Marketers: Email personalized coupons and create Facebook ads using remarketing and targeted interests.

• Gen Z
  • Shop online and via smartphone
  • Value special discounts, free shipping, loyalty perks
  • Tips for Marketers: Create cross-platform campaigns via social media to encourage audience engagement.

What is 'The Amazon Effect?'

Certainly, we don’t have to explain how influential Amazon.com is for millions of shoppers. What’s interesting, though, is that a whopping 84% of shoppers check Amazon before shopping elsewhere. And what’s more, Amazon’s yearly sales account for about 15% of total U.S. consumer online sales.

How can retailers use this insight on webrooming vs. showrooming shopping trends?

When it comes to your store and your customers, here are just some of the areas to review and, if needed, revise your retail marketing approach:

• Look at ways to re-invent the in-store experience
• Go beyond traditional retail – use an omni-channel marketing approach
• Mobilize your store associates – consider Tulip Retail and Salesfloor platforms
• Focus on personalized service and in-store incentives
• Encourage customers’ opinions and showcase reviews or ratings on your website