Whether it's going through those pesky takeout menus in your junk drawer while spring cleaning or swapping the sweaters in your closet for your favorite warm weather clothes, the spring is a time for transition.
As the days grow longer and the temperature rises, we, as consumers, tend to spend more time out-and-about. In fact, according to IBM Watson's The Seasonal Influencer report for spring 2023, 69% of people say that the spring weather makes them feel more social. This shift greatly impacts the way consumers interact with their favorite retailers, convenience stores and hospitality businesses.
As spring comes into full effect and we approach the summer, businesses need to prepare for key changes in behavior. Here's what retailers can expect as temperatures rise.
Demand Shifts and Stocking Priorities Change Rapidly
As temperatures rise, retailers witness a reactive change in consumer demand. The same report from IBM Watson found that 43% of people buy home and lawn improvement products when it starts to feel like spring. Additionally, 34% of respondents chose seasonal apparel and footwear as their first spring purchase. While retailers may assume that this shift is coming around April, sometimes the weather has other ideas.
In some parts of the country, April can still be cold and rainy, postponing the need for items typically associated with spring. What's more, the weather can fluctuate greatly, leaving some shoppers in search of raincoats and layers to bear the drops in temperatures while others look for swimsuits and pool toys for the warm days ahead.
Luckily, retailers can implement a store inventory management solution that helps them stay ahead of the curve by reviewing market factors and automating the re-purchasing process. This level of real-time inventory information is critical to understanding and anticipating seasonal customer behavior changes.
Travel Increases in Warmer Months
Warm weather motivates us to explore new places and try new things. In fact, 44% of people take last-minute road trips during nicer weather and 45% of people are inspired to try new things in the spring and summer.
These findings are proof that convenience stores and hospitality businesses have the opportunity to support a growing number of customers in the coming months. But, this increase in travel has the possibility to create longer wait times and more stockout issues for c-stores and hospitality businesses.
In response, these companies should ensure their customer-facing technology enhances the customer experiences and removes inefficiencies wherever possible. This might involve incorporating more self-checkout kiosks or mobile payment options.
More Daylight Changes Busy Times
In addition to people searching for different items and having different weekend plans in the spring, consumers are also out later in the day. With daylight savings time back in effect, consumers have more time to spend in store and on the road after their workday ends. This means that typically busy hours will shift and potentially expand.
As a result, retail and hospitality businesses must ensure their workforce management is adaptable and the front of house is always staffed and ready to go. Employees should be equipped with the tools they need to effectively manage pricing, inventory and customer loyalty information in real-time, regardless of when the rush of customers arrive.
How GK Helps Retailers Adjust With the Seasons
Regardless of what season is around the corner, businesses must remain flexible and ready to exceed customer expectations.
With GK, retail and hospitality businesses are empowered to digitally transform their customer experiences and prepare for what's to come.
Are you interested in learning more? Reach out to us today.
