How independent retailers can adapt to the “new normal”: An interview with Google and RWS

Independent retailers face incredibly uncertainty as the coronavirus pandemic continues to spread across the U.S. Google’s Patrick Tam discusses what retailers can do to adapt and succeed in the “new normal,” including:

• Changing patterns in consumer behavior
• What consumer behaviors will endure after the pandemic ends
• Best practices in customer communication
• Understanding what your prospects are shopping for
• Auditing your ecommerce site for top performance

This video is excerpted from a wide-ranging interview with:
• Patrick Tam, Strategic Partner Manager of SEM & Platform Partnerships with Google
• Jennie Gilbert, Founder, Retailer Web Services
• Genna Majuta, Chief Customer Officer, Retailer Web Services

As part of Google for Small Business COVID-19 Resources, the tech giant has featured Retailer Web Services (RWS) in its lineup of helpful tools and special offers to help small businesses adjust to the challenges and changing consumer habits brought about by the pandemic.

RWS is featured by Google Small Business as a highly specialized e-commerce solution for appliance, consumer electronics, furniture and mattress retailers to bring their stores offline to online. In addition, for those retailers with existing websites, to enhance their online presence for their businesses to thrive.

As the necessity of an effective e-commerce website skyrockets, RWS is making it easier than ever to get started on its WebFronts® platform: Retailers can save up to $1,999 in setup fees and enjoy a free trial period.

In April, the RWS network of more than 2,700 independent retailer sites reported 450% year over year growth in online orders. The network also reported 180% more mobile calls to stores from their WebFronts.

“A strong online presence—having a site that mirrors your store’s brick and mortar experience—will be essential to adapting and thriving in the new normal,” said Genna Majuta, RWS chief customer officer. “It is our hope to help those retailers who may not have a digital presence give their customers the ability to discover and shop online at their store.”

About Retailer Web Services