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Omnichannel shopping: it’s one of those buzzwords that’s been flying around retail for years. But what does it really mean, and more importantly, what does it mean for you as a UK merchant?
Simply put, omnichannel shopping is about creating a seamless experience for your customers, no matter where or how they shop. It’s about making sure that whether they’re browsing your eCommerce site from their sofa, clicking through your Instagram shop, or popping into your store, the experience feels connected, effortless, and — dare we say it — enjoyable.
Take this for example: a customer sees a pair of trainers on your website but decides to buy them in-store because they want to try them on. Or, they’re in your store, spot a coffee machine they love, and finance it on the spot through a handy app you’ve integrated into your checkout process.
That’s omnichannel in action. It’s not just about being everywhere your customer is; it’s about making the journey between those touchpoints friction-free.
Omnichannel trends to watch in 2025
The omnichannel world is finding new ways to evolve, and 2025 promises some exciting trends:
1. AI-Powered personalisation: AI is getting smarter and more intuitive, meaning your customers can expect hyper-personalised experiences wherever they shop. Think tailored product recommendations, custom offers, and even AI-powered in-store assistance.
2. Unified commerce: More than just omnichannel, unified commerce will take integration to the next level. Customers won’t just see inventory across all your platforms; they’ll experience consistent pricing, promotions, and policies no matter where they interact with you.
3. Flexible financing: With budgets tightening, customers will demand more flexible ways to pay – like retail finance options that integrate across every shopping channel.
4. Sustainability focus: Shoppers are increasingly prioritising eco-friendly options, so look out for trends that help you meet ESG goals, from greener delivery options to partnering with an ethical finance provider like Zopa.
5. AR and VR shopping: Technologies like augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) will become more mainstream, enabling customers to virtually try on clothes or see how furniture looks in their living room – without ever leaving the house.
How Zopa can help you nail Omnichannel
Here’s where Zopa’s retail finance solution steps in to make your life easier. Whether you’re running a bustling high street shop, an online marketplace, or a combination of both, Zopa’s flexible financing tools are designed to work seamlessly across channels.
With Zopa, your customers can choose financing options online during checkout or directly instore. The best part? It’s all powered by a single tech stack, so it’s smooth, reliable, and agile enough to adapt to your business needs.
Partnering with a finance provider like Zopa means you’re not locked into outdated systems. We build and own our tech, so we can quickly create new plugins and integrations that ensure your customers have the same top-notch experience wherever they shop.
That’s the kind of flexibility that makes omnichannel not just a buzzword, but a game-changer for your business.
The future of retail is here, and omnichannel is leading the charge. To learn more about how Zopa’s retail finance solution can help you stay ahead of the curve, get in touch today.
