Whether operating stores and/or running an online business, retailers must continuously strive to offer shoppers the best experience possible — or competitors will win them away.

Oracle recently published an in-depth report on experiential retailing. It concluded that: “Consumers want retailers to co-create interactions that are ‘good for me’ — that meet local and cultural expectations and are appropriate in terms of the level, frequency, and intimacy of the interaction between the retailer and consumer. Led by price, product, and choice, the Amazon effect is driving growth, acceptance, and demand for the global marketplace. The importance of service indicates retailers must empower their staff and operations to deliver accurate and connected, information-driven interactions at every touchpoint. There is no ‘one size fits all’ approach to meeting customer expectations of a good experience –- these differ culturally, regionally, and across touchpoints.”

Click either image to access the Oracle report.