As people are increasingly working longer and more varied hours, are we really becoming a 24x7 society?

Many large supermarket chains are now opening their doors 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to cater for customers who want to purchase goods at any time. Many are finding it incredibly lucrative and we may ask why this is. Have we all become insomniacs with a secret urge to shop?

Since the answer is no, it is interesting to consider exactly why the financial rewards are so great.

Time is becoming more precious as people work longer and less conventional hours. Consumers can be divided into two types, one type needing 24-hour access and the other able to shop during daytime hours: through use of the Internet, it is possible for businesses to satisfy both groups.

As there is increasingly more demand for people to work anti-social hours, it seems only logical to be open for business during these hours. The stores still have to function whilst closed, with lights and freezers on and alarms ready and operational. For these shops to be open for business, there needs minimal change except, of course, the cost of extra staff.

This can be made extremely simple for smaller companies who can’t afford to have staff in overnight. A website is a fantastic way to be open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and not even have to pay for staff to man it. A full E-Commerce solution, such as Zarr Retailer, can be so well- integrated with individual business systems that it practically runs itself.

A website is a logical step forward for companies wanting to offer a high level of customer service, as visitors can buy from the comfort of their own home at any time of day and can even have the goods delivered direct to their door. The Internet opens up your business to a wide range of potential customers and enables you to serve customers who previously may not have known of you. Hence, businesses with an Internet presence have the dual advantage of an open client base and increased accessibility.

Why do it?
If your business has a professionally-designed web presence which allows a high level of service to customers, it will instil confidence in your prospective clients.

To find out more
To find out more about how 24x7 opening could benefit your business contact Zarr to discuss your requirements.