Pirch is a US based seller of whitegoods that
has changed a few perceptions of how to do business.
It started back in 2009 when a retired property
developer decided there was no single store that allowed him to buy the goods
he needed for building his home. He decided that shoppers were jaded and needed
a unique in-store experience. So he created a try and buy concept with working
showers, ovens, and a whole range of essential household items.
While other retail heavies diverted their
attention to online, Pirch concentrated on the in-store experience, and in fact
they don’t sell online because they don’t believe their merchandise is meant to
be purchased online.
On entry, customers are offered a free beverage from
a
barista and given freedom to try out the various displays. Pirch don’t spend
on traditional advertising, instead putting their money into free food and
drink. The food and beverages also encourage shoppers to stay in-store for
longer.
In a store where the toilet bowls flush, the
freezers freeze, and the cook tops cook, customers are able to truly connect
with their needs and make more informed purchasing decisions. Putting the
customers number one and creating a reality shopping experience (forget the
virtual bit) certainly appears to have paid off for Pirch. Now, what can other retailers learn from that experience.