When I recently walked into my local copy shop, I was greeted by a couple of big signs overhead:
It's a strong message that the store will cater to your mode of shopping, rather than forcing you into their system.
Of course, "Can I help you find anything?" is a universal invitation to let you choose self-service or full-service. And bookstores now have computer kiosks available to shoppers, not just staff. But this retailer prints it in 12" letters, and they've also adapted their offerings to suit a range of customers: full-service printing, self-service printing, using their computers, and using your own computer.
Especially as shoppers gain more information and leverage, how else should stores be reconfigured to allow for multiple shopping modes? Are grocery stores designed for fill-in, stock-up, and special-occasion shoppers? Is there a single c-store anywhere that offers full-service inside the store, not just at the pump?
Most online stores let you shop by any mode: brand, product, price, even color (such as Quiksilver). But brick & mortar stores still need to find ways to serve multiple modes in one space.
