3D printing could lead to happier consumers
With retailers struggling to maintain growth in the current climate, they are looking to new 3D printing technologies to gain the advantage.
Thursday, 16 Aug 2018 10:19 GMT
Retailers hope that using 3D printing technologies will make for more satisfied shoppers
A new study commissioned by Ricoh has revealed that 73 percent of retail leaders believe investments in 3D printing, also known as additive manufacturing, can lead to greater customer satisfaction.
By gathering the opinions of retail decision-makers across Europe, Ricoh’s study concluded that 68 percent agreed that new printing technologies provide retailers with an added advantage when it comes to pleasing their customers.
To keep up with the growing demands of the modern-day consumer, 68 percent of retailers are planning on investing in emerging printing technologies in the next two years. Shorter delivery times, more personalised products and creating a more efficient production line are aspects retailers want to improve on to enhance their customer’s experience.
To keep up with the growing demands of the modern-day consumer, 68 percent of retailers are planning on investing in emerging printing technologies in the next two years”
David Mills, CEO of Ricoh Europe says: “In the age of the mobile consumer, it is more crucial than ever to get the right product into customers’ hands at the right time. Bricks-and-mortar retailers are up against their digital rivals to deliver products on-demand and personalise them to their customers’ individual tastes. With store closures an increasingly common sight, leading retailers are turning towards print to enhance the consumer experience, more effectively fulfil orders and compete for customer loyalty.”
Mills adds: “Bridging the gap between digital and physical objects, new technologies such as 3D printing simplify the way items are created, stocked, and distributed. As on-demand production becomes more localised, the nature of transactions will change as brands begin to emphasise the sale of infinitely replicable 3D products.”
But it’s not just the product that 3D printing is having an impact on, there could be untapped potential to maximise new market opportunities, with 73 percent of retailers believing new print technologies could hold the key to branching out.
As the demand rises for swift shopping experiences and tailored products, retailers need to find new ways of achieving greater customer fulfilment to drive growth in a struggling sector - print might just hold the answer.
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