With the economy in turmoil, retailers are working harder to get your business. They’re making it easier to shop, or at least do your research, online. And they’re stepping up customer service in stores.

While stores are designed to get you to spend more, retailers are plus making it easier to get in and out quickly. They know many purchases are made impulsively, but additionally distress that belt-tightening makes folks stay home.

“Price will be a crucial component in retail marketing efforts across the board that holiday season, but retailers will additionally need to think about other factors — like customer service — that will help their companies stand out,” said Mike Gatti, executive director of the Retail Advertising and Marketing organization.

Five ways to get customer-service help that will pay off online or in stores:

1. Use in-store pickup for online purchases.

that service, greatly improved in recent months and years, allows consumers to order and buy products online and pick them up in stores. It saves money in shipping and the moment it would take to browse in stores, where the potential for impulse buys is higher. Sears will even send an e-mail and/or text letter when the item is ready at stores that have in-store pickup. A recent survey by Harris Interactive for the e-commerce company Shopatron found 80% of humans who have used in-store pickup are considering doing it again that holiday season. An anonymous survey of in-store pickup at major retailers in the Chicago area by consulting firm The E-tailing Group found the overall wait duration was down to an average of 2.58 minutes vs. 3.21 minutes last year and 3.64 in 2006. Products were ready when the company’s representatives arrived at the store 94% of the day, up from 83% in 2007.

“They have a lot of the kinks worked…

[Source] dhiram