At Hotpack, we've learned that having retail stores delivers real value even though we're mainly a B2B company. Let me share what we've discovered about opening shops in prime locations.

Why Retail Matters for a Manufacturing Brand

Even though Hotpack makes most of its money from exports, industrial supply, and white labeling, our retail shops play a key role in building brand awareness. With our huge range of 4,000+ products, retail spaces let customers see everything we offer – something that's impossible in regular supermarkets.

Finding the Right Locations

In the Middle East, it's been fairly easy to identify where our customers are located. This helped us place our 50 retail outlets in strategic spots where people can easily find us. These stores serve everyone from home bakers to small businesses, offering products in quantities that work for their needs.

For large buyers, our stores are convenient sourcing points. For smaller customers, they encourage unplanned purchases. Either way, these interactions build customer loyalty.

The Power of Touch and Feel

Over time, we've studied how people shop and used these insights to improve our offerings. When customers can actually touch and examine our packaging products, they make better decisions. Our retail centers aren't just selling points – they're places where we learn what consumers need.

Creating a Connected Experience

By linking our physical stores with our online platforms, we've created a shopping experience that works however customers prefer to buy. Some research online then visit stores, while others do the opposite.

Learning from Every Interaction

Perhaps the biggest benefit of our retail presence is the direct feedback we get. Watching how customers interact with our products gives us insights that drive improvements. Our shops have become testing grounds where we can understand consumer needs in real-time.

Worth the Investment

While opening stores in good locations costs money, the benefits go beyond just sales numbers. These spaces work like living advertisements for Hotpack, showing our commitment to quality in ways traditional marketing can't match.

About the Author: Tobin Pious is the E-Commerce Manager at Hotpack Global, focusing on direct-to-consumer strategies in the packaging industry. He has launched eight e-commerce stores across multiple countries and manages thousands of monthly orders. With expertise in digital marketing and e-commerce operations, Tobin is currently leading Hotpack's global online expansion, bringing packaging solutions to digital marketplaces.

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