Incu has revealed how it managed to maintain sales through the pandemic while its stores were closed across the country.
Utilising a pay by link service, Incu was able to connect with customers that had been cut off from the brand due to the store closures and within weeks was achieving the same level of sales from key customer segments as before stores closed.
Prior to stores shuttering in March, Incu staff used Chinese messaging service, WeChat, for social selling.
It operated as an interactive mailing list, to share new product updates, answer sizing and styling questions, and transact with Mandarin-speaking customers.
Purchases were then finalised through in-store point of sale (POS), or via direct transfer.
However, once the lockdown began, the business needed a secure way for its customers to complete orders through WeChat, thus implementing the service.
Customers opening these links can now see their purchases on a personalised screen and can choose from a range of payment options including credit cards, Alipay, WeChat Pay, China UnionPay, Apple Pay and Google Pay.
In the back end, Incu is able to view how many links have been sent and payments received.
Incu CEO Douglas Low said that the technology has already delivered good results.
"Pay by link has delivered promising results – it has helped us to maintain the same level of sales from our WeChat customer base as pre-shutdown," he said.
Alongside introducing this service, Incu has also undertaken a range of digital upgrades including the fast-track of an update to its online store, the roll-out of training and development for store managers and the reintroduction of channels such as phone orders.
"Customers can make a purchase through a payment link from home and arrange delivery, or walk by our stores to collect their items," Low continued.
"We can also initiate a FaceTime or Zoom call and guide people through our collections and purchase.
"I’m thrilled to have the link service in our arsenal. It’s opened up a lot of possibilities by bringing human connection back to a world that’s become very digital," he said.