The online landscape has numerous activities aimed at keeping users engaged and entertained. These events are held occasionally and attract tons of crowds from different parts of the globe. So, whether you prefer the Valorant eSports tournaments or are a fan of Call of Duty (CoD), there are numerous options available for you to explore. The interesting part is that these tournaments are not only entertaining but also profitable.
These events are held in various physical locations event after event. The hosting location enjoys various benefits, ranging from a boost in retail revenue to a surge in other areas of the economy. Here, we’ll look at some of the benefits these eSports tournaments provide to the retail industry, whether online or offline. Let’s begin!
The Significance of eSports Tournaments on Retail
The Significance of cybersports tournaments in the retail sector has been impressive. It has influenced both the online and physical sales environments. Therefore, it enhances the customer experience regardless of the shopping centre. Let’s explore some major aspects.
Increased Foot Traffic
Whenever these tournaments are organised in physical venues, other sales outlets close by, especially those specialising in gaming, technology, or entertainment, often enjoy increased foot traffic. This is because the event often attracts a large number of tech-savvy and younger users.
Hence, there is a high probability of them visiting nearby stores before or after attending the tournament. Some retailers go the extra mile by installing pop-up stores at or near the event locations. These ships are famous for selling exclusive merchandise related to the event type. They often sell items like limited-edition products and branded outfits. This way, they provide people with what they want and, in return, capitalise on the large crowds that the event attracts.
A Boost in Online Sales
Brands often work with cybersports teams or tournament organisers to sell co-branded products. They range from exclusive digital content to clothes, peripherals, and many more. These partnerships usually boost online details sales, especially in the weeks leading to the major events. Many online retailers capitalise on this event to promote limited-edition items and exclusive deals related to particular teams or eSports. Thereby driving traffic and sales simultaneously.
Immersive Experiences
Many sellers leverage the immersive feature of gamified shopping to enhance customer experience. They do this by infusing gaming lounges in their stores with elements from the tournament to create an engaging environment where shoppers can chill, stay longer, and spend more. A few spaces, like the gaming and electronics stores, focus on eSports trends by hosting in-store viewing parties or live broadcasts of tournaments. This impacts the overall shopping experience and helps build brand loyalty among enthusiasts.
Interactive Kiosks or Demo Stations
During these events, some retailers take things up a notch and offer interactive displays and demos. This helps fans have a full and exciting experience before and after the events with the chance to try out new gaming peripherals and hardware. The hands-on experience motivates immediate purchases from users looking to upgrade their gear. Thanks to the availability of virtual and augmented reality, users can feel more connected to the action and even participate in gaming simulations.
Increased Sales of Gaming Products
Cybersports tournaments also drive the sales of gaming hardware like headsets, mice, and keyboards, to mention a few. The sales of these products spike during this time because aspiring gamers and enthusiasts wish to mirror their favourite pro layer by using similarly high-performance equipment. The sales of merchandise like jerseys and other branded accessories also increase due to the competitive desire to support their favourite teams and players.
Partnerships with Popular Streamers or Influencers
During these tournaments, retailers often collaborate with famous streamers or influencers active in the eSports scene. In turn, they bring great traffic to retailers’ websites through sponsorships, live streams, and product placement. Also, retailers proceed to launch esports-themed loyalty programs, offering a chance to reward and give points for purchasing gaming-related products, attending events, or even participating in gaming challenges.
Have Fun Shopping!
Cybersports tournaments have revolutionised the retail experience. It does this by creating new revenue opportunities for businesses and boosting consumer interactions, whether online or offline. Retailers who associate with this trending and growing market can perfectly tap into the enthusiasm and loyalty of a dedicated and fast-growing customer base. So, have fun shopping or selling.
