Google Maps adds 4 new features for local shopping

Google Maps has introduced four new features to improve customers’ local shopping experience, thereby bringing more sales to businesses.

In addition, Google also released statistics on local shopping during the holidays. This includes the most popular time to visit certain types of businesses, etc.

These are the new features that are now available in Google Maps around the world.

4 new Google Maps features

1. Area is busy

Customers can now see how busy a particular area is before getting there, which will help those who like to avoid crowds.

This new feature called “Regional Busyness” combines real-time busyness trends from companies in close proximity to each other.

To access area busyness data, open Google Maps and tap an area to see how busy it is at different times of the day.

Google Maps will show the current busyness of the area and the estimated busyness throughout the day.

Last year’s data showed that the busiest shops for holiday gift shopping were Kay Jewelers, Bath & Body Works and Barnes & Noble.

From November to December 2020, map searches in these places increased by 100%.

Shopping malls tend to be the least busy on Tuesday nights, and the busiest time is Saturday afternoon.

2. Directory tab

Google Maps is expanding the catalog tabs of all airports, shopping malls, and bus stops on Android and iOS worldwide.

The “Catalog” tab shows which stores are in the building and helps locate airport lounges, car rentals, parking lots, etc.

For example, if you are in a large shopping mall, the “Catalogue” tab will display a list of businesses and show whether they are open, what their star rating is, and on which floor each business is located.

Screenshot from blog.google/products/maps/, November 2021

3. Grocery shopping

Google Maps piloted a feature earlier this year that allows customers to order groceries for pickup.

Grocery shopping in Google Maps now extends to more than 2,000 stores in more than 30 U.S. states.

Customers can use this feature to order groceries from Kroger, Fry’s, Ralphs and Marianos.

After placing an order, Google Maps will track the status of the order and allow customers to share their estimated time of arrival so that the store knows when they will arrive.

Google estimates that people who use this feature usually wait less than five minutes before their order can be picked up.

Screenshot from blog.google/products/maps/, November 2021

4. More information about the restaurant

Now, when customers look up local restaurants, Google Maps will display more information based on information provided by other customers.

When customers leave a review, they can now share detailed information about the restaurant’s price range and whether they provide conveniences such as outdoor seating, delivery, and curbside pickup.

The information provided in the customer reviews will be displayed in the main list of the restaurant.

Screenshot from blog.google/products/maps/, November 2021

source: blog.google/products/maps/

Featured image: Screenshot from blog.google/products/maps/, November 2021.