Meaning ● Customer-Centric Retail, within the scope of Small and Medium-sized Businesses, denotes a business strategy centered on delivering exceptional customer experiences to foster loyalty and drive revenue growth. Focusing on the individual customer journey, it mandates that every business decision, from product development to marketing campaigns, places the customer’s needs and preferences at the forefront. Automation plays a key role, streamlining processes to enhance customer service and personalized interactions. ● Successful implementation requires SMBs to collect and analyze customer data effectively, utilizing CRM systems and feedback mechanisms to understand customer behavior. Strategic automation, such as personalized email marketing and AI-powered chatbots, can scale customer engagement efficiently. ● This retail methodology directly impacts SMB growth, since improved customer satisfaction leads to higher retention rates and positive word-of-mouth referrals. The ultimate goal is to build a business model where customer lifetime value is maximized through consistent, relevant, and proactive engagement. Achieving genuine customer-centricity also demands a shift in organizational culture, ensuring employees are empowered to resolve customer issues swiftly and empathetically, contributing to a competitive advantage.