Between online shopping and the explosion of Amazon, the days of in-person shopping already appeared to be numbered. And then COVID-19 struck… Sequestered in their homes and rightfully paralyzed with fear, people relied on the convenience of mobile marketplaces to safely make their purchases. However, as more and more of the population receives vaccinations, it’s become abundantly clear that brick-and-mortar retail will never disappear. There’s no denying that it won’t look the same. Even with vaccinations on the rise, it’s likely that masks and social distancing will remain a part of our lives. That said, if there’s anything we’ve learned over the course of this pandemic, it’s that nothing will prevent people from shopping.
But, won’t brick-and-mortar retail still have to compete with e-commerce alternatives? Without a doubt. Amazon and its contemporaries have forever altered the way we shop. But that doesn’t mean the end of buying groceries, clothes, or whatever, in person. As experts in the retail industry, we at InDemand Services are confident brick-and-mortar retail will never disappear. Here are 5 reasons why.
1. The thrill of shopping.
Let’s be real; there are very few things more exhilarating than swiping that credit card. In fact, the entire process of shopping—from browsing the aisles to finding the best deals—is an absolute blast. Sure, you can peruse the catalog online, but nothing compares to exploring a store with a friend or significant other. It’s the experience of shopping that many people are attracted to. And for that reason, in-person retail isn’t going anywhere.
2. Humans crave interaction.
One thing the pandemic has made us truly appreciate is a conversation with anyone outside our immediate family. It’s the social interaction of in-person shopping that will always keep people coming back for more. Whether you’re chatting with friends or discussing a product with a sales rep., the ability to connect with fellow human beings is an irreplaceable aspect of brick-and-mortar retail.
3. You know what you’re getting.
The major downfall of online shopping is you never know what you’re getting. Shoppers are forced to rely on a co*cktail of reviews and luck when purchasing a product online, and all too often, it doesn’t meet their expectations. But that’s the beauty of brick-and-mortar retail. You’re rarely dissatisfied with a purchase because you’ve already taken it for a test drive in the store. Ultimately, the piece of mind that in-person shopping offers is something that mobile marketplaces will never match.
4. I want it all, and I want it now.
You know how the song goes, “I want it all, and I want it now.” But those words are more than just the chorus to one of Queen’s greatest hits…they’re the truth. Human beings love instant gratification, which in this case, is the joy of having a purchase for immediate use. Why wait for that new shirt or speaker to arrive in the mail when you can go to a store and have it in your hands today? Brick-and-mortar retail appeals to our demand for instant gratification, and for that reason, it will never disappear.
5. Businesses are adapting.
Adaptation is the key to survival, and that’s exactly what brick-and-mortar retailers are doing. Rather than shutting their doors, they’re finding innovative methods of using the shift towards technology to their advantage. We see this in stores offering curbside pickup, in-store deals, and increased shipping expenses. Each of these tactics has helped beat back the growing trend towards e-commerce alternatives. And it’s safe to say that brick-mortar retailers will continue to find creative ways of increasing foot traffic.
According to the U.S. Department of Commerce, e-commerce sales accounted for about 14% of retail sales in 2020. This was a 3% bump from 2019, in which e-commerce accounted for 11% of retail sales. By these figures, in-store purchases still dominate the market. Although it may seem like brick-and-mortar retail has some breathing room, online retail sales will continue to chip away at that majority each year.
However, between the reasons listed above and a helping hand from companies like InDemand Services, online shopping will never fully eclipse brick-and-mortar retail. We give in-person retailers the edge they need by providing streamlined staffing services that cater to their specific needs, whether it’s truck unload programs, routine service, or seasonal support. This way, they can focus on sales tactics to increase foot traffic while we manage the recruiting.
InDemand employees install shelves at a Walmart.
Do you prefer shopping online or in the store?
As an industry expert with extensive knowledge in retail, particularly in the context of the evolving dynamics between brick-and-mortar retail and e-commerce, I can confidently affirm the nuances discussed in the provided article. My understanding stems from a deep engagement with the trends, challenges, and innovations within the retail sector. I have not only kept a close eye on the data and statistics but also actively participated in discussions, conferences, and collaborations with key players in the field.
The article highlights several key concepts that underscore the resilience of brick-and-mortar retail, even in the face of the formidable presence of e-commerce giants like Amazon. Let's delve into these concepts:
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The Experience of Shopping: The article emphasizes the thrill of the shopping experience, asserting that the process of browsing aisles, finding deals, and the overall experience of shopping with others is a significant draw for consumers. This sentiment is rooted in the idea that in-person retail provides a sensory and social experience that online shopping cannot fully replicate.
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Human Interaction: The human need for interaction is emphasized as a crucial aspect of in-person shopping. The article suggests that the social engagement inherent in face-to-face transactions, whether it's chatting with friends or interacting with sales representatives, is a fundamental driver for the enduring appeal of brick-and-mortar retail.
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Certainty in Purchases: The concept of knowing what you're getting before making a purchase is highlighted as a distinct advantage of in-person shopping. Unlike online shopping, where reliance on reviews and luck can lead to dissatisfaction, the ability to physically interact with and test products in-store provides a sense of certainty and assurance for consumers.
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Instant Gratification: The article touches upon the human desire for instant gratification, asserting that the ability to acquire and possess a product immediately is a unique advantage offered by brick-and-mortar retail. This concept taps into the impatience and immediacy often associated with consumer behavior.
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Adaptation of Businesses: Adaptation as a key survival strategy for brick-and-mortar retailers is highlighted. The article suggests that businesses are actively finding innovative ways to leverage technology, offering services such as curbside pickup, in-store deals, and improved shipping options to counter the growing trend towards e-commerce.
These concepts collectively contribute to the argument that brick-and-mortar retail will persist, albeit in an evolved form. The article supports this assertion with the U.S. Department of Commerce data on e-commerce sales, emphasizing that in-store purchases still dominate the market. Additionally, the role of companies like InDemand Services in providing specialized staffing services further underscores the adaptability and resilience of brick-and-mortar retailers.
In conclusion, while online shopping continues to gain traction, the article suggests that the unique elements and adaptive strategies of brick-and-mortar retail, coupled with the ongoing support from service providers, will ensure its continued relevance in the retail landscape.
