I agree, the brick n' mortars are surviving on the "i need it now" customers. But that's something that will eventually fade out (there will always be emergencies).
What shops should do is add value, not compete directly with online shops that will always have lower costs. For clothing stores, there should be an "expert" in every store that will help customers choose based on their style.
kq4ym, - One would have thought that with stabilization of internet commerce the physical store would become completely extinct. Somehow though the human want to go physically shopping is stiill there at least occasionally. Even shops that didn't have physical stores at all previously are finding it beneficial to have at least one . It makes sense too because when i imagine a couple on holiday for instance, they have the whole day to slot in shopping and may not want to wait at home.
Yes, the convenience is the major driving force behind online purchases. A customer could easily get or return things without having to the extra effort of driving to the physical store and demanding an exchange.
I find myself shopping more and more on Amazon, the reviews are great and the selection is pretty much unlimited in variety, and not to mention pricing. When I feel a need to go to a real store, it's usually because I want something "Now."
With the experiments in online shopping with same day home or office delivery, even the "I want it now" folks are going to stick with online purchasing.
And quick delivery is nothing new. I can remember back in the 80s ordering computer supplies which arrived the next day on my doorstep.
Amazon competes based on thin margins and high volume. It charges a low price, but its costs are lower. And it reportedly loses money on the Kindle Fire; it wants to make it up in sales to consumers who use the Fire.
How can Amazon compete? Does it have to do with taxes (and them not having to pay as much?). I mean, they have the lowest price and give you free shipping on most of their products...
Small stores should be very scared because Amazon is getting closer and closer. They started selling groceries, and with 1 day shipping, they will soon be able to sell more and more.
I hear you, @jaballo. That happens to me, too, and drives me crazy! Then I end up doing the "free shipping" or "coupon" search online, spending even more time in my quest to save a few dollars. In my case, since I enjoy shopping for the most part, I typically prefer to buy in-store unless it's something I can't find locally or something that I'll save big on (for example, the Mac I plan to buy--no Apple store nearby and Apple's big sale on Friday).
I agree @lin. There are so many different types of shopper that there truly isn't one-size-fits-all, but we're starting to see some online retailers try and create 'experiences.' It depends on the consumer whether they're a success! There are the social networking-type sites, that bring in 'advisors' to match your style in clothing and footwear; there are the Gilts and Beyond the Rack types, which look to parlay a love of style and luxury with bargain-hunting and limited supply... Which other sites or type of experiences have community members seen online? Which ones work for you? Which ones miss? What would you like to see?
And, this is where the web works against the mega-tailer! Given that I can search for and find these companies that can stock or warehouse very specific products in a wide range that is impossible for the mega-tailers to do they will constantly naw away at them. Half the time when using Amazon.com, I end up buying not directly from Amazon but from a Marketplace vendor and then as a Prime member I lose the free shipping and other centralized discounts.
So really, the important thing would be some good way to make sure that you're dealing with a reputable company, one that won't cut and run after taking an order, or deliver less than advertised merchandise. Again, this has happened to me within the Amazon sphere, so I'm not really sure what all the protection gets me versus using a specific, smaller retailer.
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