July 2, 2020

BRICK & MORTAR VS ONLINE

I believe this is a question retailers struggle with. To be honest I love to shop online usually between the hours of midnight and 3 am. However, I love getting out and going to stores. There is something about the atmosphere, the decor and the opportunity to browse. Rarely do I leave empty-handed. Now yes there are people that love the anonymity of shopping online, but there are certain age groups that look at going to a store as an outing. The older of which category I fall into. You see older couples eating at the food vendor in many stores enjoying their time together and then they are off with their shopping cart. Some have a list and will just go with that, most don’t. The chance to shop with your other half or friends is fun for all and the baskets tend to fill quickly.

Looking Back

When I was younger going shopping with my kids was something we all looked forward to. The kids got to look around and point and smile at things they wanted. Of course they didn’t always get them but it was a joy and gave me great ideas for birthdays, Christmas and just because. Parents could get the things they needed and sometimes slip fun things for the family in the cart. These days I see commercials or ads showing a parent shopping with children looking very distressed. This is a perception, yes times it is a struggle but most times it really is fun for them and the kids.

There is a place for online shopping but Brick and Mortar, well in my humble opinion, will always have a place as well. 2020 has been such a challenge when things return to normal or the new normal; people are going to go out in droves. Goodness, being able to get out of your home see other people and just get out in the world again and feel safe is exciting to think about and I can’t.