Do we still Necessary to Open Physical Stores in the Internet age?

Today we are going to discuss a very interesting and controversial topic, that is, in this era of rapid development of the Internet, do we still need to open physical stores? Especially during the epidemic that started in 2022, people are used to being able to buy what they want without leaving their homes. But is there really no need for physical stores? I believe that many people have such questions, especially those who are considering starting a business or are already operating physical stores. Next, I will analyze this problem from several angles, hoping to bring you some enlightenment.

Easy shopping online

First of all, we have to admit that online shopping does bring great changes to our life, as well as bring convenience to our life. In the past, when we buy goods, we may have to bother to visit the mall and walk the streets, but now, with a tap on the mobile phone, thousands of products can be displayed in front of our eyes. Whether it's clothes, shoes, or electronics, almost everything can be easily found online. Moreover, many e-commerce platforms also provide very convenient return and exchange services, which greatly improves the shopping experience of consumers.This way is especially suitable for busy office workers or mothers with children, and they can complete shopping at any time and anywhere.

For example, I recently needed to buy a pairof sneakers. I lay on the couch at night, turned on my phone, browsed several e-commerce platforms, selected a pair of shoes I liked, and placed an order within minutes. As soon as the express arrives, you can try it on directly, which is very convenient; If we find that the shoes do not fit or do not like it, we can return and replace the goods, and there will be a Courier to the door to pick up the goods. Online shopping does bring great convenience to life.

All this presents a huge challenge for brick-and-mortar stores. Especially some large supermarkets and brand stores, under the impact of online shopping, business is more and more difficult to do. Many businessmen originally intended to open a physical store, but after seeing the rise of online shopping, they abandoned the idea and chose to open online stores instead.

Unique advantages of physical stores

Although online shopping is so convenient, physical stores still have their unique advantages, which we can not ignore. First, physical stores can provide a more intuitive shopping experience. Many times, there may be a certain gap between the goods consumers see online and the real thing, and this gap is sometimes the color difference, and sometimes the texture is different. In the physical store, consumers can personally touch, try on, and fully experience the goods, which is an intuitive feeling that can not be replaced by online shopping. Especially clothing, shoes these need to try on the goods, many people in the online order, the final received goods may not be suitable, so that the trouble of return and exchange is troublesome.

For example, I once bought a coat online, only to find that the size was not right and the color was different from what I expected. It was just a buyer's show and seller's show, and I had to return it. Such a back-and-forth made me gradually skeptical about online shopping. Although returning and exchanging goods is a very convenient operation, human time is limited, and we only want to receive the same products as advertised. In contrast, trying on in a physical store can directly feel the texture and color of the fabric, which can really help us make better choices.

Physical stores provide a place to socialize. In the process of shopping, consumers are not only buying things, but also communicating, discussing and sharing with friends and family. This kind of social experience is often missing from online shopping. In addition, physical stores can also organize some offline activities, such as new product launches, promotional activities, etc., to attract more customers.

Certain products must be experienced in person

1.Furniture store

Buying furniture is definitely a need to go to the physical store experience and feel. Imagine buying a sofa, if you only look at pictures on the Internet, then you simply cannot perceive the actual size of the sofa, the comfort of the material and whether the style matches the decoration of the home. The purchase of furniture is not only to see pictures, but more importantly, to experience on the ground.

2.Cosmetics store

Cosmetics are also a good example. Although many brands provide online color testing function, but in fact, everyone's skin color and skin type are not the same, only in the physical store to try the product, to see if its color number is suitable for their own, the effect after use is satisfied. In addition to the ingredients of cosmetics, fragrances, etc., these are not fully experienced online.

3.Electronic product

Many people also prefer to go to physical stores when buying electronic products. As we all know, mobile phones, computers and other electronic products have various configurations and different functions. In the physical store, we can personally experience the feel and operation of the product, rather than just looking at the parameter comparison. For example, some people may care about the feel of their phones, which can only be felt in physical stores.

4.Grocery store

Talk about food, especially some fresh ingredients, such as vegetables, fruits, seafood and so on. Although these items can also be purchased online, fresh ingredients can affect taste and freshness if not selected in person. And in some places, there are many special foods and local snacks in the market, which can only be experienced in physical stores.

5.Cut hair

Finally, when it comes to hair cutting, I believe it is more of a necessary store to exist, because I have no professional skills to cut my own hair, and I cannot cut my own hair or complete the act of cutting hair online. Although you may say that I can make an appointment with a barber on my mobile phone, if it is a simple haircut, a house cut is not necessary; And home barber will increase the burden of hair stylist, at the same time you also need to pay the stylist extra costs, such as travel fees, tools and so on.

The social value of physical stores

In addition to the product itself, physical stores also have a value that online shopping can not replace, that is the "social value". When shopping in physical stores, we can go shopping with friends and enjoy the fun of shopping. And online shopping, although you can share links, but always lack the joy of that personal experience. I remember once I went shopping with my friends and went to a newly opened coffee shop. We could take photos together with our friends and chat about life while drinking coffee. By the way, we could visit the nearby shops.

Innovation of business model

Although online shopping is becoming more popular, I don't think physical stores will disappear, but will be transformed and upgraded. In the future, physical stores should pay more attention to experience and social interaction, such as adding some interactive experience areas, so that customers can better feel the charm of products. For example, some clothing brands have begun to provide virtual fitting rooms in their stores, so that customers can try on clothes in a digital environment, which not only retains the physical store experience, but also conforms to the trend of the Internet age.

For example, some brands have begun to experiment with the "online-to-offline" model, where consumers can see goods in a physical store, then place orders through mobile phones, realize online payment, and collect goods offline. In addition, there are some physical stores began to focus on experiential consumption, such as cafes, bookstores, etc., in addition to selling goods, but also provide a comfortable environment and rich activities to attract customers. This model not only enhances the shopping experience of consumers, but also enhances customer loyalty. So brick-and-mortar stores aren't going to die, they're going to become more diverse and personalized. With the change of consumer demand, physical stores need to constantly adjust their business strategies to adapt to the changes in the market.