Who Will Rise?

Who Will Rise?

Brick and Mortar Vs. E-Commerce

An action caused by selecting or concluding a decision when confronted with two possibilities or more. This is known as a choice. As consumers, we are given choices, many choices, in fact. But in terms of retailers, the most important choice is the location. Location determines the “who”, the “what”, the “where”, the “why” and the “how” of it all. We are faced with choosing to shop via brick and mortar, or e-commerce. Once our decision on location is made, then our next selections can be made. Let the cycle begin!

Brick and Mortar.

Some may say it’s an old fashioned way to shop but some may say it’s a crucial way to shop. Although the e-commerce world is expanding businesses, brick and mortar stores are still just as vital to the fashion industry. The idea of shopping in-store is nowhere close to dissipating. I had the pleasure of sitting down with the Contemporary Manager of Saks Fifth Avenue’s Queen Street location, Lindsay Jennings, and she states “Luxury shopping will always rely on brick and mortar shops. It’s not about the merchandise in this case, but the overall client experience. Saks specializes in providing special and unique experiences to everyone that enters our stores.” This shows how much this billion-dollar company relies on their client and associate interactions. There are also a fair amount of consumers who will do a majority of their research and then end their experience in-store. Maybe they are having a hard time selling themselves on an item that is where the in-store sales associate comes in and provides the greater benefits of the product. A consumer also has the ability to start a new relationship with the associate. Jennings also said “some of Saks’ top clients are so particular that they will only shop with certain associates that they know they can trust but also provide selections that match their personality and lifestyle. A lot of our associates build real friendships. Imagine shopping with your best friend! How much fun would that be!”

E-commerce.

Online shopping traps us all at 2 a.m. in the morning. I will say that I AM a victim of this world! It gets me every time. Poor me. Though it is the most dangerous, for myself, this is my favourite method of shopping, it’s very accessible for me, all of my favourite stores are offered online, I don’t have to wait in any lines and I get to open a package once it arrives at my door step. Christmas 24/7. I LOVE IT! My only con is the idea that I might have to wait up to 7 days for my orders to come but other than that, I don’t have much to complain about. After doing it so often, one may call them a professional online shopper. It gets easier, trust me. You’ll get to know your size at your favourite retailers, and start reading the descriptions of each item, this way you can ensure you’re not spending hundreds of dollars on something made out of polyester. Can’t have that now. This would be a lazy shopper or a homebodies favourite method. The product will almost always be in stock too, that saves you a drive (gas money!) from being disappointed at a retail store.  This is a win-win situation, every time.

What’s Your Pick?

Now that we are all well informed on the pros and cons of brick and mortar vs. e-commerce, what do you think is your top way to shop? Does it depend on who the retailer is, what you’re purchasing, where you are located, when you are going to make a purchase, the reason why you are purchasing an item and how you will obtain the item? Also think about your personal lifestyle as well. What factors do you think about before spending your hard earned dough?  Think about the next item on your wish list. Now stop and answer all of the questions I just asked in regards to that item. Now think of your last 10 purchases. Would you consider yourself a brick and mortar shopper or an e-commerce shopper? Or do you believe one cannot categorize themselves?

What Does Our Future Hold?

The e-commerce world is growing and growing each day. It provides jobs, and gives small businesses the room to grow in a fast pace world. But just as much as online retailers are emerging, brick and mortar retailers are increasing just as well, if not more! Statistically, brick and mortars are pulling larger numbers but it’s the personality of this world’s consumers that determines which system is of better use. Right now both methods are aiding one another to flourish but will one rise over the other in the future? I guess only time will tell.