Despite the increasing popularity of shopping online, some consumers still prefer to buy goods in physical stores. According to a 2023 survey of shoppers, 77 percent of respondents from the US said they shop offline every week, while 58 percent said they buy products online.
If you are wondering why brick-and-mortar stores remain popular among US buyers, this short article can help. After reading, you will understand the continued profitability of retail stores, particularly those offering tech products, despite the growing reliance of businesses on digital solutions.
The Advantages of Brick-and-Mortar Tech Stores
The internet and the COVID-19 pandemic were supposed to end in-person shopping. However, after the pandemic ended, flights were booked, concert tickets sold out, and people were still buying products in physical stores.
The urge to go out and do things remains strong among modern consumers. This statement rings true, particularly when buying new tech. Let us take a closer look at the advantages of in-person tech shopping.
Bigger shopping baskets
Click and collect, also known as buying online and picking up in-store (BOPIS), is becoming a popular trend. Instead of waiting at home for their purchase, customers visit stores to pick up what they need without waiting in line to pay.
Compared to online shopping and home delivery, BOPIS can be more convenient for buyers. It allows them to make purchases when convenient, eliminating the need to wait for a courier at home.
Moreover, in-store pickup also benefits retailers. It helps save on delivery costs, brings shoppers through the doors, and leads to bigger baskets. By bringing buyers through the doors, customers will likely buy additional items besides what they ordered online.
In-person trial
One of the top reasons why tech geeks prefer to shop in physical stores is because they can evaluate, experience, and test devices in person before buying them. In 2023, one of the main reasons why buyers chose to shop in physical stores was so they could try the product first.
With a physical location where customers can ensure that the product addresses their needs, businesses can increase profits and establish trust. This advantage can help eliminate consumer doubts and help close more sales. By testing devices in person, customers will have the right product for their needs.
Lower chances of returns
Returning a product bought online can be a stressful process for buyers. If you want to avoid returning a new phone, buying the tech online may not be the wisest choice. The average return rate for online purchases is 15 percent to 40 percent, which is significantly higher than the 5 percent to 10 percent return rate for products purchased from physical stores.
Instead of buying online, look up “cellular phone stores near me” and explore the stores where you can test the phone’s features and see the device before you buy.
Moreover, in-person shopping also comes with readily available customer service. Whether you want information on a specific product or need to return a phone, the process will be faster with the help of a customer service representative.
Letting shoppers return items in-store also reduces the cost of returns by eliminating shipping and transportation fees for the retailers.
Human element
Despite the growing popularity of shopping online, the human touch is still a crucial element of the retail experience. Hearing the advice of tech experts can be more helpful than shopping for a device online and doing research on your own.
These are only a few reasons why some tech geeks still prefer shopping in physical stores over online shopping. Business owners should keep these reasons in mind to develop a sales strategy that works not only for online buyers but also for in-store shoppers.
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