How is Traditional Retail Fighting E-Commerce?

Fighting E-Commerce

We all live in a digital world and the number of people that have never shopped online is going down day by day, yet that doesn’t mean the end of the traditional shopping mall, as retailers raise the bar and offer the shopper a very pleasant experience. While it might be super convenient to order a pair of shoes online, most people want to try them on first and let’s not forget the social side of shopping, enjoying freshly ground coffee watching the people as they go about their business. Fighting E-Commerce-

In-store design- Fighting E-Commerce

If you look at Sydney’s leading retail fit outs that can be found in all the shopping areas, you can see the unique concepts, as store owners seek to create the right ambience. People like change and that means a store layout that is easy to switch around, which is why many stores use modular systems and you can discuss this with your fit out team.

Using technology

Most stores effectively utilize emerging smart retail technology, incorporating touch screen menus and digital product information screens that shoppers can use to access product specifications. Digital signage is really popular, with neon a firm favourite for many small retail outlets and QR codes are widely used, especially in covid-19 parts of the country. QR codes can be used in-store to access product information, which is something worth investigating, while many stores incorporate tech in other ways to enhance the shopping experience.

Sectors that survived

The explosion of e-commerce saw the decline of some retail sectors, namely electrical goods, sporting equipment and jewellery stores, yet there are others that have thrived. Furniture showrooms have changed to a ‘warehouse like’ concept and people prefer to have an interaction with the product before buying. Big names are moving out of their urban retail outlets and building larger stores out of town, with DIY superstores emerging. Here are a few tips if you are looking for warehouse retail space.

The pandemic

This hit retail very hard; many small businesses folded here in Australia, as the multiple lockdowns impacted all retail sectors and as we move into 2022, the future looks hopeful. Those that did weather the storm are having their stores fitted out in preparation for reopening and we are all hoping to return to normal.

Pricing

When possible, the traditional retailer will try to undercut the online supplier, although this can be difficult, as the online store doesn’t have the huge overheads of a bricks-and-mortar store. Traditional retail outlets try to offer other benefits to store visitors and there are always those who are not price focused and prefer face to face experience.

In conclusion, the traditional retail sector has had to make adjustments as e-commerce continues to rise, yet it isn’t all doom and gloom for the small retail store, as this report highlights. There will always be a place for both sectors and next time you are out shopping, take note of new store layouts, as retailers do what they can to attract customers.

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