In a recent myTake I shared, I stated some reasons why the concept of Black Friday in brick-and-mortar stores might be becoming obsolete. After lots of long thought, and other experiences, I now am of the opinion that holiday shopping in retail stores is not dead, but in fact might make a comeback in some form. Even in the age of online shopping, free 2-day shipping, and quick deals, the brick and mortar retailer is still far from obsolete. Retailers like Walmart, Target, Costco, Sam's Club, and JCPenney are still thriving even with competition from Amazon Prime and Google Express.
But, why do I think so? Let's look at the facts.
1. People will always recognize the need for Brick and Mortar retailers
Online shopping can't get you everything in a flash. If you need a gallon of milk, toilet paper, eggs, or even in some cases a new cell phone battery, you will still need to visit a retail store (unless you live in a big city like NYC, Chicago, LA, Denver etc.) where stuff can be delivered, even if it's rather pricey. The truth is retailers like Walmart, Kroger, Harris Teeter, and other grocery chains are now offering pickup services for online grocery shopping. You can order online and pick it up in a few minutes. But what if you forgot batteries? Well, then you can just run right on into the store and pick up a pack. So in times of despair and need, brick and mortar will always be there for you.
2. Brick and Mortar Stores often offer better deals than Black Friday before Christmas
Most of the time retailers can and do offer better deals on products that were featured and not featured on Black Friday than they did on Black Friday. The closer to Christmas the sales get, the more discounts usually increase. For example: A particular laptop goes on sale at Best Buy for $400 on Black Friday. Chances are that same laptop will be $50-100 less before Christmas than on Black Friday. So technically you can often find better deals Before Christmas, but after Black Friday.
3. Brick and Mortar Stores are beginning to put a little more emphasis on customer service during the Holiday Season than in years past.
Recently, Walmart announced plans to hire temporary helpers to dress up in yellow vests, reindeer antlers, elf hats, and give out candy to all shoppers starting the first Friday of November all the way to December 24th. But, they won't only be doing that. They will also be helping to guide customers to shorter checkout lines, offering to help get carts and baskets for shoppers, and even fetching last minute items people forgot to pick up before reaching the checkout line.
Also, Walmart's all-registers-open during the season policy will once again be implemented. I personally experienced this today when I went to Walmart. They were people dressed up in elf ears and yellow vests handing out candy to everyone, and helping direct customers to shorter checkout lines based on needs. Personally, I think its a nice touch. I know a lot of people do not like Walmart, but I have to give them credit with implementing this idea. If done right I believe it could become an ongoing trend for more than just the Holiday Season, or Future Holiday Seasons.
In conclusion, I find that brick and mortar retailers, even though many are going out of business, will not become irrelevant or obsolete anytime soon. Even with more and more holiday shopping taking place online, brick and mortar stores will still always be there for those last minute deals or ideas . I challenge all of you to do some of your holiday shopping at a brick and mortar store, even if it is a small business or a huge chain like Walmart or Target.
I wish the stores had more people, nice people, during normal days... people shouldn't pretend to like their job just because it's a week or so before Christmas.
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