In the modern world, it’s easier than ever before to start your own business. All you need is an idea, a website and a marketing strategy to get started. This means many companies, even long running ones, neglect the option of a brick and mortar store. However, while many stores are closing down or going out of business, a physical store front can still bring your business a huge range of advantages.
Reach
While opening a brick and mortar store can be difficult, certainly more expensive than just opening up online and you’ll need Shiply to get all of your furniture installed, it can pay off quickly and help you to get taken seriously. Having a physical store front, as well as an e-commerce solution, gives you the chance to reach a much wider audience.
While it’s true that more people than ever are shopping online, there are still those who prefer to shop in person. Also, if you are online only, you rely on marketing, referrals and search results for traffic, people are unlikely to simply stumble upon your store. Especially in the beginning. A brick and mortar store allows for accidental discoveries, so make sure your shop front is eye catching!
Building Relationships
While you can engage customers online, it’s not the same as having face to face contact. Contact online will only ever be perfunctory. Even if you try to make things natural and chatty, it isn’t the same as the engagement you can get by actually having a conversation with people. If you have a brick and mortar store, you can get to know your customers and make sure they keep coming back.
Community
Another advantage of having a store is that you can play a more active part in the community. The online community is huge, and there is a lot to get involved in. But, having a real-life community gives you the chance to support local causes, get out there and build a reputation as a caring, community focused business.
Sensory Experience
Some people just like to touch things before they buy them. They aren’t satisfied ordering online, without actually feeling the product they are about to invest their money in. While shopping online is easier, many customers feel that they don’t fully know what they are getting. They can’t touch, smell, or hold their purchase, and they don’t trust this. Then, of course, some people just enjoy shopping.
Add on Purchases
When someone is shopping online, they are more likely to buy the product they are looking for and nothing else. In a shop, where they can see other, complementary products in the store, they are much more likely to pick up extras or see something else they like.
The Personal Touch
Try as you might, an online store will never have the same personal feeling as a shop manned by real people that customers can get to know. People trust other people. Staff recommending products will always be more successful than a screen saying, “you may also like.”
Online business is amazing; it gives you an opportunity to follow your dreams and create your own business. But, there is still a future to brick and mortar store, so make sure you are part of it.