Gaining the edge in retail is not as easy at it once was. Consumers can discover the best prices by doing nothing more than opening an app or visiting a few websites. Those who are willing to wait a few days can order virtually anything, from Bose headphones to Maine lobster tail, with a few clicks.
And yet, our State of the In-Store Experience 2021 report found 48% of shoppers still prefer to shop in-store when all other factors are equal. Obviously, brick-and-mortar retail provides something that digital commerce cannot. There is something about the experience of shopping in-store — whether it’s the sense of community, the feelings that a specific store inspires, or the immediacy of purchase—that nearly half of shoppers still prefer. Read more…