The Census Bureau of the Department of Commerce recently announced that retail eCommerce sales in the U.S. for the second quarter of 2021 totaled $211.7 billion! This represents an increase of 7.6% from the first quarter of 2021. It's clear that the recent epidemic has forever altered the way that people shop.
However however, the Internet Retailer magazine article cited that online sales at large retailers like Macy's and Nordstrom were up nearly 40% in 2011. This is incredible when you consider it's an increase of just a couple of hundred million dollars in certain cases.
Why do consumers are now shopping on the internet instead of in local shops? There are three major advantages of online shopping over brick-and-mortar retailers.
1. Convenience
For many customers, one of the advantages of online shopping is convenience. Although some people would consider going to a local store more convenient than placing an order online and getting it shipped however, there are several advantages to shopping online that are simple and convenient.
Shop From the Comfort of Your Home
It does not require you to visit the shop. To visit a store, you must find a way there. For most people, this is driving. Going to the store by car is not only an expense in fuel, but is also a waste of time. Shopping online is a more convenient option. Securely store payment details such as credit card information for a seamless shopping experience.
It's not necessary to drive to the shop to purchase shampoo or dog food. Click once to order the item online and it'll be on its way. Another advantage of shopping online is speed.
Speed
This is one area where traditional retail seems to have advantages over shopping online. There was a time when shopping in stores offered instant gratification because you get to hold your purchase in your palm when you purchase anime shoes. However, this convenience is being negated by the expanding market of eCommerce order fulfillment.
In the past, it wasn't unusual to wait up to a week to get your product shipped, which was too for many customers. The majority of online retailers will deliver your product within a few days when they have an efficient and quality ordering process. Online shopping can sometimes deliver the same day.
Fast and affordable online shipping options have eroded many people's aversion to online shopping. Speedy shipping, and sometimes free same-day delivery, is just one of the reasons why more people shop online to purchase Disney backpacks.
2. Price
Is buying something online cheaper than buying it in the retail store? It is often true! Many internet shopping carts and platforms offer annual subscription services which offer discounts and free shipping on all orders. Even when this is not the case, shoppers can save money because they are able to easily compare prices for the most affordable price.
When your competition is only a click away, there is a huge incentive to offer the most affordable prices. Price is always an essential element in making sales and convenience of price comparisons on the internet is a significant benefit of online shopping.
Shopping online has another cost benefit. Based on where you live certain online retailers don't charge sales tax. This provides online stores a significant competitive advantage. What about shipping costs? Many stores will provide free shipping when you buy a certain quantity.
3. Variety
Are you unable to find that particular electronic part or toy that is special edition at the local Walmart? No problem, because it's likely that you'll be able to find it online. One advantage of online shopping is that special items, difficult-to-find items, and nearly everything you could ever want can be purchased on the internet.
Online retailers do not have to maintain inventory at each store as brick-and-mortar stores do. Warehouses for fulfillment can ship merchandise to any location online since it's centrally located near customers. Internet also allows special-interest sellers since they don't need to have an actual storefront for selling their products.
International eCommerce is another important element online. Online sellers are not competing with local retailers. They compete with all other sellers offering similar products from anywhere in the world. The possibility of having your order shipped overseas is quite commonplace these days and offers more options when buying on the internet.