When Covid-19 ends, will you go back to shopping in stores?

Not surprisingly, in a recent survey 67% of Americans say they plan to do their holiday shopping online this year. (Schultz, 2020)

 

But prior to Covid-19, 92% of retail purchases were made offline. 

 

The number one reason - wanting to touch and feel items before buying.  But the desire for instant gratification was nearly as strong.

 

(Rekuc, 2020)

 

Still retail was on the decline prior to the start of the pandemic and many iconic brands including Lord & Taylor, Brooks Brothers and Neiman Marcus have declared bankruptcy over the past year.

 

So what does the future hold for retail? 

 

Perhaps Levi's has the answer.  Much like Nike, they had begun to move toward DTC over the past few years.  But with the onset of Covid-19 they went a step further and converted their stores into mini distribution centers to facilitate curbside pickup. (Nishimura, 2020)

 

A few years back Macy's tested stores that had only sample items on display.  Customers could see, feel, touch and try on items that interested them and then place their orders which were shipped to their homes.

 

Would either of these options interest you?  Are you looking forward to shopping in stores again?  Or will you continue to buy more things online now that you have gotten used to it?  Which ones and why?  

 

Where does retail therapy come into the picture?  Will overnight shipping satisfy your craving for instant gratification?  What about the other reasons listed above?  Will they have any impact on your choices?

 

 

Schultz, R. (2020, November 10)  Over Two-Thirds Of Consumers Plan To Shop Online This Holiday Season: Study.  mediapost.com.  Retrieved November 11, 2020, from

https://www.mediapost.com/publications/article/357696/over-two-thirds-of-consumers-plan-to-shop-online-t.html?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_content=headline&utm_campaign=120405&hashid=NP_mYr1corR1rsVdWTtA9zohHug

 

Rekuc, D. (2020)  Study: Why 92% of Retail Purchases Still Happen Offline. ripen.com.  Retrieved November 11, 2020, from https://ripen.com/blog/ecommerce_survey

Nishimura, K. (2020, November 10)  Levi's Leaders Reveal Most Effective Pandemic Pivots.  sourcingjournal.com.  Retrieved November 11, 2020, from

https://sourcingjournal.com/denim/denim-brands/levis-omnichannel-stores-iab-brand-disruption-summit-dtc-harmit-singh-243888/