Brick and Mortar

What is the future of Brick and Mortar stores?

Clearly Internet shopping has hurt them and will continue to do so, but are they in fact doomed or will they simply evolve?

The answer is obviously dependent on a number of things, but it seems that they are starting to evolve.

They are already in many cases serving as a local pick up option for on-line buying.

The one advantage they have, or one of the advantages is the ability to get an item instantly.

You go, you see, you buy, you have it.

Even with some incredible technology on-line requires a certain waiting period.

Even if you are ordering on-line, the ability to pick up the item at a brick and mortar location can be persuasive.

They may have to improve this option, I have used it in the past at a number of locations and they weren't particularly well run.

Sears in particular seemed onerous when I used them, and once you get an e-mail saying it is ready for pick up, you shouldn't have to wait once you arrive.

Sears is going to be saved in some reduced version and whether they can be a going concern may provide the answer to the question about brick and mortar stores, or maybe they are just beyond salvation.

I will say that other stores were generally better than them although they all have some issues.

It would seem that to capitalize on the fact that you have the customer in the store, you might want to have them in the store instead of some remote pick-up location.

I digress.  One area the brick and mortar stores offer is the sense of a place to gather.  You don't really do a lot of on-line shopping in a group.  Malls are already further evolving into a place with more amenities and a more pleasant environment.  Food courts are not the only option anymore.

I think at least some brick and mortar establishments survive and even thrive.  On-line shopping is here to stay, but as a place for social interaction, instant gratification and on-line distribution, they are filling functions that can't be replicated easily.