With the popularity of online shopping, one has to wonder what will eventually happen to actual physical shops in the future? Will they go obsolete? Will they still be around 50 years from now?
Despite the stellar growth of online shops, a huge chunk of consumers still prefers physical retail shops for several reasons:
- One, a lot of consumers like to see and inspect the product or item before the actual purchase.
- Two, they prefer actual human interaction over virtual communications.
- Three, they don’t need to wait for a few days (and in some instances, even weeks) to get the items.
- Four, the experience that boutiques and shops offer is irreplaceable.
With that said, physical stores are here to stay. If you are looking at starting a brick-and-mortar business, here are a few ideas and concepts to consider.
9 Brick-And-Mortar Businesses That Still Do Very Well Today
1. Pet Grooming and Supplies
The pet grooming industry has continued to enjoy increasing in popularity over the past few years. More people are getting pets and treating them like family, getting them groomed regularly and taking them shopping for things to play with, clothes to wear, and beds to sleep in.
2. Contracting and Consultancy Firms
Services like commercial construction in Fort Wayne need a physical office to house all its activities. The same could be said for those offering accounting and legal services. With all the projects and clients they have, they need a big enough space to keep all their documents, entertain clients, hold meetings, conduct brainstorming sessions, and a lot more.
3. Automotive Parts and Supplies
One of the reasons why automotive parts and supplies are still thriving is due to the size of the parts and the amount of money involved in transactions. The larger the price tag, the more customers would want to physically inspect the parts before making the actual purchase.
4. Home Décor and Furnishings
When it comes to home improvement and furnishing, people still prefer to see, touch, and try out any appliance, decor, or furniture before buying.
5. Prescription Eyeglass Center
Other than checking if the sunglasses or eyeglasses look good on you, you also have to make sure the optical prescription is correct. That is one of the things the internet cannot do for you.
6. High-End and Branded Retail Stores
With the increasing risk of buying knockoffs online, patrons still prefer shopping in actual boutiques and retail shops for branded and high-end items.
7. Fitness Gym
While all the tutorials and apps are helpful at keeping one physically fit, having a gym to go to with enough machines, weights, and equipment proves to be more effective and efficient.
8. Hair and Nail Salons and Barbershops
Obviously, a barber and a hairstylist’s services are necessary for personal grooming. As long as your hair grows and your nails need trimming and glamming, salons and barbershops are here to stay.
9. Dance Studio
Despite the countless YouTube dance tutorial videos, the need for actual formal and physical dance training will never be easily replicated. No online choreographer or teacher can fully transfer knowledge and impartation without real-world human interaction.
There are a lot more businesses that can never be replaced by online shops. As long as there is a need for these products and services, physical commercial shops will continue to thrive.
