I just read that Gordmann's is looking to file bankruptcy because they are having a hard time competing with online shopping and that got me to thinking about some things. My husband really doesn't like shopping online because it takes away from the local retailer. I kind of agree with him, but have some legitimate reasons why I shop online, as well as a few suggestions for local retailers.#1 I shop online for the convenience. I don't have to get all dressed up in case I run into someone I know. I am not vain at all (I went to church Sunday without any makeup because I had a horrible headache but knew the Sunday school would be short if I didn't go, so off I went without makeup). At any rate, if I can shop online to save me time from making myself presentable, so be it. Also, I can shop online after a store has closed, which may be the only time I had during the day to do so.
#2 It's easier for me to go to Amazon, type what I'm looking for and "boom", there it is (with about 10 other choices that are similar). I choose the Prime option and know I'm going to get it delivered to me in 2 days. You can't beat that! Here's an example: My husband's watch needed a new battery. He checked a retailer's online website to make sure they had the watch battery he needed. He typed in the store information and it showed they had 4 in stock; however, when he arrived there, he spent several minutes looking for the watch battery and then waited to talk to someone. Once he talked to someone, they checked where the watch batteries should be and NOTHIN' found. So, he's wasted gas and his time and the clerk's time looking for a watch battery that I found and ordered in less than 2 minutes on Amazon.
#3 I don't have to deal with the people. You know, I do LOVE people and I love talking to people and getting to know them. But, let's face it, "other" people can be super annoying in the stores. I am a Type A personality and wish that our aisles had traffic lines on the floor, so people have some guidance where their cart should be. Like, can we all drive on the RIGHT side unless we're passing a cart? And, I wish people would know that you shouldn't stop and leave your cart in the middle of the aisle where nobody can get around no matter which direction you're going. And, you gotta love the screaming child who is wailing at the top of his/her lungs because they're not getting their way and a parent who is obviously deaf from the child's screaming that they can tune this child out, only for the rest of us in the store to hear! Need I go on? If I have to go to an unnamed 'blue' store in our area, I have to mentally prepare myself before going in. I put on some Young Living Peace and Calming or Stress Away before going in, and know that I am set to be either amused or annoyed....or both.
#4 Oh, and the people talking on their cell phone while they're shopping... I am guilty at times, but I keep the convo short and brief. I once watched a man wander the store with NOTHING in his cart while he talked on his cell phone. He was going up and down the aisles for well over 15 minutes and kept talking and then he'd stop and stand there looking at items on the shelf, but never did he put anything in his cart... and he kept getting in my way because he'd just stand there. I don't encounter that when I shop online. :)
#5 And, here's another reason why I don't always like shopping in the store, and one that maybe retailers should note: Some (not all) employees act like they don't want to be there. If you ask them a question, they act annoyed that you've even asked. Some (again, not all) act like they don't know anything and that we, the retail customer, are a bother to them. Maybe, just maybe, if employees realized what a privilege it is to have a job (even if it's a retail job) and that their jobs are in jeopardy because of online shopping, they would be more friendly and more helpful? And, I have to say that I do try to be overly friendly to them, so it's not like I'm acting "entitled" for them to serve me.
#6 Oh, and who stopped building indoor malls in the Midwest? Good grief, I HATE the cold and would love to be able to go to the mall and do my shopping for multiple things in one nice, warm place. There are some beautiful shopping centers around the CB/Omaha area, but I have to go in and out of the building, and when it's cold... forget it... I'll shop online first. Now, give me a nice day, some girl time and retail therapy, and I'll take that, but it just doesn't happen often enough!
I would love to patronize my local stores more often, but the trends are changing. If I could go into a store and do a quick computer search to know where in the store I can find something, maybe I would come back more often. Or, better yet, if there was an actual person that was happy to help me find what I'm looking for I might just come back more often. Sometimes, it's fun to go browse, but life is busy and I just want to get in, find what I am looking for and get out.
Not sure what the solution is, other than increase the helpfulness and friendliness at the stores. And, if you want to stay employed, maybe get a job for UPS or FedEx, as I'm sure those jobs will grow with more online shopping.
