As a college student, I have a hard time finding the time to shop anywhere but online, and I am sure many others can relate. Online shopping is the easiest way to find what you need on a time crunch, without even leaving your couch, or in my case, the library. Shopping online can be done anywhere, whether it’s during a boring lecture class, while trying to distract yourself from your weird uber driver, or when you are trying to be antisocial while walking to class. If I can shop on the go through my phone or computer, why ever go to the mall again right? Well online shopping is actually creating a huge shift in the retail industry and here’s why…
Online shopping has created a huge shift in employment. Job hirings are completely declining in physical shops since consumers are relying on online methods of purchasing. Traditional retail has been really struggling with this issue. Chains are faltering, while being replaced by major online stores like Amazon and Walmart. People all over are choosing to shop online rather than in person due to companies like these who offer items for cheaper and little or no charge for delivery.
All of this online shopping means that consumers are purchasing a wider range of goods online. These online sales are often completely overthrowing those of traditional stores, such as ones you see in the mall. Macy’s specifically has closed numerous amounts of stores since their shopping traffic has declined so much.
Luckily, startups and tech firms are creating ways to help smaller stores catch up and stay in competition with the big name online stores. As these companies try their best to learn and adapt to new tools, firms are still hesitant to invest their money since online shopping has reached more popularity than ever before.
What can you do to keep your favorite stores up and running? Make sure to keep this information in mind the next time you click “add to cart” on your amazon prime account. Remember that this contributes to putting a small business or physical store into trouble. So take a break! Leave campus, get a shift in surroundings, some fresh air, and make sure to support small or local shops!
