Ally Zillmer
Growing up in a generation where technology continues to progress at an increasing rate, it’s hard not to want to spend the majority of our time online or using technology. How often not only our generation uses technology, but even the generations above us is very prominent when you consider looking at the sales of online shopping vs. in-store shopping. Online competitors such as Amazon, continue to increase in their online sales. Specifically, Amazon continues to beat out other companies like Toys R Us who has been forced to close one-fifth of their stores due to bankruptcy and loss of interest from the consumers. Because today technology is so easy to access compared to walking into a store, the sales online are increasing not only for toys, but for most other goods as well.
Other stores continue to fight with the online store in sales and attracting customers to buy their numerous products. Because children and adults are so engrossed by their screen, they’re missing viewing advertisements for brands that may be passing them on a day to day basis. Technology being so accessible makes it much easier for those who are living busy lives to simply shop from home instead of trying to find time in their busy lives to go shopping for their families.
Below is an infographic chart that compares the sales of online shopping to in-store shopping:
In 2017, online sales were expected to supersede in-store sales during the holiday season. Customers reported that they were expecting to spend 51% of their budget for the holiday season online while others said that they would spend 42% of their budget in-store. This was an increase in online shopping compared to 2016 where consumers expected to only spend 47% of their budget online shopping. This increase in demand for online shopping continues to decrease consumers demands for buying goods in-store. Because technology is much more accessible, consumers find the idea of online shopping much more appealing.
More and more stores continue to run bankrupt due to the demand for online shopping. Stores like Toys R Us, Gap, Sears, and more are expected to have to close down 100 or more stores in the next three years. This huge decline in retail stores will continue to increase the demand for online shopping and then in return, more retail stores will end up bankrupt and the cycle will continue due to continuing in advancements in technology.
“Retail Vs. E-Commerce Trends: A Match Made In Heaven.” Retail TouchPoints,
Taylor, Kate. “Online holiday shopping is poised to beat in-Store sales for the first time ever - and it's terrible news for retailers like Sears and Macy's.” Business Insider, Business Insider, 24 Oct. 2017,
Thompson, Derek. “Who Bankrupted Toys 'R' Us? Blame Private Equity and Millennial Parents.” The Atlantic, Atlantic Media Company, 24 Jan. 2018,
I wonder what the solution, if there is one, for the conventional "brick and mortar" stores that are getting less and less traffic. I personally think that there is no real viable option for those stores than to start to adapt into online which I think many are doing. What I would like to learn about is whether stores like Toys'r'us are doing that. We can see from the headlines that "toys'r's is closing doors - they are losing business" but I want to see the data on how their online sales are doing, assuming they sell product online.
ReplyDeleteAlthough going in a store to buy a product is conventional, online shopping is becoming the contemporary method of shopping today. It’s to be impartial to either side when online shopping is significantly easier. This is exactly why it has performed better than actual stores. My only gripe about online shopping is the possibly long wait time. Otherwise I have just been wondering why I see more and more stores closing around southeastern Wisconsin. Hopeful in-store companies will be able to push their consumers to go to their online stores first, before they go to Amazon.com
DeleteThis blog post was very interesting to me because I have even noticed myself that I do a lot more online shopping than in store shopping. As our technology gets even more advanced and accessible, it prompts us Americans to utilize these devices more. With that being said, online shopping is very convenient for us, but it does cost more. In stores, there are always automatic deals that the cashiers apply for you, but online if you don’t enter to promo code you don’t get the deal. Not to mention, shipping is extremely expensive. So, from my perspective online shopping is a lot easier for us, but it does cost a lot more money, and maybe this could be a help to our economy.
ReplyDeleteI believe that online shopping will over time take over in store shopping. If you go to Brookfield square you will notice a lot of stores shutting down. Over the past 8 months or so speaking for myself I have not bought any article of clothing at a store that wasn't online. Online shopping while can be a hassle having to wait for items to ship and the shipping can be messed up at times is still a lot more convenient especially when you can do it on your phone.
ReplyDeleteThere are a lot of pros and cons to both kinds of shopping, I like being able to try on clothes in store and not have to pay for shipping, but online shopping is definitely more convenient. Hopefully actual stores in malls won't all go bankrupt, because from time to time I enjoy actually going out to shop. Overall the online shopping can be better for the economy because of the extra shipping costs.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Hannah. Online shopping is very convenient and easy, but in store shopping is still a very necessary thing to have. If all stores start closing, I think that will cause an issue because there will be so many competitors online, that in store shopping could become more popular. For online shopping, shipping fees seem to be one of the other reasons holding back shoppers from just ordering from a store's website, but if more and more stores begin offering free shipping, the amount of online shoppers is sure to increase.
DeleteWhile online shopping is convenient, there can be some potential dangers to getting rid of in-store shopping altogether. For example, if stores such as Toys-R-Us and other toy stores completely go out of business, there could be a rise in prices from online sellers. This would be because there is not as much competition, and the demand for toys would still be present due to the expectations set by holidays like Christmas. In all, online shopping is convenient but I don’t believe it should be the only source of shopping.
ReplyDeleteI can say myself that I prefer to point and click to order something instead of driving and walking around. Its just that much simpler. But there are a few things online shopping can probably never replace. Things like groceries are really hard to replicate and do online. People like to tangibly hold those things and get it themselves. Itll be a hard thing for online stores to compete with. But I can see the online stores taking over pretty much every other retail business. Its just that much simpler and easier on the consumer.
ReplyDeleteOnline shopping is very easy, yet is in important that stores stay in business, as when there are both online stores and actual stores, competition is present. And without the competition prices would therefore rise. And with less places to buy, demand for certain things would be very high. Which is why online shopping, although convenient, shouldn't dominate the shopping world.
ReplyDeleteShopping online has become so convenient that it is unfortunate how this has affected so many stores. I feel the prominence of online shopping could lead to more people spending money. Since we spend so much time on technology, it is easy to see an ad and then purchasing that toy/clothing right away without thinking if you really need it. I think some stores thrive better with in-store shopping like food and clothing. Some companies, like Uber Eats, may help to keep some in-store businesses open as they have a driver go and pick up your food from the store.
ReplyDeleteOnline shopping is very convenient, some items some of the clothing or toys are sold exclusively online. I myself would rather online shop than have to go through the hassle of going to the store and dealing with rude or judgy people. I however think that if online sales become more prominent, their prices will go up and the buyers will have to go back to the stores.
ReplyDeleteWhile online shopping truly is convenient, it’s kind of sad that technology is taking over this part of our lives. Before technology skyrocketed, people would take a day trip to the store and be interactive with one another. Now, people can stay isolated in their homes and shop for whatever they want. I won’t lie, I like to online shop myself, but it’s rare. It’s nice being out of the house and making a day out of shopping. Within the next few years, it seems accurate to say that regular stores could have to shut down due to bankruptcy.
ReplyDeleteWow what a great blog, i really enjoyed reading this, good luck in your work. Shop Men & Women Fashion Online
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