Brick and Mortar vs. Digital Shopping

Summary

A recent survey reveals that 57% of shoppers plan to shop online this year, but local retailers in Branson are adapting by embracing digital tools. Tanger Outlet, for example, upgraded their website and introduced a mobile app to compete. However, brick-and-mortar stores like Beautiful Dresses emphasize the benefits of in-person shopping, offering personalized fitting and tailoring that online shopping can't replicate. While some shoppers prefer the convenience of digital shopping, especially those with accessibility needs, many still value the experience of trying on items in-store. Overall, a mix of both digital and traditional shopping methods is emerging as the new norm.

Takeaways

• 😀 57% of people plan to do their shopping online this year, according to a recent survey from City Retail Services.
• 😀 Brick-and-mortar stores are preparing to compete with digital shopping options this holiday season.
• 😀 Tanger Outlet in Branson has embraced digital marketing, including a website upgrade and a mobile app offering deals.
• 😀 The mobile app from Tanger Outlet helps shoppers access current deals directly from their smartphones.
• 😀 One brick-and-mortar store owner, A Lot of Morris, highlights that fitting services and tailored experiences cannot be replicated online.
• 😀 Beautiful Dresses, a store on the Branson Strip, offers personalized fitting and tailoring that online stores cannot match.
• 😀 Some shoppers, especially those with physical limitations, prefer shopping online due to the convenience of not needing to visit stores in person.
• 😀 Shoppers are divided in their preferences: 73% prefer digital shopping, while 42% use smartphones for shopping, and 13% rely on Alexa to handle their purchases.
• 😀 The convenience of shopping online is particularly attractive on days with poor weather or busy schedules.
• 😀 The survey suggests that many consumers are likely to engage in both digital and brick-and-mortar shopping, with 57% saying they will use both methods.

Q & A

What percentage of people plan to do their shopping digitally according to the Citi Retail Services survey?

About 57% of people said they plan to turn to their computers to do their shopping.

Where was reporter Krystle Blair conducting her interviews for this story?

Krystle Blair was in Branson, speaking with local retailers and shoppers.

How are Tanger Outlets in Branson adapting to digital shopping trends?

Tanger Outlets upgraded their website and launched a mobile app that provides customers with current deals and promotions.

What does Tanger Outlet’s general manager Jamie White say about their readiness for digital shopping?

Jamie White said they are ready both online and offline, emphasizing the use of their mobile app to enhance the shopping experience.

What advantage does the brick-and-mortar store owner Lata Morris believe her shop has over online stores?

Lata Morris believes that her store offers personalized fitting and tailoring services that online shopping cannot provide.

What is the name of Lata Morris’s store, and what new service has she introduced?

Her store is called 'Beautiful Dresses' located on the Branson Strip, and she has introduced a new group sales service.

How do shoppers in Branson feel about online versus in-person shopping?

The responses were mixed; some prefer online shopping for convenience, especially those with mobility challenges, while others value trying items on in-store.

What are some reasons shoppers prefer online shopping?

Shoppers cited convenience, accessibility for those who are handicapped, and the ability to interact with others online as key reasons.

What percentage of consumers said they plan to use their smartphones for shopping?

According to the report, 42% of consumers said they would use their smartphones for shopping.

How many consumers plan to use Alexa or similar technology for shopping?

About 13% of consumers said they plan to let Alexa handle their shopping tasks.

What overall trend can be observed from the survey and interviews?

There is a clear shift toward digital shopping, though brick-and-mortar stores remain competitive by integrating online tools and offering personalized experiences.