The End Of Retail Shopping
Are you prepared for the imminent demise of retail shopping as we know it?
The extinction of brick and mortar retail stores is on the horizon. In the past few years in Canada we have seen some giants fall; Eatons, Sears, Zellers, Radio Shack and Target Canada. These are just the tip of the iceberg. The entire economic model of revenue and profitability for retailers and the suppliers they do business with is collapsing under its own weight and soon will no longer function. The traditional ways of selling retail is antiquated compared to the low cost alternative of wholesale direct to consumer via e-commerce. Profit margins are no longer eaten up by the middleman. Monthly rent, salespeople and supplies for running a traditional brick and mortar store are no longer required. Those can all be replaced by a fulfillment company and some decent marketing.
Oh sure, some people claim that certain brick and mortar stores are doing well.
Whole Foods and Apple stores are the two I hear mentioned regularly out of the thousands of stores than exist. Two out of 10,000? Not very good odds.
I enjoy shopping at Whole Foods. I don’t shop there regularly as they are too far from my home but I will drop in when I’m nearby and eat. They have great take-out or eat-in, their organic and vegan selections are wonderful and the merchandising is top rate. I like the Whole Food’s experience. Apple? Not-so-much. I go there strictly out of necessity because I have a problem with my computer or phone. Otherwise, I find it frustrating and time consuming. Do you enjoy going to an Apple store?
This week I decided to walk into a mall and a regular retail store.
I don’t often visit many retail stores or malls as I spend my time shopping secondhand. I’ve lost touch with what is happening in traditional brick and mortar stores. Not too long ago I was addicted to visiting Anthropologie due to the unique artistic shopping experience and inspiration they offered. They have since become as boring as any other retail store and I stopped visiting. If retailers are to survive they need to offer me an exciting, unique shopping experience.
The retail store I visited was DSW. I knew instantly that something was up. They had half the inventory they had a year ago. Town Shoes, originally a large Canadian shoe chain bought several years ago by DSW, is closing all of their locations. This means that DSW is having profitability issues in Canada and is streamlining their costs. I wouldn’t be surprised to see the entire chain declare bankruptcy within Canada in the next year or so.
Did this make me sad? A little bit. I had shopped at Town Shoes and DSW in the past and appreciated their large selection. Buying shoes secondhand can be a challenge. I’m not a fan of buying shoes online as I find they are difficult to get exactly right as fit is so important. My husband was very disappointed as he is a shoe lover and had purchased quite a few items from that store.
The mall I visited had many vacant stores.
I would estimate that 30-40% of the space was vacant. The mall is large and had just undergone an extensive, costly renovation. Of the stores that remained I only recognized a few. I noticed that much of the space was taken up by service oriented businesses such a wireless providers, health care offices and beauty salons or spas. It certainly wasn’t a mall I would want to visit again any time soon. One of their anchor stores was Sears so I am sure that is part of the reason the mall is suffering.
Am I prepared to see a complete obliteration of what we have come to know as the retail shopping experience?
Even as an avid thrifter and secondhand shopper this worries me. What will happen to all of those jobs? I fear this will gravely impact our already struggling economy.
What about you? How do you feel when yet another retail chain or store goes belly-up? Are the malls near you failing?
Linking up with Patti for Visible Monday, Turning Heads Tuesday and Fancy Friday
Agreed, our “big mall” (small town) is struggling. It is sad to walk through (to my pedicure salon) and see many old favorites gone. GAP is a ghost town. Some young teen shops are doing well. JC Penney looks desperate although they do have a Sephora inside.
Will Amazon kill brick and mortar? Probably not, but it’s made an impact. For me (like you), keep those charity shops going, people! Love your look, natch. xox
-Patti
http://notdeadyetstyle.com
I don’t know how much longer some of these struggling malls can hold on for if only a few of the stores are making any cash.
Say it ain’t so. . . I only shop retail and love the touch n feel of clothing at brick & mortar locations. But, I have noticed the struggle at Dillards, JCPenney and Macy’s in my city. Often times I wonder what is going to happen to the jobs these stores produce. The last time I was in Dillards, I could not believe how quiet the store was and their summer shoes sale was a bust. Great post Suzanne. . . enjoy September!
We had the same issue before at Sears here. Of course that is gone now. I often wonder how much longer The Bay can hold on for. That is our iconic Canadian department store.
The loss of jobs is worrisome. And we are social creatures. One of the few activities we can do when we go downtown is shop. If that’s gone I don’t know what would replace that experience. Perhaps more coffee shops, but part of the fun of going there is to watch people outside. So we’ll just watch other people going to and from coffee shops? People seem to go to yoga for social fixes with their workouts. I guess our downtowns will be full of coffee shops and yoga studios. I am alarmed. The library is a free place, but those institutions with real books are endangered as well. I can’t think about this. Fingers in ears, humming loudly – for now.
I’ve read that people are replacing their consumption on experiences rather than things which I don’t see as bad but only coffee shops and yoga studios would be a bit much…even for Vancouver.
Bummer, I really enjoy just browsing, fondling and trying on! Also, shopping is a girlfriend bonding activity. Can we assume that there will be consignment , thrift and vintage shops??
I think I’ll join Melanie for some humming…
I imagine thrift stores will continue … at least I hope so.
I live in the Mecca of consumerism (due to its affluence) and we have the most and biggest malls here. I also have seen a detectable decline in their fortunes. Many malls have gone bust; most are not full. Retail is suffering for the reasons you cite.
As uneconomical as it is to buy in an actual store, there are some products (like clothing) that we really want to see in person before parting with our money. Looking at a dress online does not tell you if it will fit or look attractive on your body. And returning it is a hassle we don’t want. So, for some items, I still prefer to shop in person. But for fungible stuff (like office supplies), most of us go to Amazon.
You live really close to Woodbury Common don’t you?
It is very true that buying clothing online is difficult. I also prefer to see something in person and try it on before I lay down my hard earned cash.
I feel more excited in a thrift store than in a regular shop. The experience to shop a unique piece is to me more reconfortable…It makes me happy!
It is funny because after visiting these retail stores I realized just how turned off I was. There was nothing unique to be found. Like you, I prefer thrifting or vintage.
I’ve never been a huge fan of malls or department stores, as they have killed our local retail which once was typical in european streets. Nowadays, every main street in every city looks almost the same. Boring.
I’ll keep on visiting local retailers, local businesses create a real city life!.
But you won’t see me shed a tear for any big chain shops!. They have talked us into buying fast fashion and cheap stuff, so they can’t complain if people have found faster fashion and cheaper stuff in other places!!
besos
I agree that fast fashion has ruined not only our environment, but people’s overall concept of the value of clothing.
I also like to support independent stores. They are a dying breed.
oh, I almost forgot to comment on your beautiful skirt and jacket, such a lovely print, the colors and motives are amazing!
I live in the third most derelict town in the UK. I walked through one of our three shopping acrades this morning – out of 26 shops only four are still open. I can’t tell you how depressing it is.
Last week we even lost Marks and Spencer, which has stood in Walsall’s high street for the last 66 years.
The majority of people buy online these days but what about the older generation? Not all of them use the internet and with our town library facing the axe where on earth are they expected to shop?
I understand my shopping habits haven’t helped the situation, other than the odd cosmetic or toiletry I rarely buy anything new.
On a lighter note that’s one fab outfit! xxx
It is depressing. I’m sure the loss of jobs has had an impact in your area too.
I for one shop online thrift or big discount chains. i do not go to the mall per se but will pop in to shops that are in strip plazas, etc. When I have ventured in to the malls, the personnel don’t seem as happy and as helpful as years past. I am becoming a fan of ethical brands and trying to shop either thrift or ethically sourced brands.
Great post and always great to chime in here.
Happy Fall!
Nice to “hear” from you Shon!
I think that shopping thrift is still the best choice when caring about our earth.
I imagine that the personnel aren’t very excited because they’re a heartbeat away from losing their low paying jobs. It can’t be easy.
I rarely go to malls or larger chain stores except for items like socks, underwear, towels and bedding. The term “Customer service” seems to now mean that the staff will ring in your purchase, but they are not required to answer any questions or provide you with any assistance. These businesses are hastening their own end.
If I buy new clothing, I buy from smaller independently owned boutiques. Items cost more, but I know where my money is going and the service is wonderful.
Have you been into The Bay lately? It is a JOKE! There are one or two tills open that are lined up for 30 minutes or more every time I go in. Their new business model is void of customer service and that is part of the reason they are failing. I hate to think of yet another iconic Canadian company failing though, even if they were bought by the US.
Sadly I fear you are right and it seems to be the same the world over. I am in a small city without the usual large malls but even our small shops are slowly disappearing. Not only is the loss of jobs a sad thing but also the loss of community as the shops go. A thought provoking post Suzanne.
Great subject! Same here in the states. Large chain stores closing everywhere. It’s strange how you don’t read much about all the job losses this is causing. All I seem to read about is coal mining and manufacturing jobs that are going away. The whole B&M retail sector is collapsing. But there are so many reasons, it’s hard to pinpoint just one, like Amazon or online shopping in general. It is true that the average consumer has no concept of the value of clothing and what it takes to produce it. They just want fast fashion and deep discounts. So the big department stores felt to compete with the discount stores they had to become discount stores too. Now walk into Macy’s, once considered an upscale department store, and it looks like any TJ Maxx or Marshalls. They can’t afford the mall overhead when they’re working on such slim margins. And there is nothing different or exciting about shopping in these stores. I find wading through hundreds of racks of mediocre stuff depressing. I prefer consignment, or indie boutiques for shopping contemporary clothes myself. Smaller shops are not as overwhelming to shop in and often have a better selection. And I’d rather pay a bit more for that. I agree with others that there will always be people who want to try on clothes in person. So I’m hoping the small boutique owners will be able to continue to fill that void. I’d really be unhappy to see them go away too!
Theresa
I’m in two minds. Like you, the majority of my shopping (for clothes, furniture, Etc.) is second hand, from charity or vintage shops. I love the browsing experience of shopping in these shops. In fact, I love browsing in general, and I hardly ever buy anything online. If I’m old-fashioned, then so be it. Of course, I could name quite a few brick and mortar shops I wouldn’t be seen dead in, and which I therefore wouldn’t miss for a minute if they were no longer there. On the other hand, I think it is sad that so many smaller shops are disappearing from the high street. Apart from Antwerp’s main shopping district, lots of minor shopping streets, which were once the thriving backbones of local communities, are now full of boarded up shops, or pop-up shops selling discount tat. Then there’s the job losses to consider as well. I’m not sure at all if the end of retail shopping would be such a good thing … xxx
What beautifully written commentary about the new retail experience. I totally agree with you, I am sad to see the smaller businesses go by the wayside as larger businesses gobble them up like jellybeans. I rarely go to a shopping mall as there are only two in Manhattan. I do tend to shop small and local still, but in New York there is so much choice that this option is still viable.
That said, there are many stores, even on Madison Avenue, where there are closed locations and brown paper in the windows. It is a depressing site.
Is this progress? I think younger people would say yes but I am inclined to go with the rather resounding no.
Thanks for sharing this thoughtful post.
❤️❤️❤️
Elle
https://theellediaries.com/
Ergh , my comment was eaten. I appreciate that you shared this thoughtful post today. I agree with you that the retail landscape is changing drastically. There are only two shopping malls in Manhattan that I know of and I really go to them. Instead, I go to small and local stores as that is still a viable way to shop in New York City.
There are only two shopping malls in Manhattan that I know of, and I rarely go to them. Instead, I go to small and local stores, as that is still a viable way to shop in New York City. However I do see more and more closed locations abd brown paper in the store windows. I find it very sad.
This does not feel like progress…
❤️❤️❤️
Elle
https://theellediaries.com/
I think they are failing and there have been a lot of stores closing here in England. I like a shop because I can try things on and see how it fits so much better than online. I’m much less likely to buy if it’s online because of the hassle
I can weep, reading this. In The Netherlands I am afraid that all the little shops will go under and that we will have malls. I don’t want malls, I want an old town with lovely little shops. And now you painted me a furture even worse. No retail shops at all! Online is all very well, but they don’t give me advice. I will admit I am an old school shopper. I will cry if this happens.
Greetje
PS your outfit is great. Love this.
My whole family works in fashion retail and my brother told me a few months ago, when I told him that I do a lot of online buying: “People like you get me and other retailers out of business. Physical shops will disappear more and more, changing the look and experience of cities. Is that what you want?”
And no, obviously that’s not what I want.
Particularly small independent stores and boutiques, together with cute restaurants, cafes and coffeeshops bring charm and entertainment in cities and villages. They may have nice window displays, fun interiors and the lights in their windows brighten up the streets in the evenings or in wintertime.
A city without all that does not sound nice to me at all. We all know the experience of walking through streets or through a mall where half stands empty and shut down. A very depressing and ugly sight.
So I’m torn.
Shopping online has a lot of advantages for me. I can do it from home, when I’m not feeling well enough to go into town. There’s more choice online than there is in my town. It goes faster. And I can exchange, return and get my money back.
Difficult choices….