With the advent of online shopping, a lot of businesses have gradually started to feel the pain of losing customers in their bricks and mortar locations. Consumers have started to feel more confident about internet shopping and using their credit cards online.
But not everything can be purchased online. There is still a range of bricks and mortar industries that are never going to go away because consumers need to physically go into the establishment. Here are some examples.
1. Restaurants and Cafés
People will always visit these for special occasions, when they are on vacation, or just when they are out and about and want to stop for a break and something to eat.
The internet has made it easier for small establishments to attract customers through online delivery services such as Seamless and Grubhub. However, it also means they have to hire more delivery people and they won’t always get the profits usually associated with people who come in and order drinks, wine and cocktails.
2. Fast Food Restaurants
They are fast (as the name suggests), offer some pretty good price deals, and are a favorite with families on the go as a treat for the kids.
3. Bars
Man (and woman) is a social animal. Bars will always be popular with those who like to hang out with friends or go to lively locations to meet people.
4. Dry Cleaning and Laundries
This is definitely one of life’s essentials that can’t be done on the internet.
5. Barber Shops and Hair Salons
These are two other establishments where you physically have to go into a bricks and mortar location in order to get what you need.
6. Nail Salons
Women who like getting their nails done will have to go to these bricks and mortar locations.
7. Spas
Spas are becoming increasingly popular for women and also men. It’s a chance to get away from it all and be pampered for a couple of hours.
8. Yoga Studios
You can certainly study yoga online and do it from the comfort of your own home. But in general, it is good to get out of the house, meet others in class, and study under a teacher who can see your postures and help you stay safe as you make the most of your yoga practice.
9. Banks
Online banking is extremely popular, but there will always be a need for ATMs for cash and branch offices where customers can do their banking in person.
10. Cell Phone Stores
These are popular with people who want to see the last phone models, get someone to look at a phone if it is broken, add a line to their service, and so on.
11. Drug Stores and Pharmacies
Drug stores are still going strong, even though you can order medicines online and even get big discounts if you order from overseas (such as Canadian pharmacies). People always need to get prescriptions filled right away. It’s easier than ever with electronic prescribing, where your doctor sends the information right to the pharmacy of your choice.
Many chain drug stores also stock food and drink, baby items, and basics like bread, milk and eggs. Some chain stores stay open 24 hours, so you’ll always be able to get what you need.
12. Warehouse Clubs
Warehouse clubs such as Costco and BJ’s can be real money savers. Pay an annual membership that averages about $1 per week and save on many of the items your family loves. Many of the packages are quite large, such as 20 rolls of paper towels, so you will need some storage space or shopping buddies who will split the cost and the items. However, the prices are usually a lot better than you would get in the supermarket on sale and/or with a coupon.
