Do you see the pandemic accelerating technology orientation within industries such as retailing? For instance in retailing do you see online shopping being the primary channel of shopping and the physical store being the second choice due to this pandemic or will that happen because online shopping is truly giving a better experience than physical shopping? Please have your say.
Online shopping has become the primary means for some (in my personal circle), either due to the convenience aspect or owing to comorbidities/medical conditions that make it safer for them to shop online in order to lower the risk of COVID-19. They have been generally impressed with the online shopping experience. Whereas personally, I still prefer to physically go to the shop, but then I am a Generation Xer, whereas a greater proportion of the younger generations (Y and Z) are more prevalent regarding online shopping.
Rodney Duffett thank you very much for your prompt and insightful response
Yes, definitely. Technological orientation has increased in the pandemic scenario. This is because of the increased demand of omnichannel presence by the retailers. However, it may seem like the only solution due to restriction on physical movement, but in the long run particularly in Indian peninsula context, the level of service and quality of products are going to play a vital role. Most of these markets being price sensitive, some key behaviors will take time to change, like:
- Touching and feeling of product for quality assurance
- Doubt on the logistics/delivery partner for adulteration/cheating/loot etc.
- The fear of not getting authentic/original product
- Opportunity loss of economic benefits enjoyed by bargaining with retailers
- Credit availability with traditional retail stores
- Speed of delivery or the lead time of the product
So keeping all these things in mind, a change is definitely coming, but is the change sustainable and ling-sighted...Let's wait and watch.
Online shopping is more convenient but I would not call it "better experience". Yes, pandemic definitely influenced development of online retail attracting new target audience. From the other hand, e-retail is not a new phenomena, and we've seen its rapid development long before the pandemic. Pandemic also showed an importance of the local retail actors and offline retail got a new sustainable chance when people are coming back to the local shops to help them to survive. I think we will see more of offline shopping coming years.
Interesting to see the interest shown by most of you on shopping on physical platforms, despite of the technological enhancements. In time to come I guess the consumers will have a choice between online and offline shopping. Lets wait and watch this interesting change. Thank you for all your responses, much appreciated - Oshan
Technology Orientation in Retailing has been introduced in the business world and it was on continuous growth. but sudden spread of Covid -19 pandemic has forced business organization to introduce contactless delivery mechanism in the product delivery and this has offered opportunity for accelerated technology application in retaining.
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