With more people living a ‘hectic’ lifestyle, online shopping is becoming more popular especially for everyday products (e.g. grocery stores). Several other stores have started to expand their distribution network, to include online stores, in addition to maintaining their retail space - one such example is L’Oreal.
French cosmetics giant L'Oreal (LRLCY.PK) plans to increase the distribution network for its popular brands like Maybelline, Garnier, Lancome and L'Oreal Paris, by selling its skincare and makeup products online in France next year.
Do you think online stores will completely replace retail stores in the next 50 years? Do you think that some products are more likely to be sold online vs in a retail space? Do you prefer shopping online or in a retail space?
Check out the article here: http://seekingalpha.com/article/686621-l-oreal-re…
Certain things will go mostly online, but many others will stay in retail stores. To give an example, a few years ago my wife asked me what I thought about the future of bookstores due to Amazon and the Kindle. I told her that small boutique bookstores that appeal to niche readership and employ staff with a high knowledge base will stick around while high-volume, "big box" stores will likely see their presence wane. With the demise of Borders and the weakness of B&N (who are doing well with their Nook) I think it was a pretty accurate prediction.
The major question to ask is: "What can you buy without seeing/holding it in person with confidence that you will get what you want?' I would have no problem buying many things like this on the web, but other things I think require a retail boutique. For example, would you buy an expensive pair of dress shoes without trying them on? Would your wife/girlfriend purchase curtains/drapes/bedding materials without seeing them in person first?
Amazon is well aware of this and that is why they are attacking the market, trying to be the "Wal Mart of the Web."
Compared to ten years ago, I'm more confident that I'll get what I want because internet retailers have made it a much better experience for the customer. I've ordered an expensive pair of dress shoes online because I know i can ship it back and exchange it for free. I've bought electronics online because I read and compared the reviews, watched detailed video reviews, and trust most people want the same features I'm looking for. But there will always be products that need to be tested out before purchase. Clothing is a little trickier. If you know your sizing and you're familiar with the brand's sizing and fit, then you're gold.
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