MAGA MAN
Let's go Brandon!
These stores ran profitably for years relying on the fact that consumers were poorly informed about the technical aspects of the products, as well as inability to conveniently shop for price. Say that you needed a new television. You had a budget, which typically set the screen size.
You'd likely spend time looking at Sunday newspaper ads, followed by half a day driving around shopping for one. Rarely would you be able to obtain even the basic manufacturer's information prior to shopping. Go to the big store to compare brands. Get pressured by a salesman who knew little more than you did. Write down some model numbers and prices, then walk out and drive to the next place. Then you'd see some of the same brands, some others. Sometimes the same brand but a different model. Many times a "store brand" that was really another brand in disguise. All very confusing, when you finally made a decision it was usually a compromise, not exactly what you wanted but at least the task was over and done with.
Along comes on-line retail, especially Amazon. Shop at home, zero pressure from useless sales folk. Open up a new browser and get technical information directly from the manufacturer. Instantly. Read reviews and compare brands and models. Once you decide exactly what you want, shop for price and delivery.
Big box retail should have seen this coming and adapted their business model. Instead of creating an on-line presence to inform consumers, Sears installed cashier islands that you have to walk around just to get in the store. They could have easily turned their stores into nearby warehouses where you can pickup your pre-paid order instead of paying for shipping and waiting for the UPS man.
You'd likely spend time looking at Sunday newspaper ads, followed by half a day driving around shopping for one. Rarely would you be able to obtain even the basic manufacturer's information prior to shopping. Go to the big store to compare brands. Get pressured by a salesman who knew little more than you did. Write down some model numbers and prices, then walk out and drive to the next place. Then you'd see some of the same brands, some others. Sometimes the same brand but a different model. Many times a "store brand" that was really another brand in disguise. All very confusing, when you finally made a decision it was usually a compromise, not exactly what you wanted but at least the task was over and done with.
Along comes on-line retail, especially Amazon. Shop at home, zero pressure from useless sales folk. Open up a new browser and get technical information directly from the manufacturer. Instantly. Read reviews and compare brands and models. Once you decide exactly what you want, shop for price and delivery.
Big box retail should have seen this coming and adapted their business model. Instead of creating an on-line presence to inform consumers, Sears installed cashier islands that you have to walk around just to get in the store. They could have easily turned their stores into nearby warehouses where you can pickup your pre-paid order instead of paying for shipping and waiting for the UPS man.