It’s called Showrooming, and it’s becoming an issue. You go into the big box store, looking to buy a Blu-Ray player. You look at the models while the kid in the blue shirt explains the pros and cons of each. So far, so good. Then, you whip out your smartphone and snap a few pics, zap a QR code or two, and do a little online comparison shopping. Ultimately, armed with all of this consumer knowledge, you leave the store, go home, and make your purchase online. So, from Best Buy’s point of view, they are doing all the work while Amazon gets the sale.
So brick-and-mortar stores are getting creative.
Now some big retailers are taking a new approach to the dreaded showrooming by transforming their stores into extensions of their own online operations. Wal-Mart, Macy’s, Best Buy, Sears, the Container Store and other retailers are stepping up efforts to add Web return centers, pickup locations, free shipping outlets, payment booths and even drive-thru customer service centers for online sales to their brick-and-mortar buildings. Memphis Commercial Appeal
Additionally, Wal-Mart is letting people order online, pick up at the store, and pay in cash – which is a surprising chunk of business for them. Meanwhile Sears is introducing drive-thru pickup – and even drive thru returns (if you have ever stood in line at the Service Desk, you know that sounds AWESOME!)
So, what do you think? Are you a Showroomer? (It’s OK – we’re all friends here!) Have you seen any of these new developments at you favorite brick-and-mortar store? Let us know…read the original article…and have a great weekend!
(photo: blog.amaze.com)
Thank you Al Gore for giving us the internet :-0 I have always been a savvy shopper – checking prices & consulting consumers reports – now….I have an app for that…..if you don’t want to “match-it” then You don’t the sale. Frys Electronics brags a “price match” program BUT they will ONLY match on certain items AND ONLY certain retailers (Amazon is one)
LOL
I wish i would have done this about 2 months ago.
i went to Best Buy with buying a bluray player that i had researched on the net. . when i got there i was met by a salesman and he talked me into a player that was more money and a surge strip that cost have the price of the player .
i ended up spending $206 before i left the store .i went in with the intention of spending $85 . wish i would have bought online instead of going to the store
BTW i really don’t like the player i bought at all and the salesman told me i could run an Amazon app through it. it will not run the app. and they will not give a refund .
i also did the drive thru thing at sears , i guess its ok but i would rather deal with a person than a machine
Walmart is nothing more than a glorified dollar store .
i like Target better because they have higher quality merchandise
i still think Amazon has the right idea. nothing fancy just a great a to z guarentee .
I really like that stores have online sites to order from. Most of the time you can find one of the cash back sites will have the store you are shopping at listed on their site. That way you can order and get cash back too. Last Christmas I order some games from Walmart and picked them up at the store. I got a better price buying online and the cash back was a bonus. Amazon is the only one that is not listed at any of the cashback sites I use.