Forrester Research has a new report that essentially tells how many businesses are still behind when it comes to digital marketing. One example that is mentioned is Staples, the office products brick and mortar store, which is getting 50% of its sales from its online store but isn’t ready to go digital yet. Say what?
How can any business be getting half of its sales from its online store and not be leveraging the Internet to the best of its ability?
Keep in mind that Amazon started out as a digital storefront and has perfected itself as an online department store. They have become the digital competitor to virtually every type of retail business in the brick-and-mortar world. If traditional retailers like Staples are struggling, then how much more so are all the rest? Where will brick-and-more retailers be in 15 or 20 years? Will they be extinct?
If you’re the owner of a brick-and-mortar store, now should be the time that you are thinking about going digital. In fact, now may be too late.
Imagine yourself being in a small town and having your retail business swallowed up by the likes of Wal-Mart and Target. What should you do? One option is to transition your small town retail shop into an e-commerce store and expand your customer base. While you’ll still have competition online, you stand a much better chance of leveraging your expertise, especially if you can find a niche that hasn’t been dominated by a big chain in the online space.
Retailers, it’s time to go digital – if you haven’t already.