Originally posted by beachgardener That is why we need to change, people need jobs, much nicer to go into a shop and chat and purchase from a person, people need to realise the need to retain shops, what sort of world will it be without shops only internet? Not good that is for sure.
I would guess that 5% of my shopping would be online, 95% in shops. Also those self serve checkouts, never use them, best to have someone in a job.
I think BestBuy has the best model thus far with a wide array of camera types on display, freely to try without asking a sales person. As well as sales staff on hand to answer questions if you have any... seems low stress and low hassle there.
Their issue is not a lot of lenses on display or even for sale, no used catalog, and a limited range of products vs online competitors. Oh, and online shops take paypal and other online methods of transaction which a bestbuy does not. Plus the rewards % on sales and other perks at shops such as Adorama or B&H.
It is difficult to beat an online catalog available to order from 24/7 and straight to your door delivery of a vast amount of items that would be difficult to stock in multiple B&Ms if you started a camera store chain.
I think this is generally speaking an older person versus younger person dilemma. The older person is used to specialized shops and in-person treatment and younger people are geared more to online shopping with no communication with sales, a huge selection, and not having to drive across town to get something. More of a social aspect to older people in terms of community and less with younger. That's difficult to change..
I only do grocery shopping in a B&M (where I almost always use a self checkout and get to bag groceries myself), every other purchase is online.. hmm outside of shoes since those are particular. But most clothing, electronics, even soap and the like is bought online. I never have to get in a car and deal with impatient and stressful traffic, jerk people in stores, or spending time outside of the comfort of my home.