The shift from brick-and-mortar to online retail has been in the works for years, well before anyone had even heard of COVID-19. Online giants like Amazon have revolutionized the way consumers shop and fundamentally changed the economics of retail, allowing sellers to reach geographically diverse markets without a costly physical footprint.
Added Pressures Challenge Brick-and-Mortar Retailers
Still, many major retailers have stood out for maintaining their physical locations, bucking the trend in an attempt to differentiate themselves with customer service and a tactile experience.
