Introduction
A few years back only, shopping used to be carried out by our parents as they would go to the local markets carrying bags and a list of items. Annoyingly, they spent time negotiating over the price within the market and would return home exhaustedly. But now the scene has changed drastically due to the easy access to e-commerce.
Thousands of entrepreneurs have online introduced their wide range of products include electronics, clothing, software, kitchenware, foodies, books, etc. The revolutionary trend of online shopping has surprisingly, taken over the market, and people from both urban and rural areas are now found browsing the online retail store. Indian online store has a list of multiple classified sites of the most popular shopping stores. Surveys confirm that India is one of the five main retail hubs in the world.
Presently, let’s consider the reason for the growth in the online sector.
Benefits of retail shopping
- Convenience
Through retail shopping, a customer can shop wearing his casual dress in his comfortable place for anything just by a click of a computer.
- Variety of products
Online merchandisers offer a wide range of products arranged in multiple categories. In this way, customers give infinite choices.
- Easy Transaction
As a result of this, online shoppers can make their dealings by using their credit cards or pay cash on delivery as per the retail’s policy. It saves time as it avoids standing in long queues at cash counters for payment.
- 24hrs service
Local online shopping provides 24 × 7 service, which means that you can shop in the wee hours of the morning or late night also.
- Customers review
The online Shoppers can go through the customer’s review provided on the respective retail website. Consequently, they can check the reliability of the outlet by reading the experience of other customers.
- Sign of relief
Local online shopping is a good option for working women. It saves their precious time, and they can manage their household chores systematically. Moreover, mothers protected from bargaining with the vendors for the price.
- Discounts and schemes
Online retail shopping provides discounted rates. Subsequently, it allows you to shop at a low price and sometimes with cashback offers, coupons, deals, and easy EMI.
?Though online retail shopping has affected the country, now let’s see the drawbacks
Drawbacks
- Online scams
As the number of victims of identity swiping and theft has increased in our country, people fear of risking with their credit card evidence. Sometimes online transactions end up with a bad experience which is discouraging and a matter of worry.
- Material
You cannot feel the content of clothes, and you have to rely on your body’s measurement entirely. There is no facility of ‘trial room.’ Although you can send back your online parcel, yet the overall process becomes time-consuming.
- Misleading view
The online products are sometimes not picturized or displayed because customers are found complaining about the appearance of the product delivered.
- Privacy and security
Privacy and security of the online shopper are sometimes at stake due to online scams and hoaxes. Online shoppers should be cautious about making a safe transaction by installing free spyware removal tools. Keeping your web usage private or by preferring payment after delivery.
Impact on offline retailers
The smart online retailers have succeeded in attaining public attention through their intelligent strategies advertised on social media. Whereas, the sudden shift from the offline market to online mode has rattled the traditional retail industry. Unfortunately, the major affected ones are those small retailers who depend on physical visits of customers. They are not literate or quick enough to carry their business through the e-commerce industry. Eventually, some dealers have acted wisely and managed to cope up to increase their business.
Conclusion
The advent of smartphones with affordable data plans and appealing features of online shopping has led prospective customers to opt for online shopping. The favorable feedback of the shoppers has opened doors for retailers to grow in the online world. And, to be successful, the retail industry will have to adapt to the gush. Otherwise, they are at risk of losing out to the immense opportunities the technology is bringing in. Consequently, the online section is heading towards the development of our country to be called the “Digital India.”
