E-store vs. Physical store (benefits as well as challenges):   

The world has shifted to a digital world. The way people shop has changed over time. Businesses around the world have learned to use both physical and digital stores to stay competitive in today's market. To better satisfy customer demands, they have also begun incorporating technology into their business models, and some have even adopted an Omni channel strategy to further enhance returns. On the first hand, we should have proper information regarding online stores and physical stores.

A traditional brick-and-mortar location that customers can visit is referred to as a "physical store." On the premises that the business leases or owns, these stores, which are also known as retail locations, make sales.

An e-commerce website is referred to as a digital store. It involves managing a business online, including controlling inventory and transactions. Amazon is the most well-known illustration of a digital store.

As more people choose to shop online, digital stores are growing in popularity. However, there are advantages and disadvantages to both choices.

Benefits of physical stores:                                                     

Increases customer adherence: Customers begin to develop loyalty when they can visit a store. They become familiar with the workers and feel a connection to the brand of the business. In the end, this aids businesses in increasing product sales.

Let customers interact with the products: Customers can test the products they are considering purchasing thanks to on-site inventory management. They can see how they act and appear.

Encourages quick sales: Customers who visit a physical location have a better chance of purchasing than those who do so online. The customer can also buy additional last-minute items because they are physically present at the store. Online shoppers, on the other hand, tend to save items in their cart for later.

Makes life easier: The convenience of physical stores accounts for a significant portion of sales. For instance, if someone needs carpet cleaner right away, they can go to their neighborhood store. People will never rely solely on e-commerce shopping because they need convenience.

Drawbacks of Physical stores:

Since physical stores require customers to visit in person, the majority of their customers live within a certain store radius. Stores may suffer if the neighborhood experiences a downturn in the economy.

Increases operating expenses: Brick-and-mortar locations necessitate high overhead costs because businesses must pay for both the store's employees and commercial space. Statements of profit and loss may be significantly affected as a result of this.

Makes it harder to schedule: Staffing is required for physical stores, which can only sell products during business hours. These restrictions limit sales and necessitate more employees.

Benefits of E-store:

That Allows International Sales: If shipping is available, a digital store can sell to any customer worldwide. Since the company is not restricted to a single location or demographic, this raises the potential for profits.

Consists of drop shipping: Over the years, dropshipping has grown in popularity. It refers to manufacturers sending products directly to customers. Drop shipping eliminates the need for businesses to locate and reserve inventory storage space. This makes more sales and saves money on overhead.

Reduces entry barriers: A digital store can be started by almost anyone with today's resources. Owners only need to gain access to shipping and inventory, not a physical store.

Enables greater profit margins: Online stores have higher profit margins as a result of lower overhead costs. Digital sales can be the primary focus of businesses' returns. For instance, online retailers frequently have profit margins that are higher than 4.5 percent while brick-and-mortar retailers frequently have profit margins that are as low as 0.5 percent.

Drawbacks of E-store:     

Restricts customer interaction: Digital stores cannot frequently build their brand effectively, which weakens their connection to customers. Businesses may experience lower sales as a result, making it challenging for them to succeed in today's market.

Imposes higher return requirements: When compared to their brick-and-mortar counterparts, online retailers have a return rate of 9%, while brick-and-mortar retailers have a return rate of more than 20%. This could be because people who buy things online can't physically see, feel, or try on products.

Only appeals to people who prefer to shop online: Despite their ability to reach a larger audience, online stores do not appeal to all customers. According to the Pew Research Center, only 90% of adults shop online in 2019; 10% only shopped in real stores. This includes individuals over the age of 65, households with low incomes, and rural communities.

In the end, It is not necessary for business owners to limit their choices to just one of the two. They can rely on both strategies to increase income while still providing the best customer experience. In addition, the current economic climate has taught us that having an online version of your physical store has benefited businesses greatly.