What is a brick-and-mortar store?
A brick-and-mortar store is a physical store where retailers display their products. Customers visit the physical stores to look, try and buy products with the help of the representatives.
In contrast to Amazon, which is an online shop, a brick-and-mortar store would be the local grocery or a neighborhood Target outlet. Primarily, people shop for products and services in physical retail establishments.
How does a brick-and-mortar store work in India?
A brick-and-mortar store in India works similarly to all other countries. Here’s an overview of how a brick-and-mortar store works.
1. Location and store setup
You look for a physical location to set up a store. The location is decided based on the factors like footfall, accessibility, and target audience.
2. Layout and design
Your store must be designed in such a way that all your product samples are displayed to gain customers’ attention. The layout, lighting play, and physical appearance of the store play an important role in brick-and-mortar stores.
3. Product sourcing and inventory
Source products from manufacturers and wholesalers based on your niche and target market demand. Keep track of inventory and rotation of new products.
4. Hire sales person
Hiring a sales representative to help your customers have a delightful experience. Depending on your store size, salespersons are hired.
5. Offline and online marketing
Using marketing tactics like newspaper ads, posters, visiting cards, and word-of-mouth marketing were the initial ways of promoting the store. However, marketing techniques have also grown over the years and now social media marketing and Google ads help you increase the footfall on your store.
What are the differences between online and brick-and-mortar stores?
Likewise, a brick-and-mortar store is a conventional street-side shop where customers may just walk in and purchase items or services. This category includes all department stores, shopping malls, and street-side businesses.
Online stores are all virtual stores on the internet from which customers may purchase things, as the name implies. This category includes eCommerce sites and retail websites. To make the best decision, you must compare each of these firms and understand the principles involved.
What are examples of a brick-and-mortar store?
There are 4 types of brick-and-mortar stores like
1. Department stores
Walmart, Dmart, and Jiomart are a few examples of departmental stores. They generally own all the products that one may need in their day-to-day life.
2. Grocery stores
Local grocery stores usually sell fruits and vegetables and other necessities.
3. Fashion and beauty
H&M, Zara, Adidas etc owns an offline and online store to help customers try and buy products. It also helps them to spread their brand awareness.
4. Electronics
Chroma, Apple stores, and Bestbuy are a few examples of electronics brick-and-mortar stores.