Do you think traditional retailers will become obsolete in the future?

Good question! I don't think they'll become obsolete, but I do think a lot of stores may have to change the way they do business a bit. I do a lot of shopping online at the moment because I hate dragging two pre-schoolers to the shops with me. However, given an opportunity to shop by myself there are certain things I'd prefer to go to a physical store for. If I'm buying fancy tea I like to smell and sometimes taste the different blends. With clothes it's ultimately less trouble if you can try them on in-store. And proper face to face good customer service is still a fine thing. And I do love a good browse in a book shop where you can touch and smell the books (and secondhand ones do have a special smell).

I've heard about stores that do a combination of online and storefront business, where people can try on samples of clothes in store then order them online with a minimum of staff needed in the shop. We might see more of that. Other places might concentrate more on the customer service angle, up the quality and the prices for people who are prepared to pay extra to be treated well. I suppose we'll see.

by Jennifer Muirhead

I think they will become obsolete, sadly. I feel sorry for those who love working in such shops, some really enjoy it. The fact is buying online has become fast, easy and affordable. The only ones physical stores can compete is to lower prices and offer free parking. But with the rushing cost of renting the store, paying for staff etc how could they? I love buying online you can do it 24/7 in your pj's even in bed if you wish, these days they arrive pretty quickly, they are cheaper and whilst browsing you don't have a sales assistant watching you. Plus no driving or driving round and round looking for a parking spot necessary. Bliss

by SupahAnnie

While I think retail stores selling entertainment are ultimately doomed, I still think other shops are going to stick around. The shops that are most likely to survive are clothing shops because people want to try things on, see if they fit, or how they look on. I also think supermarkets and food stores will stay around - although maybe in diminished capacity - because people like to browse and have physical contact with them. The same goes for homeware and gifts. People actually want to see the item.

But DVDs, CDs, games, etc, don't stand a chance in the digital age.

by Bryony Harrison

I honestly think we will start seeing the demise of certain retail stores in years to come. Whilst some people prefer the 'in-house' shopping experience, online shopping can offer us quite a lot - side-by-side price comparisons, as well as product reviews at the tip of our fingers.

Perhaps some stores such as clothing and furniture will continue to exist as people like the touch and feel of fabrics before buying, but I can't see how shops selling books, magazines, DVDs, games and similar will exist in the future.

by EricaL

The 'Physical' shopping we do in our lives will Always remain.

For one reason or the other hundred.....people prefer in all honesty to be able to 'feel' 'try-on' what they want to buy in ways of clothing, or essentially shoes are a must!

Shoe shops I feel will never close down, or clothes, hats.Handbags same thing.

Suits for men, and also their shoes.

People get a 'high' from buying in person.

There are items that buying on line now is the only way.
I have been collecting certain items, and they could not be found any other way.

The internet can I believe only cover ''so-much''.

It is not the absolute.

Maybe it can cover 50% of most items, but I am yet to be convinced, it can and will take over total-shopping-experience.

We also have to remember that physical - shopping, is a day out.

A day you can also have fun, and lunch out, so the social aspect would be very well missed.

The internet is valuable, especially for people who are (home-bound)....It's application for those people is nothing short of wonderful.

For time poor people, who work all hours once again great application.

Mother's with young children, once again Internet is a blessing.

But! for people who love the opportunity to have time-out, and some fun.....it's a must.

There are some items, and we must not forget that no matter how well displayed on the internet....you just have to buy in person.
That's a given.

by jonaja

Doubt it greatly!

One of my hobbies', & I wouldn't be the only person doing so, is 'mall mooching', or olden days saying, 'window shopping!!

I find it very relaxing, & don't have to buy a thing, except maybe a meal, &/or coffee!

'Bricks & Mortar' stores will remain, as many people don't have a computer, or feel secure putting their CC details on the 'net........

There're multiple enjoyments to be had by just 'going to the shops', IMHO!

by donjo