Online Platforms vs. Retailers and why they clash

Today is the best time to be alive. As a part of a global economic environment where the consumer is king, and technology has evolved to a point where people can just speak their wish and it comes true, the term ‘consumer’ is ever evolving and ever-empowering.

However, in the midst of all this evolution, there is a certain element of a clash. In the current context, it is between the online platforms and traditional retailers. From a pure economic standpoint, it would make sense for any traditional retailer to go online and allow for consumers to order products from them through proprietary online platforms or to be associated with already existing ones in order to save primarily on infrastructure and transportation. But not everyone does so. Why?

While it is true that most people would buy a book, or a relatively inexpensive gadget, etc. online, the two most important types of traditional product categories are shopped off from retailers. These are the FMCG, i.e., the Fast-Moving Consumer Goods, and SMCG, i.e., the Slow-Moving Consumer Goods. Agreed, the above-mentioned products do fall into these categories. However, the most absolute examples lie in the either extremes of these spectrums. For instance, people would seldom order sweets through an online medium unless it a part of a larger meal. Similarly, more expensive and long-term investments are bought through traditional retailers. An example of this could be an expensive phone, laptop/PC or things like expensive musical instruments. All of this is prevalent despite the online purchase option existing, and flourishing.

At first glance, this seems like a point in favour of traditional retailers. However, since it is in either extreme of the respective product spectrums, the retailers included are only a small part of the traditional system. As a result, there is always a certain tussle between the traditional, and the rapidly rising online mediums selling all kinds of consumer goods. However, what if both the mediums existed not in a competitive, but a cooperative environment? Not attempting to take consumers off the other, but attracting consumers for collective profits? It is possible.

The best example of this model actually working is Hi-Shopr, an online platform for people to shop all things mobile. Searching for terms like “Best Mobile Store in Delhi”, or even more specifically, “Best iPhone Store in Delhi” lends to an almost unending list of options. These are mostly online, and the retail options do not cater to consumer convenience. 

However, with Hi-Shop, one can look for the best retail mobile stores near them, interact with the retailer and make their purchase at their own convenience at the best price available. One just need visit https://hi-shopr.com to get the shopping experience tailor-made to suit individual needs.