The latest issue of Westfield Today, the official site of Downtown Westfield NJ, reports that even this destination shopping and dining town is feeling the effects of the upswing in online retail shopping:
Like many towns, Westfield is not immune to the current retail climate and hardships. According to recent news reports, online shopping increased 20% during the recent holiday season and continues to grow year after year. Brick and mortar stores continue to feel the effects of this trend as well. Like many downtown environments, independent stores and service providers are finding it more difficult than ever to compete in this new era of retail commerce and many national chains are in a period of contraction rather than expansion of their retail stores. Westfield is certainly seeing this paradigm shift in retail.
There are some new openings in downtown Westfield slated for this month, such as a yoga studio, art and party place, art studio for kids' parties, T-Mobile, and a new lingerie and swimwear store.
Seems like retailers everywhere, both small-local and large-national, have to figure out a way to integrate online with in-store shopping, to keep customers motivated to show up in person. In-store-only deals? Will be interesting to see how this all shakes out. Meanwhile, brick-and-mortar retailers have to figure out ways to weather the sluggish profit picture.
Sunday, January 17, 2016
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