Despite online sales growth, there is still a need for brick-and-mortar retail locations. In fact, there are more stores opening than closing – studies show that for every store closing, 2.7 open up.
For resellers, many benefits exist for a brick-and-mortar store, which attract customers and make resale franchises profitable businesses. Those benefits include:
Hands-On Experience with Products
One of the main benefits of physical retail locations is the ability to try on and compare products before customers make a purchase. The most common reason they choose to shop in a physical store rather than online is the ability “to see, touch, feel and try out items,” according to a survey of more than 1,400 consumers.
This rings especially true when it comes to items for children. At a children’s resale store like Once Upon A Child®, parents are able to touch and test products they are purchasing for their children to ensure the item is safe, high quality and will meet their child’s needs.
Items like children’s furniture and strollers are typically not things parents want to buy without seeing them in person first. At a brick-and-mortar resale store, they can not only test the product in person, but they can also purchase the item at an affordable price.
In-Person Customer Service
There’s one thing that online shopping just can’t beat: the personal touch of in-store customer service. At a brick-and-mortar store, shoppers receive human connection as well as helpful service, which improves their shopping experience and increases the likelihood that they will make a purchase. One study found that 90 percent of shoppers are more likely to buy when helped by a knowledgeable store associate.
Especially for specialty resellers, such as Once Upon A Child, top-notch customer service helps shoppers make their purchasing decisions. Customers can ask friendly, experienced staff for advice and recommendations regarding the children’s toys, clothing and supplies they are considering.
Quickly and Easily Sell Gently Used Items
In addition to benefits for buyers, physical resale stores also offer benefits for sellers of items they no longer use or need. Brick-and-mortar resale franchises like the Winmark brands provide a place for community members to easily sell their high-quality, gently used items.
While it’s possible to sell items online, a physical location eliminates the hassle of finding buyers and shipping items or scheduling a pickup. Sellers can simply bring their items into the store and receive payment for their items on the spot.
Despite the rise of online shopping, physical retail locations – especially resale stores – aren’t going anywhere anytime soon. By providing high-quality, affordable items that customers can try out in-store, customer service with a personal touch and a place for people to easily sell their gently used items, brick-and-mortar resellers provide a valuable service to their communities that can’t be duplicated online.
Are you interested in opening a resale franchise in your community? Contact us today to learn more about franchise opportunities with Winmark.