Brick-and-Mortar…Online?

Why Today’s Brick-and-Mortar Accessories Shops Need a Digital Presence

What’s the last thing you purchased online? Why did you opt to shop online instead of going into town to find what you were looking for? Like many people, your answer is probably convenience mixed with a little bit of habit. Enter large, online retailers like Amazon, which have leveraged these quirks of human nature to captivate modern consumers. But if you’re a local shop, that’s not the end of your story. You, in fact, have a few distinct advantages over large online retailers that you can use to your benefit. In this article, we’ll discuss why e-commerce cannot fully replace a true, local, brick-and-mortar experience—and how you can adopt a hybrid approach to thrive.

Give Your Customers an Option

Customers, especially post-pandemic, expect to be able to log on to a website, quickly find and buy what they’re looking for, and have the item shipped to them—all without leaving their couch. Shops that are unwilling or unable to meet these evolving expectations will find themselves in a tough position, and some won’t survive. Local shops that lack a digital presence must act to secure a website that meets their customers’ desires, chief among them a diverse product selection; accurate, up-front pricing; and the ability to order online.

Buy Online—Pick Up In-Store

One of the key advantages of local resellers and installers of aftermarket accessories is the option to pick up in-store—especially if that reseller is set up with one of our distributors. Our network of 21 distributors offers fast shipping to their retail customers, typically within one to two days. This speed lets local resellers compete with other fast, affordable e-commerce merchants like Amazon. Plus, when resellers get these customers in-store for pickup, they can sell them on installation, expert consultation, and other services—areas where e-commerce retailers cannot compete.

Expert Advice and Installation

Online marketplaces simply lack the personal touch that local shops can offer. Think of it as an opportunity to provide a “white glove” service that distinguishes you from online-only players. The world has gotten a lot more complicated and busier in general, leading many consumers to adopt a “do it for me” mindset. That’s where local shops step in. Your ability to provide expert installation and one-on-one advice can greatly influence where consumers choose to spend their money.

How Aftermarket Websites® Can Help

Our sole mission is to help brick-and-mortar shops in the automotive aftermarket be more successful in their local areas. Our reseller and installer customers enjoy high-end, e-commerce-ready websites that feature unique product data that your customers are searching for right now. You can upload more than 100 of our industry-leading supporting brands as well as over 300 additional brands* to your website with just a few clicks, and we keep that data current for you with automatic updates. With one of our websites, you can meet the expectations of today’s modern customers while making the most of your unique advantages as a local shop. To learn more, schedule a demo today!

*PRO-level sites only