13. July 2012
The term "bricks and clicks" refers to a business that has a physical retail location (the bricks) and also has an online presence through a website (the clicks). Businesses that adopt the bricks-and-clicks business model combine the advantages of having a physical store that customers can visit with the advantages of having a website selling their services/product.
Many retailers are still hesitant to invest in a good website. That probably stems from a traditional business mind-set. But these old-school business models won’t survive much longer. For example, I can’t imagine seeing many bookshops around in a few years. Although that’s not down to a decrease in book sales, it’s due the overwhelming number of online book shops killing the traditional shops.
Advantages of going online:
1. Global online presence 24/7
2. Sign of professionalism
3. Fast and efficient marketing tool
4. Reach new audiences and markets through internet users/shoppers
5. Cost effective with minimal investment. A well-made website could pay off the investment costs fairly quickly
I believe every business needs a website. It would be foolish for any company not to have a website or some online presence. The internet and the online environment is still evolving, but not only for shopping. The social part of the web is becoming more popular every day; this means people are spending more and more time online. Why do you think Wal-Mart and Tesco are making such an urgent push for online sales and attracting online shoppers? These companies realise the importance of having a bricks-and-clicks business model, Do you?
