With every festive season, the competition between online and offline retail spurges giving way for both to make a profit. However, during normal weeks, online retailers without a doubt bag more earnings!

Despite the huge profit difference between online and offline retail models, a notable trend emerging has made many well-known online players opt for physical stores in prime locations!

Reliance Retail recently announced the launch of an innerwear dedicated store with a new retail format- ‘Blush Lace’. 

So, what’s actually motivating this change?

Here in this blog, we will delve into the potential reasons driving this shift. Before we proceed, let's examine the online and offline retail models individually.

The Rise of E-commerce
The rise of e-commerce has changed our shopping habits, making us fall in love with shopping in our comfort wear! 

Online innerwear brands provide a diverse range of sizes, colors, and styles options, surpassing the offerings of traditional retail stores. With fast delivery, easy returns, and attractive deals, they address the pain points of Indian shoppers effectively!

A significant 55% of retailers noted that store-brand products exhibit a striking similarity, compelling customers to opt for online alternatives!

However, a customer can never trust an online store completely as it lacks the in-hand feel of products. Size issues can also come up, making this shopping mode a little hectic!

The Need For Physical Stores
Offline retail outlets fetch sales due to the tactile experience they provide. They allow customers to touch and try-on products, thus, supporting swift decision-making.

New studies reveal that store salespeople influence more than product displays, indicating a retail future in line with Futurist Faith Popcorn's vision of personalized concierge services and instant gratification.

However, traditional stores fall short in meeting the demands of today's customers, lacking a sufficient range of sizes and design choices, thus missing out on attracting a broader audience!

So what’s the solution?

Future With A Hybrid Retail Model
Both online and offline stores are here for the long run. Physical stores aren’t disappearing for now, but they are surely up for a transformation!

We know retailers, be it online or offline are selling to the same audience in different ways. Therefore, for enhanced profits, brands should prioritize growth on both ends.

Adore Me, an online lingerie brand, has unveiled plans for numerous "showrooms" designed as bra shopping and hang-out spaces to cater to their customer’s experience.

Why should a brand invest in physical stores, even after amazing online sales?

Well, the answer is simple- Online stores cannot match the customer experience that an offline store creates, For example- Apple. 

As time progresses, physical stores in strategic locations will be mostly used to stay relevant and attract customers with amazing offers. Additionally, strategically positioned store locations contribute to the growth of online sales in those markets.

Should offline stores also shift to E-commerce?

Yes, this strategy needs to go both ways. Just like online retailers adopt physical stores, offline retailers need to adopt e-commerce. This will help them reach a wider audience beyond their store location and increase sales!

As Smita Murarka, Marketing Head at Amante says, “E-commerce is great for brands like us as 40% women browse and decide online, while they purchase offline.”