Many of the benefits of online shopping can be delivered in the physical store. Our survey shows that consumers respond enthusiastically to these in-store technologies. The survey of 2,413 consumers nationwide found that discount stores have significant strengths, but also a few important weaknesses that make them vulnerable to competition from online retailers.
Consumers are generally satisfied with their shopping experiences in discount stores.
Discount stores are vulnerable to losing these shoppers to on-line merchants. Only 9 percent or less of the respondents believed that these new technologies would be a disadvantage. The hard part is determining how precious resources should be invested. Our survey finds that in-store technologies can have tremendous impact on a retailer's ability to build customer relationships, maintain customer loyalty and bolster areas like service. Some are already in use in the marketplace, while others have not yet been implemented.