Honestly, it depends on what different customers need.
Some people just need to touch and try things. For stuff like clothes, furniture, or cosmetics, you might research online but still want to check it out in person. Stores cut down on hesitation and returns — and they often boost online sales nearby too.
Sometimes you need it now. A last-minute gift, something urgent, or just an easy in-person return — stores handle that in a way shipping can't.
It actually saves brands money and builds connection. Things like buy-online-pickup-in-store, in-store returns, and shared inventory cut costs and raise sales per customer. Plus a physical space builds a brand connection a website just can't.
But here's the catch: stores aren't cheap — rent, staff, inventory. So they only make sense where enough customers actually need them. That's why the real answer is "it depends."
