The End of Department Store: America’s New Ghost Towns

The end of Department Stores:

America’s New Ghost Towns

Is it the end of department stores? At the beginning of the year, several department stores have disappeared and malls are like ghost towns.  Stores such as Macy’s, JC Pennys, sears, Kmart, Dillards, and more. Online shopping has been on the rise due to the many advantages. People can shop in their PJs never having to leave the comforts of their homes. There is also a better choice of items to choose from.  Let’s face it Walmart has everything but when only 2 lanes are open the internet can be the best choice. 

Then there is Target,  a great choice in my opinion. However, every time I go there for one item I end up walking out of that store with one shirt, a tv, new dish set, towels, and nail polish. In my Sweet Brown voice, ” Ain’t No Body Got Time For That!!!!”

Online Shopping

There are many reasons people opt out of online shopping. One is the ability to physically see what is being purchased. The second reason people refuse to shop online is security. Identity theft is still a major concern for consumers. Giving out credit card information can be risky. Even with great security in place, hackers have found ways around it. Use Target as a prime example. The third reason is clothing. People are not one size fits all. Unable to try on the clothes can lead to many returns and refunds. This can not only waste the consumers time but ultimately cause the company a lot of money on refunds. The last reason is many online stores are international. Take Wish.com or Dress Lily as examples. They are both international companies that have many manufacturers overseas. Looking at reviews from the BBB both companies have consumers blaming them for not shipping items. Other complaints ranged from “item not as described and item damage”.

America’s Ghost Town

There is a flip side to online shopping that can’t be ignored and that is convenience. If I have a problem look it up and there are instructions with video. I have a cold I look that up and I diagnose myself with 5 different illnesses. Shopping is no different. With a variety of options, there is something for everyone. Which makes the internet a one stop shop. The thought of never having to leave the bed to shop for anything is always a win in my book. Another great reason to choose online shopping is the sales. Sales seem in my opinion better than in the store. Avoiding the crowd. No more “People of Walmart” moments. Such an added bonus to end the wait in line. Black Friday online is all day long. No need to rush to the store late at night to catch sales. You can eat your turkey dinner and shop. The option to pick shipping days. Amazon has this down to a science with same day shipping.

The End is Near

Does that mean online shopping is the culprit of department store closures? To some that is a “BIG” yes. People across the country are losing jobs to store closures and if unable to find a job in time heading in line to the unemployment office. But what about the advancement in technology and the vast employment in virtual reality. Is there room to employ the masses? This is debatable. For now, we will see the decline in stores across America and malls becoming desert islands of concrete and empty shells. Not all is lost as there is still a need and want for stores. For now, we will wait and see what the future holds for us. As technology changes so will how items will be shipped and processed. More security[social_warfare] measures will be enforced to make internet shopping enjoyable for all. Until then keep smiling and shop my friends. Just shop.

Related articles across the web

• Department stores are failing – here’s where everyone is buying clothing instead
• Among Large, Trouble Retailers, 1 Million Jobs At Stake
• The troubles at the American mall are coming to a boil