A case for physical stores

In today’s world, online shopping often feels like second nature. With just a few taps on a screen, products are delivered right to our doorsteps, often before we even realize we need them. Thanks to Amazon and other online retailers, convenience has become the cornerstone of our shopping habits. Recommendation engines and AI streamline our purchasing decisions, and technologies like automatic reorder systems make grocery shopping almost effortless. It’s hard to imagine life without these conveniences.

But this week, I experienced a scenario that made me rethink the value of physical stores. I had been dealing with a long-standing issue: several ceiling lights in my house were flickering or had stopped working entirely. I turned to Amazon and other online retailers, hoping to find a solution—but after multiple orders and returns, I still hadn’t resolved the problem. That’s when I decided to visit my local hardware store, Ace Hardware. In just one visit, I was able to inspect the options firsthand and find the exact parts I needed to fix the lights.

This experience reminded me of a key advantage of physical stores: the ability to physically interact with products before purchasing them. In my case, I needed to ensure that the replacement light fixtures had the same specifications and connector type as the ones I was replacing. Online shopping can certainly work if you already know exactly what you’re looking for, but when specifications aren’t entirely clear or when there’s room for error—like receiving the wrong part despite accurate online descriptions—physical stores provide a sense of certainty that can’t be matched.

It made me reflect on my previous assumption that physical stores might eventually become obsolete. That still could happen, especially if innovations like drone deliveries or faster logistics systems make online shopping even more seamless. However, the tactile, in-person experience of shopping—being able to compare, inspect, and ask questions on the spot—is something that I believe will be missed if it fades into nostalgia.

As technology advances, it’s possible that physical stores may become more of a specialty or a rare treat, but for now, I find myself appreciating the unique value they offer—an irreplaceable experience, even in an increasingly digital world.

Through the lens