In the past several years, the number and rate of companies that have started up solely in the digital frontier have increased exponentially, driven by the much lower costs associated with Web-based ownership and lackluster state of commercial real estate. While many of these firms have been highly successful in generating revenues without spending all that much money on their facilities, ecommerce is still best served when accompanied by a physical storefront. 

Consumers, even younger ones who are becoming more apt to purchase goods and services online, still prefer the ability to visit the establishment, especially for many types of products that need to be tried out or evaluated in person. As such, combining an ecommerce platform with a physical storefront can be one method to maintain a competitive edge moving into the new year. 

Proof is in the pudding
Small Business Trends recently explained some of the reasons why retailers will still want to have a physical storefront in the coming years, affirming that businesses are already seeming to pick up on this need ahead of expectations. According to the news provider, brand management and online sales can often be significantly improved when the retailer has a physical storefront, which can be seen in myriad examples across the industry. 

The source pointed to two separate entrepreneurial firms that decided to complement their burgeoning digital ventures with a brick-and-mortar location, which has since proven to be the right choice. Citing an interview between Fox Business and Suzette Munson of Love 41, a retailer, Small Business Trends quoted the company's leader regarding her experiences in this venture. 

"We can see the trend of Internet sales going up every year," Munson explained to Fox Business, according to the source. "Every year people are becoming more Internet buyers for Christmas rather than going to jam-packed malls. But we have a dedicated following – and one thing they've always desired is a destination where they can put their hands on our products."

Takeaways for retailers
Now, this is not to say that physical storefronts are for everyone, but rather that businesses should at least diligently look into the potential merits of launching one to complement their ecommerce platforms in the near future. When it is feasible to do so, this can have a profoundly positive impact on brand image in the eyes of current and prospective clientele.