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Brick-and-Mortar

Brick-and-mortar refers to a physical store or business that has and operates in a traditional, physical location, as opposed to an eCommerce business. These businesses engage with customers in person, offering in-person shopping experiences, services, or products in a specific place, such as a retail store or an office. For example, a clothing retailer, such as Primark, with multiple physical locations where customers can walk in, browse the products, make purchases, and interact with staff.

Brick-and-mortar has the advantage of offering personalized customer service, face-to-face. These interactions help build strong relationships with customers and provide a more engaging experience. Their experience is elevated even more with the traditional business model granting them the ability to see, touch, and try products before purchasing, making it easier for consumers to assess their quality. Physical stores also have the advantage of creating immersive brand experiences through store design and customer service, which can enhance brand loyalty and identity.

However, the business model is at a disadvantage compared to eCommerce platforms. Brick-and-mortar stores are limited to serving customers within a certain geographic area, reducing their ability to reach a global audience. But this can be countered by offering an omnichannel experience which can help retail stores reach more customers beyond their physical location.

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