At a time when it takes seconds to order almost anything online, it might seem like brick-and-mortar retail space is doomed to eventual extinction. This is especially true in the wake of the pandemic, when everyone became acclimated to shopping online for essentials.
However, despite the rising popularity of e-commerce and the convenience of purchasing products online, physical retail spaces aren’t dying out. In fact, 80 percent of shopping still occurs in stores, according to the 2025 US Retail Industry Outlook from Deloitte. Similarly, U.S. Census Bureau data retrieved from FRED, Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis, shows that e-commerce retail sales only accounted for 16.2 percent of total sales in the first quarter of 2025.
In-person purchasing certainly isn’t dead, even in our increasingly digital and virtual world. Here are a few of the top reasons why people still flock to physical retail space instead of perusing their options online.
1. Shoppers want in-person experiences.
Despite the convenience of shopping online, there’s still plenty of demand for in-person customer experiences in the retail space, according to the 2025 Future of Retail report from point-of-service system provider Square. Eighty-three percent of consumers report having favorable experiences in brick-and-mortar stores, and 78 percent of retailers surveyed in late 2024 agreed that in-store experiences are essential for success.
For example, a garden center in Illinois has driven growth by participating in a farmer’s market, where the business hosts local suppliers and families, according to Square’s report. These events can create moments of face-to-face connection that aren’t possible through e-commerce.
2. Retailers are embracing new technologies to make in-store shopping more exciting.
Technological innovation isn’t just enhancing online shopping; it’s also changing how people make purchases in person. Deloitte notes that some retailers have transformed the in-store experience with tech like artificial intelligence, virtual reality and touch screens. In one survey, 47 percent of consumers said digital screens enhanced their experience while grocery shopping in person.
3. In-store shopping offers relief from endless scrolling.
Many of us spend hours every day staring at one screen or another and scrolling through headlines, posts and videos. Part of the appeal of shopping at a brick-and-mortar store is taking a break from the endless avalanche of online content, according to an article from The Drum, “Retail’s big comeback: 5 trends redefining the industry in 2025.”
Some companies have increased their focus on in-person purchasing to cater to consumers with screen fatigue; for example, the previously online-only retailer Wayfair announced the opening of their first brick-and-mortar store last year.
Ultimately, it’s clear that in-person shopping won’t face extinction anytime soon. The Avalon Realty Associates team can assist you if you want to explore retail space for lease in the Chicago area or beyond. Call 847-506-1000 or email info@avalonreal.com to connect with our team and find the perfect place to set up shop. You can also browse our property listings.