Ditching brick-and-mortar for virtual shopping: A breakthrough in digital retail

It's only natural that virtual shopping has become a go-to choice for many shoppers as technology keeps advancing and influencing our daily lives. This innovative form of retailing is buying items and services online, with virtual and augmented reality technologies adding a whole new level of immersion to the shopping experience. It's introducing a novel concept to digital retail, transforming how we shop online and engage with products.

In this blog post, we'll look into the concept of online shopping, its advantages, how Buy Now Pay Later is revolutionizing the virtual shopping landscape and the importance of digital retail in the future of shopping. We'll also know more about the influence of virtual shopping on the future of retail, and we'll wrap it up with a few tips to make your virtual shopping experience as good as possible.

What is virtual shopping?

Virtual shopping is a growing trend allowing customers to conveniently buy goods and services from their homes. It's a great way to save time, as there is no need to travel to a store, wait in line, or spend time searching for what you need - plus, you can compare prices and find deals that may not be available at brick-and-mortar stores.

Moreover, virtual shopping gives shoppers access to a wider selection of products from all over the globe, making it particularly helpful for those living in outlying areas.

What is the virtual shopping experience in essence?

Shopping virtually is a digital experience, using virtual reality (VR) or augmented reality (AR) technology to give customers a fully immersive and interactive experience. For example, you can explore virtual stores and interact with products with a headset, computer, or mobile device.

This type of shopping can imitate a physical shopping journey, enabling customers to view and interact with items in a three-dimensional setting and visualize how they'd fit in their homes. It's a thrilling concept in the retail sector, transforming how customers shop and interact with products in the digital world.

Getting the virtual thrills: The explosive rise of virtual shopping!

The advancing sophistication of VR and AR technology has greatly powered the growth of virtual shopping. Today, with the most up-to-date VR headsets and mobile devices, clients can enter a virtual store, browse products, and interact with them in a realistic and absorbing fashion. They can even imagine how the products might look in their homes or on their bodies, providing a more captivating and individualized shopping experience.

It makes total sense that Gen Z and Millennials are huge fans of virtual shopping. Both of these generations are renowned for their tech-savviness and enthusiasm for testing new ideas, and virtual shopping perfectly fits this description. Moreover, it saves them time and money, making it an even more desirable option. It's no wonder, then, that these generations are more likely to make purchases online than any other.

Not only are Gen Z and Millennials tech-oriented, but they're also conscious of their spending habits. They always hunt for great bargains and discounts, and virtual shopping provides them with ample opportunities. It also helps them compare prices and get the best deal for the required items.

The World Health Organization (WHO) declared Covid-19 a pandemic in March of 2020, along with lockdowns and stay-at-home orders had a mild impact on online shopping during the first quarter of 2020. Data from the U.S. Department of Commerce revealed only a 14% growth between 2019 and 2020, the same growth rate between 2018 and 2019. 

Between the second quarter of 2020 and the first quarter of 2021, e-commerce saw an unprecedented surge in growth, with figures ranging from 32% to 43.8%. Although this number eventually calmed down to a more modest 9.1% growth between the second quarter of 2020 and 2021, it still highlights a lasting change that has boosted online shopping compared to physical stores.

Resource: https://www.cloudwards.net/online-shopping-statistics/ )

What are the advantages of virtual shopping?

Here are some benefits of virtual shopping: 

• Comfort: Customers can enjoy shopping from the comfort of their homes instead of going out to a physical store. 
• Stimulating: With virtual and augmented reality technology, customers can explore products in a way that was impossible in the past. It creates a more personalized and enjoyable experience so that customers can make more informed decisions.
• Time-saving: Customers can quickly and easily find the needed products without walking around a store. This helps them save time for their other commitments.
• Environmentally friendly: Virtual shopping can help reduce carbon emissions since customers don't have to drive to a physical location. It's a sustainable and eco-friendly way to shop.
• Accessibility: Virtual shopping is especially advantageous for customers with mobility difficulties or who are located in remote areas. It allows them to purchase products they may not be able to find locally.
• A larger selection: Unlike an in-person store, virtual shopping can feature a versatile selection of products as retailers can display their entire catalog online. Thus, customers have a broader range of possibilities when shopping virtually.
• Non-stop availability: Online stores are available all day, every day, so customers can shop anytime. This is particularly advantageous for those with hectic schedules who can't shop during regular store hours.
• Economical: Virtual shopping can be a cost-effective way to shop, as online stores often have lower overhead costs than physical stores. This can result in lower prices and better deals for customers.

Breaking the bank? Not anymore! How BNPL is revolutionizing the world of virtual shopping

The Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) option shakes up virtual shopping. This new payment method, with service providers like cashew, the leading UAE company, allows customers to acquire items immediately and only settle the cost later, which is especially beneficial for those short on funds. Moreover, it's a great way to save money since customers don't have to pay out of pocket immediately.

 The BNPL system has revolutionized the shopping experience and e-commerce as more buyers use this payment option, and it had a direct impact on online shopping. This is excellent news for digital retailers, as it opens up a more extensive customer base. Moreover, it offers digital retailers the chance to acquire customers who would have needed help to purchase items from them in the past.

Out with the old, in with the virtual: Why is digital retail the future of shopping?

It's becoming increasingly clear that digital retail will be the future of shopping. As technology continues to develop, more and more consumers are turning to online shopping instead of traditional shopping. This is great for digital retailers since it enables them to access more customers and grow their sales. Additionally, digital retail allows them to target a broader range of customers since they can supply items from numerous places.

Digital retail also offers customers a much better shopping experience. With virtual shopping, customers can get a wider selection of products, easily compare prices, read reviews and ratings, and benefit from payment options such as BNPL. All this makes it simpler for shoppers to find the items they need and make the shopping experience more enjoyable.
 

How is virtual shopping disrupting the retail landscape and changing the future of shopping?

Virtual shopping is becoming the dominant force in the retail sector. As digital retail expands, more and more customers are choosing the convenience of virtual shopping over conventional shopping. This is a huge benefit for retailers, as it lets them reach a broader demographic and boost their sales. Plus, virtual shopping makes it easier for them to provide customers with a more enjoyable shopping experience. Customers can access more items, quickly compare prices, and take advantage of BNPL payment options.

What's more, virtual shopping is revolutionizing the way we shop, as shoppers are now turning to the convenience and flexibility of virtual retail. This is a tremendous advantage for digital retailers, letting them appeal to a more varied range of customers and draw in more business.
 

Step into the future with virtual shopping and BNPL

Virtual shopping isn't only about convenience and amusement - it's also a reaction to the evolving requirements of the modern consumer. As citizens become more environmentally conscious and anxious about their carbon footprint, they're in search of substitutes to traditional shopping that are more sustainable and eco-friendly. Virtual shopping provides a way to shop without ever leaving the house, lessening your carbon emissions and assisting in preserving the planet.

Know more about how to cope with the rapid change in the shopping scope, familiarize yourself with the benefits of BNPL for businesses, and be ready for an entirely virtual and utterly challenging world! Download the cashew app for IOS and Android, and start splitting your payment with shop now pay later from cashew.