Week 9 - Chapter 7 E-Business and E-Commerce

E-Business and E-Commerce 



Introduction:

in a world where online giants like Amazon dominate the retail landscape, it's easy to assume that brick-and-mortar stores are on the brink of extinction. However, commerce is not that simple. Retailers like Costco and Best Buy have not only survived the e-commerce wave but also innovated and adapted to the new environment. Their success offers a valuable case study like the one in this weeks reading, where resilience, strategic innovation and unique value of physical presence in a digital world. 

Main Reflection:

The challenge of e-commerce, often referred to as the "Amazon Effect," has reshaped how people shop. Customers expect convenience, fast delivery, and seamless digital experiences. This shift was accelerated by COVID-19, which forced entire nations into the online world. Yet despite the sudden shift, physical retailers were able to flourish by leveraging their strengths and redefining what in-person shopping can offer. 

What I found interesting was, while many retailers leaned solely into digital strategies, Costco and Best Buy recognised the value of blending technology with a human touch. e-commerce lacks a personal connection, but Best-Buy and Costco capitalised on in-store expertise, community trust and real-life engagement. 

Some Key takeaways for business owners could be:
- Utilise click and collect through showrooms, bridge online and offline retail opportunities.
- Invest in employee training and customer service to strengthen long-term loyalty.
- Be open to change and be ready to change when circumstances are out of your control.
- Have physical options available to customers who wish to see, feel, and ask questions about your products. 

Conclusion:

Costco and Best Buy demonstrated that traditional retail isn't dead. instead they reveal that with the right combination of innovation and identity, brick-and-mortar stores can adapt, evolve and thrive in online markets. Business leaders, educators, and entrepreneurs alike can all benefit from physical and online resources. 

References:

https://www.investopedia.com/terms/e/ecommerce.asp 

Comments

  1. Zoe CoxMay 25, 2025 at 6:27 AM

    Great opening using the term "Compelling giants", hooks the reader's attention. Your comment about E-Commerce lacking a personal connection is interesting and insightful.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Taylah BritzMay 25, 2025 at 6:31 AM

    Great reflection! I really liked how you pointed out the importance of blending technology with a human touch. Best Buy and Costco's strategies show that physical stores still have a valuable role, especially when they focus on trust and personal connection.

    ReplyDelete
  3. RobynMay 25, 2025 at 8:15 AM

    Great conclusion with mention of how retail still has a massive impact on how businesses operate today because they are vital to the survival of alternative companies

    ReplyDelete
  4. JudeMay 26, 2025 at 2:06 AM

    awesome post, i really enjoyed how you contradicted the usual thought that physical retail is fading.

    ReplyDelete

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