--- layout: default_v3 language: default permalink: brick-and-mortar-business.html i18n_link: 2427 updated: 2026-01-28 #--- article key-values ---# collection: default_topiccluster t_topic: t_keyword: Brick And Mortar Business tags: Brick And Mortar Business, POS System type: pillar page_id: 2427 hreflang_id: 2427 child_id: [2478,2477,3368,2482,2481,2479] date_published: 2020-11-20 date_modified: 2026-01-28 #--- javascript schema ---# javascript_schema: - script: jquery_3_2_0_min - script: bootstrap_min - script: article_infinite_scroll - script: article_mix_infinitescroll - script: article_mix - script: article_mix_faq - script: article_mix_toc #--- section schema ---# section_schema: - section: nav-main_menu - section: article_body_v2 - section: footer - section: schedule_demo_cta #--- page key-values ---# meta_tags: t_meta_title: Complete Guide to Launching a Brick-and-Mortar Business t_meta_description: Despite the advent of e-commerce or online shopping, brick and mortar businesses continue to play a vital role in the modern consumer experience. t_meta_abstract: Despite the advent of e-commerce or online shopping, brick and mortar businesses continue to play a vital role in the modern consumer experience. i_meta_image: article_body: json-ld_article: v_date_published: 2020-11-20 v_date_modified: 2026-01-28 author: p_author_id: 203 t_author: Priyanka Bhadani p_author_url: priyanka-bhadani.html i_author: 203.png t_author_description: Jin is a content coordinator and SEO strategist for the Hubworks marketing team. When she's not busy writing and conducting research, she enjoys reading, binging Netflix, and exploring the outdoors with her rescue dog. p_author_facebook: //www.facebook.com/HubWorksApp p_author_twitter: https://twitter.com/HubworksApp p_author_linkedin: p_author_instagram: feature_snippet: p_type: text t_title: What is Brick And Mortar Business ? t_description: content: heading: t_title: Complete Guide to Launching & Managing a Brick and Mortar Business t_description: Despite the advent of e-commerce or online shopping, brick and mortar businesses continue to play a vital role in the modern consumer experience. image: i_image: complete-guide-to-launching-managing-brick-and-mortar-businesses-1605839847-7722.png t_image_description: v_image_attribution: v_image_license: v_video: paragraphs: - t_headline: t_text: In February 2019, online retail sales, led by digital marketplaces like Amazon, surpassed brick-and-mortar businesses for the first time in history, according to data from the US Department of Commerce. However, this doesn't mean that brick-and-mortar businesses are dying out - far from it.

In the UK, for example, traditional brick-and-mortar retailers generated 71 billion ($93 billion) in sales during the 2019 holiday season. In contrast, online retailers generated 27 billion ($36 billion).
In other words, brick-and-mortar establishments are here to stay for the foreseeable future. But the changing world of retail means that these businesses will have to adapt accordingly.

p_headline_type: h2 image: i_image: t_description: v_attribution: v_license: callout_text: - t_headline: What Are Brick-and-Mortar Businesses? t_text: The term brick and mortar comes from the traditional streetside business that provides products and services to customers in a face-to-face setting. Today, brick and mortar refers to stores with physical locations, usually found in malls and alongside busy streets with heavy foot traffic. When a business maintains a physical presence, it becomes a brick-and-mortar establishment.

While brick-and-mortar businesses are usually associated with the retail industry, they also include coffee shops, restaurants, corner banks, service providers, and offices - any business with physical premises.
While much has been said about the ever-growing popularity of e-commerce (i.e., online retail), many customers still want to do their shopping and browsing in places like malls and high streets.

In a physical store, consumers can interact with the establishment's staff and ask them questions about products and services. They can also have a more engaging customer experience - one that allows them to touch, test, taste, or smell the product before making a purchase decision. Shopping at a physical store also provides instant gratification after purchase.

Physical stores can also accommodate consumers that don't have credit cards or distrust digital payments. These people might also see brick-and-mortar businesses as being more legitimate than online stores.

p_headline_type: h2 image: i_image: what-are-brick-and-mortar-businesses-1605839847-2893.png t_description: //pixabay.com/photos/escalator-stairs-metal-segments-283448/ v_attribution: //pixabay.com/photos/escalator-stairs-metal-segments-283448/ v_license: Creative Commons Zero callout_text: - t_headline: Differences Between E-Commerce and Brick-and-Mortar Stores t_text: Even though brick-and-mortar stores and e-commerce sites occupy very different spaces, the casual observer may view them as belonging to one industry - retail. After all, they're both places where people shop.

While there are similarities between online stores and brick-and-mortar businesses, there are also fundamental differences that aspiring business owners should know when planning their business model.

p_headline_type: h2 image: i_image: differences-between-e-commerce-and-brick-and-mortar-stores-1605839847-1113.png t_description: //pixabay.com/photos/holiday-shopping-smartphone-phone-1921658/ v_attribution: //pixabay.com/photos/holiday-shopping-smartphone-phone-1921658/ v_license: Creative Commons Zero callout_text: - t_headline: Locations t_text: If a brick-and-mortar store occupies a physical space, then an e-commerce store is its antithesis, existing exclusively online. E-commerce businesses sell their products and services through a virtual portal or an online marketplace. However, these businesses may still need a physical location to keep inventory before shipping them to customers.

p_headline_type: h3 image: i_image: t_description: v_attribution: v_license: callout_text: - t_headline: Transaction Types t_text: Customers pay for their purchases at brick-and-mortar stores using cash and debit or credit cards. Over the past few years, brick-and-mortar businesses have had to keep up with new technologies, such as digital wallets like Apple Pay and Android Pay.

On the other hand, cash is usually not an option when shopping online. However, some merchants provide customers the option to pay for their purchases using COD (cash on delivery).

p_headline_type: h3 image: i_image: t_description: v_attribution: v_license: callout_text: - t_headline: Marketing t_text: Online stores tend to gravitate to digital marketing methods that drive users from social media sites and search engines to their app or website. This is far more cost-efficient than advertising on traditional channels like TV, print, or radio.

Meanwhile, some brick-and-mortar stores still depend on conventional marketing methods, such as posters, local business listings, newspaper ads, and leaflets. But many business owners are also diverting a significant portion of their marketing spend into online marketing, driving online customers to their physical stores.

p_headline_type: h3 image: i_image: marketing-1605839847-2149.png t_description: //pixabay.com/photos/clothes-clothing-fashion-store-1839935/ v_attribution: //pixabay.com/photos/clothes-clothing-fashion-store-1839935/ v_license: Creative Commons Zero callout_text: - t_headline: Expenses t_text: Brick-and-mortar businesses and e-commerce sites also have very different expenses.
While it can be easy to say that opening a brick-and-mortar store will naturally be more
expensive than setting up a website, the truth is not so simple.

When a business owner decides to sell goods online, they'll often turn to an e-commerce platform that provides web hosting, a domain name, and web page templates at relatively
affordable prices. However, they have other expenses, such as-
Aside from these expenses, a brick-and-mortar business will also have to account for rent, point of sale (POS) systems, and warehousing expenses.

p_headline_type: h3 image: i_image: t_description: v_attribution: v_license: callout_text: - t_headline: Engagement t_text: Brick-and-mortar stores have the critical advantage of human interaction. When customers have questions about a product or service, they can simply ask the salesperson in the store.

By comparison, online businesses have to find other ways to provide an engaging shopping experience and good customer service. Examples of methods include in-store chat features, videos of the products, and a flexible returns policy.

p_headline_type: h3 image: i_image: t_description: v_attribution: v_license: callout_text: - t_headline: Setting Up a Brick-and-Mortar Business- 4 Steps t_text: As with any other type of business, setting up a brick-and-mortar store requires following a series of basic steps.

p_headline_type: h2 image: i_image: setting-up-a-brick-and-mortar-business-4-steps-1605839847-9879.png t_description: //pixabay.com/photos/shop-store-open-shopping-retail-2607121/ v_attribution: //pixabay.com/photos/shop-store-open-shopping-retail-2607121/ v_license: Creative Commons Zero callout_text: - t_headline: 1. Create a Business Plan t_text: A business plan is the foundation of any enterprise, whether it's a brick-and-mortar business or an online store. The plan is a formula document that identifies the following-
While anyone can open a business and begin selling merchandise, creating a business plan gives the company structure and a clear path to profitability. A business plan is also a crucial requirement when seeking funding from banks or investors.

p_headline_type: h3 image: i_image: t_description: v_attribution: v_license: callout_text: - t_headline: 2. Choose a Location t_text: Because brick-and-mortar stores are limited by the physical space that they occupy, business owners must choose a strategic location - ideally, one with plenty of foot traffic. This is precisely why malls are a popular hub of brick-and-mortar establishments.

Aside from foot traffic, business owners should also consider factors like demographics and nearby businesses and establishments. For example, someone looking to open a cafe may want to pick a location close to offices or schools. This would guarantee a steady flow of foot traffic from students and office workers.

Aside from choosing a location, owners of brick-and-mortar businesses should also make it a point to maintain an attractive storefront and create an inviting interior space.

p_headline_type: h3 image: i_image: t_description: v_attribution: v_license: callout_text: - t_headline: 3. Plan for Expenses t_text: Brick-and-mortar stores tend to have higher start-up costs than e-commerce shops. Opening a true storefront typically requires taking out a business loan or seeking seed capital from investors or partners. Major expenses include renting, leasing, or buying the property the store will occupy. Store owners also have to pay for-
p_headline_type: h3 image: i_image: 3plan-for-expenses-1605839848-7120.png t_description: //pixabay.com/photos/dollar-money-cash-money-business-1362244/ v_attribution: //pixabay.com/photos/dollar-money-cash-money-business-1362244/ v_license: Creative Commons Zero callout_text: - t_headline: 4. Focus on Marketing and Advertising t_text: For many years, brick-and-mortar businesses relied on the traditional media channels of TV, print, and radio for their marketing and advertising. But the prevalence of social media and digital platforms like Google and Yelp also require businesses to pay attention to online marketing to push online users to visit their physical stores.

p_headline_type: h3 image: i_image: t_description: v_attribution: v_license: callout_text: - t_headline: 5 Ways to Attract Customers to a Brick-and-Mortar Store t_text: When opening a brick-and-mortar establishment, business owners should strategize ways to get the word out and generate interest among their potential customers. Below are a few tried and proven methods.

p_headline_type: h2 image: i_image: 5-ways-to-attract-customers-to-a-brick-and-mortar-store-1605839848-9088.png t_description: //pixabay.com/photos/bakery-bread-food-market-pastries-1868925/ v_attribution: //pixabay.com/photos/bakery-bread-food-market-pastries-1868925/ v_license: Creative Commons Zero callout_text: - t_headline: Hold In-Store Events t_text: In-store events are perhaps the simplest yet most effective ways to generate chatter and interest in a brick-and-mortar business. According to one study, retailers that tap into shopper demand through in-store events increase their annual turnover by an average of 14%.

A popular example of an in-store event can include a product launch party. By inviting loyal customers to the introduction of a new product, businesses can make them feel valued and part of an exclusive group of people.

By doing so, stores can turn these customers into brand ambassadors that do their marketing for them. Launch parties also allow customers to see, test, and, ultimately, be one of the first to own new products.

p_headline_type: h3 image: i_image: t_description: v_attribution: v_license: callout_text: - t_headline: Leverage Technology t_text: Today's consumers have never been more tech-savvy, making it important to leverage retail technology.
For starters, shops can have digital screens that display their latest offers and allow customers to browse products and check stock availability. Retail establishments can also provide in-store discounts and coupons that can only be redeemed on their official mobile app.

A growing number of brick-and-mortar businesses have also introduced mobile point of sale (POS) systems, allowing staff to process orders and purchases on smartphones and tablet devices, effectively bringing the till directly to customers.

p_headline_type: h3 image: i_image: t_description: v_attribution: v_license: callout_text: - t_headline: Offer Click and Collect Options t_text: Brick-and-mortar stores can leverage the online accessibility of e-commerce by providing customers with the option to click and collect items. This would allow shoppers to purchase or reserve a product online and claim (as well as pay for, if necessary) their item from the physical store.

Research shows that 44% of customers are more likely to purchase a product if they can make an in-store collection. This is because many customers like being able to pick up their purchases when it's most convenient for them.

p_headline_type: h3 image: i_image: offer-click-and-collect-options-1605839848-4738.png t_description: //pixabay.com/photos/buy-shopping-cart-keyboard-online-3692440/ v_attribution: //pixabay.com/photos/buy-shopping-cart-keyboard-online-3692440/ v_license: Creative Commons Zero callout_text: - t_headline: Design an Engaging In-store Experience t_text: Customers' expectations of retail companies have increased over the years and a brand's physical store is no exception. Stores are no longer just a place to keep inventory, but they have also become part of the shopping experience.

For instance, Starbucks created a more personal experience for customers by calling them by their first names. Brick-and-mortar stores can also create an experience that extends to the greater community by hosting community events or creating seasonal products based on special occasions.

p_headline_type: h3 image: i_image: t_description: v_attribution: v_license: callout_text: - t_headline: Support Sales Staff t_text: Physical stores have the advantage of being able to put faces to their brand. Business owners must go out of their way to support their sales staff, whether this is done by providing them with proper training to effectively interact with customers or by incentivizing good performance with vouchers, commissions, and brand merchandise.

p_headline_type: h3 image: i_image: t_description: v_attribution: v_license: callout_text: - t_headline: Benefits of Brick-and-Mortar Point of Sale (POS) Systems t_text: The easiest way for brick-and-mortar stores to leverage new technology and improve the in-store experience is by investing in a point of sale (POS) system. POS systems offer key benefits, such as-
By focusing on providing great customer service and innovative in-store experiences, brick-and-mortar stores can position themselves to attract new customers and boost retention. The key is to take advantage of new technologies that have become part of the modern shopping experience.

p_headline_type: h2 image: i_image: benefits-of-brick-and-mortar-point-of-sale-pos-systems-1605839848-3875.png t_description: //pixabay.com/photos/credit-card-payment-credit-card-1730085/ v_attribution: //pixabay.com/photos/credit-card-payment-credit-card-1730085/ v_license: Creative Commons Zero callout_text: event_body: json-ld_event: t_name: Employee Scheduling for Restaurant Managers t_description: Attendees will learn how create excellent schedules. The class teaches managers how to estimate the number of employees they need to staff their locations; how to accurately forecast their customer demand; how to quickly and accuaratly write and communicate schedules to employees; and how to evaluate the accuracy and optimization of their schedules to make adjustments. v_start_date: 2022-08-08 i_image: p_location_name: Altametrics Online Webinar Course p_address: webinar.altametrics.com?site=altametrics v_price: 10.00 t_offer_description: Priority Registration v_registration_url: webinar.altametrics.com?site=altametrics ---