Posted on Jul 21, 2015
SFC Nikhil Kumra
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With the advent of multi-channel retailing, we are seeing newer methods of purchasing products, other than the traditional "walk to the store". Today, you could purchase Chipotle through a Postmates app, or buy every day groceries through sites such as Instacart or even Amazon Prime Now in many cities. These are essentially the grandchildren of companies such as Peapod, which, 20 years ago, was quite the luxury to have (I remember we did not use Peapod simply because we could not afford the service to be tacked on to our grocery bill each month).

Today, I find myself using just about any delivery service I could get my hands on, it saves me literally hours of time each week to be more productive at other things, and really hope that there comes a time where I am not having to do laundry, dishes, or just about anything else.

These services are very popular among millenials and those living in heavily populated urban areas. Anyone sorely against these types of services? Do you believe that this is killing the traditional brick and mortar experience? Is it a waste of money or do you see immense benefit in these types of services? Will this hurt the labor market in the long run?

Do you think delivery drones will be the final thrust which kills the USPS?

Or, does where you live not even offer services like this? I get in one sense this may seem petty, but this is after all the future of how we consume virtually anything...

I know there are a lot of implications with this shift in consumer purchasing, so my apologies for all of the questions.
Edited >1 y ago
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SrA Office Manager
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Anything electronic I buy in a store. I don't trust buying them online (unless it's from a website that also has stores) in fear of something happening & needing to use a warranty (ie laptop). I also have used the store as "me" time to get away from toddlers yelling "mama" non stop, the dogs & husband...there's something wonderful about pushing a cart around a store going through each aisle & no one around rushing you. I guess that being said, there's very few things I buy online. Only idk, my sons toys.
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COL Vincent Stoneking
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Edited >1 y ago
The only things I tend to get at brick and mortar stores are:
Groceries/Food/Sundries
Things I need right away
Impulse buys

Almost everything else I purchase online and have at my door in 2-5 days.

USPS will never die, given its governmental (or public/private nature if you live in denial...) status. Drones, I am not sold on. Seem needlessly busy.
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TSgt Key Spouse
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I feel that since we (personally) no longer watch commercials as often with Netflix, Hulu, and DVR, I need to walk through the aisles of the store and actually use the time to see what new products are out there. Also, if you have children and have ever used the excuse that you need to go grocery shopping to leave said children with your spouse and just get away, you can truly appreciate the value of 18+ aisles in a store. For a few things that I can't easily find in a store close to home, or that I'm buying as gifts and prefer they come in a nice box that keeps them hidden, I love shopping digitally. This may be a very "woman" thing for me to say, but there are some things about going out and actually shopping that just can't be replaced.
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SFC Nikhil Kumra
SFC Nikhil Kumra
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Hah, I can't do clothes, though the wife will... she will buy like 8 things, try them, return 7 and be good with one... That still sounds crazy to me.
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