A few years back, online stores were a ‘thing’ of the future. The trend had merely started and hardly anyone knew about them or used them. Over the past decade or so, technology has progressed at such a pace that online stores have become as commonplace as physical stores. Already, many people are wondering what the online store of the future is going to be like.
Online stores have made the most of technological advancement and provide an enhanced shopping experience now. With the tools and gadgets available, shopping at an online store is barely different from a real shopping expedition. The modes of payment have become safer and many more people are aware of them now. So, discussing how the online store of the future will be is relevant.
Usability
Up till now, a major part of the users of online stores is made up of people accessing through their PCs and laptops. The trend is already beginning to change with the introduction of smartphones. M-commerce has already progressed with the iPhone and other such gadgets becoming common items. In the future, the online stores will be accessed mostly through these post-PC devices. It gives people to do their shopping on the go.
Compatibility
Along with usability, the compatibility of online stores is also going to change. Some online stores still aren’t compatible with certain operating systems or devices. These restrictions are bound to be let go off in the near future. Regardless of the device being used, a user will be able to access an online store without any problems. This will make the online stores open to a wider range of people. Everyone will be able to enjoy the experience of shopping online.
Experience
Talking about the online shopping experience, sufficient development has already taken place. The virtual shopping experience is quite like the real one but there is still some difference. Online stores don’t have offers and promotions as frequently as real stores do. As more and more brick and mortar stores start going online, this experience is going to be translated on to online stores as well.
Speed
Different online stores have different time periods for delivering the products you have purchased from them. Usually, a week is the minimum time taken by any online store. In the online store of the future, the time taken is going to come down drastically. Online stores will be delivering their products much quickly. Already, means of making shopping quicker are being tried out in several countries.
These are the features of the online store of the future. The way things are going now, it is difficult to predict with high accuracy. Yet, based on the track record, these four features seem to be the most likely for online stores in the future. All in all, online shopping is going to be huge in the near future. If you haven’t tried it, do so now or else you’ll be the only person left who hasn’t experienced online shopping.
Richard is a magento developer specializing in innovative online store solutions. Richard has helps hundreds of businesses to make a move online.
Shopping cart photo courtesy of hospi-table on Flickr.
