The forecasts, it seem, are exaggerated: brick-and-mortar stores are NOT going the way of the dodo.

It’s true that shoppers are fairly comfortable with online shopping, making purchases on the fly using their smartphones and tablets. With e-commerce stepping up security and improving the virtual shopping experience, a significant increase has been tracked in e-commerce sales.

But this trend is by no means signalling the death of physical stores. It merely indicates that your retail business needs to consider a multi-channel approach. Both channels allow you to improve customer service, profits, and overall, your entire business.

But whether you run an online and offline business, or are just planning to expand to both channels, you will need the expertise of a supply chain consulting firm.

1. Your business gains innovative solutions for your supply chain.
   Whether your business is local or multi-organisational and global, your supply chain controls the movement or flow of goods. That means it also controls the stream of capital.  When there is one single problem within this critical structure, you could expect to receive customer complaints due to delayed deliveries or product spoilage due to an ill-conceived warehousing system. Supply chain consultants have gained the expertise and experience to give you tailored solutions that meet the very demands of your business. This includes resolving potential risks associated with your supply chain.
2. Your business can meet consumer demands
   Sunday deliveries used to be unheard of; however, businesses that can accomplish such a service today will have the upper hand in the market. Another development in commerce: the use of technologies to facilitate returns or pickups.Your supply chain consultant can prepare your business for such demands.When your retail store or your B2B brand can do what your competitors cannot do, then you open up your business to greater opportunities.
3. Your business will be better prepared for future changes, trends, and needs in the market.
   Consumer behaviors are prompting e-commerce stores to use mobile apps and physical stores to implement digitally enabled showrooms, purchase points, shipping centres, and instant pick-up places. Whether it’s servicing and meeting e-commerce or improving physical stores, your supply chain management has to look to the future in order to maintain the strength of your business.