What is the difference between a beauty store and an online beauty supply store? This is one of the most frequently asked questions when it comes to acquiring beauty supplies. A beauty store, as you may know, is one that you physically visit, select what you like, pay for it, and then leave. When you order online, all you have to do is input your payment and delivery information, from the convenience of your own home.
The war for beauty retail is underway, and it’s looking fantastic. Shopping has shifted dramatically in the past 20 years, from being primarily done in-store or via catalogue to a more digital approach. To keep moving forward, every firm has had to decide whether to provide online shopping, in-store shopping, or a combination of both.
Consumers are more digitally connected than ever before, and brands are taking note. Many companies that had hardly made a digital impact ten years ago are now at the forefront of the digital retail revolution. As customer expectations evolve, buyers are increasingly focused on obtaining things in the quickest and most straightforward manner possible. So, which of these strategies is the most effective for consumers?
One of the most significant advantages of purchasing in-store is the support you will receive. One of the reasons why many consumers choose to purchase their beauty goods in person is because of this. When shopping online, the online merchant may include a customer care number that you can call, but you are unlikely to get help with makeup purchases or recommendations.
Consultations and consultants are specifically great when needing help choosing products or if you’re like myself who walks into cosmetic store and suddenly feels overwhelmed, they are great for making you feel a bit more at ease as most staff members are generally quite educated, knowledgeable and friendly. The allure of testing a product on your own skin, as previously highlighted as a benefit for in-store, is incredibly appealing. Because consumers come in a variety of colours and ethnicities, it can be tough to find a great fit without trying it on in the store. Customers who are unable to locate a suitable fit may squander money, and they may begin to doubt their choice.
On the other hand, product selection is usually limited instore in comparison to looking and purchasing online. While many beauty supply stores provide a huge assortment of products and supplies, you may find that some are space constrained. There are other stores that cater to specific groups of people, such as men or women. This reduces the number of beauty products available to you. Online beauty supply companies have the advantage of not having to worry about fitting all of their products into a sales floor. That is why, when buying online, you will typically find a big assortment of beauty items. You’ll also discover that you can rapidly reach up to fifty or more beauty supply stores in a matter of seconds. This is something you can’t do when you’ve got to rush to get your train or worry about if you’ve got enough petrol in the car.
Consumers are known for being impatient. This isn’t always a bad thing. The way I see it, you’re paying for the best service possible. When buying beauty supplies online it can become quite frustrating having to wait for your items to arrive, even more so during the pandemic as there are constantly delays. Speaking of pandemics, we all had to make a shift to online shopping.
If you’re anti-social like myself then this was an easy transition, however, we are not all this way and that’s ok. When purchasing online customers miss out on the tactile and experiential aspects of buying in-store. This does not encourage brand loyalty and can make brands feel interchangeable, with little to distinguish them from competitors.
So, after all that I’ve got something to tell you…there is no right answer to this question!
There are a few distinctions between online beauty supply businesses and beauty stores, as you can see. Each has its own set of advantages and disadvantages. You should consider experimenting with both for the ideal buying experience. If you’re like most shoppers, you’ll be looking for bargains or perhaps quality, in general it is likely that you’ll acquire a preference pretty quickly. Everyone is different therefore do whatever works best for you. Shopping online is easier when you know exactly what you want, however this is not always the case, and if so get up, get out and shop till you drop.
“The most beautiful makeup of a woman is passion. But cosmetics are easier to buy”.
― Yves Saint Laurent
Toni is an Administrative Personal Assistant and Business Executive, who loves travelling, health and beauty, lifestyle and business. She regularly spends her time multitasking.
