Should a Store Owner Do E-commerce Also?

If you already own a physical store, you’ve probably asked yourself this question:

“Do I really need to sell online?”

With the rise of online shopping, social commerce, and mobile purchasing, it can feel like going digital is no longer optional. But is starting an e-commerce store always the right move?

Let’s break it down strategically.

The Short Answer: It Depends on Your Goals

Starting an e-commerce store isn’t just about “being modern.” It’s about:

• Expanding revenue
• Reaching new customers
• Future-proofing your business
• Competing effectively in your market

For many store owners, the real question isn’t if you should sell online — it’s when and how.

Why Many Store Owners Go Online

Reach Beyond Your Local Area

An e-commerce store:

• Expands your reach nationwide (or globally)
• Allows 24/7 purchasing
• Attracts customers through Google and social media

If someone loves your product but doesn’t live nearby, an online store removes that barrier.

Create a Second Revenue Stream

Brick-and-mortar sales fluctuate:

• Weather
• Seasonality
• Economic downturns
• Foot traffic changes

An online store gives you:

• Revenue outside store hours
• Holiday promotions without extended staffing
• Email marketing opportunities
• Retargeting campaigns

It diversifies your income — which lowers risk.

Improve Customer Convenience

Modern customers expect convenience.

They want to:

• Browse before visiting
• Check inventory
• Order for pickup
• Reorder past purchases easily

An e-commerce store supports this behavior and strengthens loyalty.

When It Might Not Make Sense (Yet)

While e-commerce offers benefits, it’s not automatically right for everyone.

You may want to reconsider if:

• Your margins are very thin and shipping costs would hurt profitability.
• Your product requires in-person consultation.
• You don’t have systems for inventory management.
• You’re already struggling operationally offline.

Going online adds complexity — fulfillment, returns, marketing, and tech management.

The Real Consideration: Do You Have a Strategy?

Many store owners launch a website and expect instant sales.

But e-commerce requires:

• Traffic generation (SEO, ads, social)
• Product photography
• Shipping logistics
• Email marketing
• Conversion optimization

Without a plan, an online store can sit idle.

With a strategy, it can become a powerful growth channel.

Hybrid Is Often the Smart Move

The most successful store owners today don’t choose physical or online — they combine both.

Examples:

• Buy online, pick up in store (BOPIS)
• Online exclusives
• Pre-orders
• Gift cards
• Subscription options

An online store can complement — not replace — your physical location.

Benefits That Often Surprise Store Owners

Increased Brand Credibility

Even customers who shop in-store often research online first.

Better Customer Data

Email capture and online purchase tracking give insight you don’t get from walk-ins.

Easier Repeat Sales

Email campaigns and retargeting drive repeat purchases automatically.

The Cost Question

Yes, there are costs:

• Platform fees
• Payment processing fees
• Shipping materials
• Marketing budget
• Development (if hiring someone)

But compare that to:

• Additional retail rent
• Hiring more staff
• Expanding physical space

Online expansion is often lower-risk than physical expansion.

Questions to Ask Yourself

Questions to Ask Yourself

Before launching, ask:

• Do my customers already search for products online?
• Can my products ship easily and profitably?
• Do I want to grow beyond my local market?
• Am I ready to invest time or hire support?

If you answer “yes” to most of these — starting an e-commerce store likely makes sense.

Final Verdict: Should You Start One?

For most modern store owners, having some form of e-commerce presence is no longer optional — it’s strategic.

You don’t have to launch a massive, complex online operation.

You can start small:

• Core products only
• Local delivery
• In-store pickup
• Simple online catalog

Then scale as demand grows.

The key is intentional growth — not rushing into tech without a plan.