is this the end of the brick-and-mortar store? - touch screen keyboard

I have to admit that I am a bit strange in terms of technological progress and past life.
I like the latest electronic devices and computer technology, but I spend too much time recalling things from the past and have a strong interest in the history of world science and technology.
So my recent experience is a bit of a shock for me to think about the future, the past, and today. When Amazon.
New world of e-commerce
I think it's fascinating and daunting.
I don't think it's possible for any of us to easily imagine browsing books and other entertainment products on our computers, and after a few hours, have the drones drop them off at our front door, however, this is a very real world that we will live in the near future.
I read about the death of that brick. and-
Overall, the mortar shop and I both laughed at and resisted the concept.
I like to go to the store to browse and feel the products I am about to buy.
Sometimes I want to discuss these issues with the sales staff, but most of the time I don't want.
Interpersonal interaction in the store can be a good touch, but being able to compare products in person rather than actually comparing products is still worth it in my book.
However, I feel a little bad about some retailers who let customers come in personally to experience the "touch" experience of the product and then use their smartphones to find the cheapest price online, A less expensive retailer delivers the product to their door.
So I recently went to work for an iPad at a retailer.
While this retailer will remain nameless, it is well known and I have chosen it before to buy my Apple products.
It even has a loyalty program that I like, and that's the deciding factor for me to go there.
The IPad version is a less common version that can use cellular networks, so I know it may not be in stock. No problem.
A sales assistant can help me and confirm that the product has to be ordered.
Previously I was taken to the sales counter and the information was entered into the computer and then I paid to leave.
This time, I was taken to an "online kiosk" that is basically their website ".
The keyboard on this computer doesn't work, so it's a bit annoying that colleagues have to search for the product in pain and then enter all my details with the touch screen.
He swiped my credit card at the kiosk, gave me a receipt and told me it might only take a day or two to get into the store.
This is perfect, I think, because I don't need this product for a week.
I received an email the next day.
The mail from a strange address didn't even put the retailer's name correctly, so I even doubted whether to open it in the first place.
The reference number matches the physical receipt I received from the store, so I opened it and looked for a very detailed request for three additional information including my work address, which I have provided-store.
I was warned that my order would be canceled if I did not respond within 48 hours.
I was a little annoyed and I answered all three questions in detail and started my day.
I received an inquiry from the marketing department a few days later and they are looking for an iPad.
I never heard from the retailer, so I forgot about it.
I replied to the original request.
Message with reference number and request status.
I was told that I had to call this specific number to learn more.
I was asked, you really want this, right? ".
Are you kidding? E-
Mail, phone and in-
I haven't gone further since someone visited.
I walked into the store and avoided all of this in the first place, none of which was successful.
I was then told on the phone that the product would be in the store the next day.
First asked the product person to leave at noon, so I went to the store before 11 and thought I could get the product. It wasn’t in.
Another colleague will take the iPad at 4 and I haven't heard anything yet at 3.
3: 15 called the store and said, "it should be here at any time.
"3: 45, I received a call and ran to the store and didn't come back until 4: 00.
I was under a lot of pressure and had no time to finally finish everything by 4: 45.
Although it looks like I'm over.
Dramatically, I realized that if I just ordered the product online, I would receive it the next day without any trouble. No extra e-
Mail, phone calls to the store or wasted gas and time.
In short, my pressure will be much smaller.
Instead, it makes me realize why brickand-
The mortar shop is in trouble.
Make it simple, retailer, otherwise I will handle it myself. .
Syd Bolton is the curator of the Personal Computer Museum and the information technology manager of ACIC/Methapharm.
You can contact him by email
Post in sbolton @ bfree. on.
Ca or Twitter @ sydbolton.