OUTDOOR clothing and accessories retailer Mountain Designs cited ‘changing pressures’ within the sector as the impetus for the closure of a third of its stores, including one in Bendigo.
The company listed increased competition, price discount fatigue, a decline in national consumer foot traffic, and new broadening technology platforms and online services as factors influencing customer buying practices. Australian Retailers Association executive director Russell Zimmerman said retailers were facing all of the above pressures, and more.
In an industry increasingly dependent on online shopping, the cost of maintaining a bricks-and-mortar presence is one some retailers are deciding they can do without. How will the brick and mortar retail industry pan out? Click here to read full article.