Slow Adaptation to Mobile Leads to Fast Decline in Big Box Retail Sector

We’ve seen plenty of proof of mobile’s dominance in 2012 lately, and the trend shows no signs of slowing down—often to the detriment of businesses stuck in the past.

As many industries continue to shift mobile, those that don’t adapt quickly have been facing harsh realities. Best Buy knows this better than anyone. Though the big box store was dominant when customers had to physically travel to stores to view and purchase products, the retail world is quickly being reshaped as customers compare and make purchase decisions online. Even when consumers do want to experience the product in-person, smartphones let customers visit a retailer, scan barcodes, and instantly note cheaper online prices.

Of course, Best Buy is actually one of the last big box stores still standing. Circuit City, Borders, and others have been forced out of business largely because of an inability to adapt to the digital age, and Target and Wal-Mart are scrambling to adapt to an ever evolving marketplace and consumer expectation set in order to begin driving sales with mobile marketing.

The lesson? Adapting to mobile in 2012 isn’t an option; it’s an absolute necessity. Those that choose not to admit a deficiency or slowly come around to the need for a comprehensive mobile strategy are quickly being left in the dust.

Are you prepared to adapt to the changing mobile landscape?