Why Online Retail didn’t measure up to our expectations?

And why they will never do!

The fast-spreading Coronavirus pandemic and the stay at home orders around the world should have disproportionately benefited online retailers, but we are yet to see any substantial benefit from it, logistically as well as psychologically.

Online shopping has been marred by outages, unavailable items, canceled orders, over the top prices and if you still managed to place your order, be prepared for extended wait times.

Last week, after scouring the internet to order groceries, I randomly called a local store manager, who was more than happy to take the order through WhatsApp and told me that he is ready to deliver under two conditions, that I pay cash and wait for next day delivery. I agreed and the deal was done.

That was just one instance, but there are people like me who are more than glad to order online, but we are not thinking that’s the only way to get things home. There are other options too, like walking to the store with as much protective gear as possible and washing hands multiple times after coming home.

It will all be online now. That was my thinking as the pandemic broke and it became clear that we are going to be hunkering down in each of our own bunkers. I really thought this will be the time technology…