Retailers Working Hard To Get Shoppers Offline, Through The Door

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) – With more Americans shopping online, retailers are being forced to get creative in order to get shoppers through the doors.

As CBS 2's Alison Harmelin reported, one store is giving customers a hands-on experience.

The spa showers, jet tubs and fancy meals at Pirch may look like a resort, but it's actually a home store.

"We actually have a fully-functioning kitchen with different elements," Pirch's Store Director Val Masouris said.

Some Pirch stores even have a chef to show customers how to make meals.

Masouris says the idea is to turn shopping into an experience.

"That's our number one goal, is to have people come in and really have fun with the showroom," Masouris said.

Retail Analyst Candace Corlett says stores need to innovate to keep customers from staying home and buying online.

"Can people touch and experience the product, regardless of what that product is, whether it's toys, appliances, fashion, cosmetics?" she said.

Many companies, like Radio Shack, are taking a more hands-on approach to draw in customers, Harmelin reported.

Radio Shack is remodeling its stores so customers can take products for a test drive.

Many kitchen stores are also adding cooking classes to garner interest for more in-store customers.

At Pirch, you can turn on the shower and even take one before the store opens—the ultimate way to try before you buy.

"If it's something you're truly interested in putting in your house, absolutely," Masouris said.

Many retailers, Harmelin reported, offer free coffee to attract customers.

You Might Also Be Interested In: