Brick-and-mortar stores have for years been losing sales to online shopping. The ease and convenience of buying everything from clothes to books to toys have taken a toll on department stores and mega-malls. Grocery stores are starting to feel the pinch as well, as shoppers are increasingly comfortable with trading in a physical shopping cart for an online one. The recent acquisition of Whole Foods Market by Amazon threatens to blur the line between online and actual grocery shopping even further.
Even the most perishable items like meat and seafood are falling into this trend as well. Shoppers don’t need to go to the meat case, search through the packages for the perfect ribeye and bring it home. They can point-and-click their way to a hearty steak without leaving their favorite chair.