Are millennials really to blame for so many failing businesses or industries? It seems every month there are new articles and lists about all the “beloved” industries that are failing and the millennial generation is to blame. Are we to blame, or are these industries and businesses just failing to keep up with changing times?
Retail, for one, is changing rapidly. The rise of Amazon from a book selling site to the powerhouse it is now is proof. Online retail is picking up popularity so stores like Walmart and Kroger are pushing to get in on it. Same with convenience, more people are now wanting to get their grocery shopping done faster so online site to store pickups are being developed. Walmart offers purchase online, a group of shoppers pick everything up and they deliver it to your car when you check in at an onsite kiosk. Kroger is offering similar and so are other retailers. Amazon has been testing out cashier less stores in some states.
Stores like KMart are failing and closing down all around. Toys R Us closed. Walmart and Target are both still standing firm. Walmart is constantly changing. They now have (too many) apps to work around various offers. They offer ship to store for free- you can order anything they sell online and have it shipped in less than a week to a store close to you for free. They also let you do your grocery shopping online and pick it up at the store.
Some stores are testing delivery to peoples’ homes.
Outside of Retail, taxi cab services are taking a hit thanks to giants like Uber and other driver services. Ubers tend to pick up faster. I know personally, I waited 4 hours for a cab once and gave up. They are failing to stack up to the standards of the customers, so now other services are starting to beat them.
We are also blamed for run of the mill, nothing special restaurants (Applebees being a prime example). I personally don’t know many people who are huge Applebee’s fans. Last time I went was using a gift card and the food is basically generic- there is nothing memorable about going (although I did have good service with my food limitations and didn’t get sick). Other restaurants similar are also feeling hits- The bar and grill is my personal favorite type of restaurant, but it seems to be failing just as much. People in my age range are wanting faster service- but healthier services and how the business owners give back is just as important.
Not all businesses are able to keep up with the changing times, but quit blaming a whole generation for not being interested.
Napkins are a waste of money when paper towels are more absorbent, golf is boring, country clubs are boring to those of us not interested in drinking and restaurants like Applebees don’t stand out.
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