Brick-and-mortar stores close across country while in-person shopping increases in Bismarck-Mandan

BISMARCK, N.D. (KFYR) – Is shopping in-person a thing of the past?

With 7,100 brick-and-mortar closures across the country in 2024, including local big box staples like Big Lots and Party City, it might make you wonder.

And although local leaders say online shopping has become popular, they say our viewing area is ready to take on the challenge as the brick-and-mortar stores prevail.

From Big Lots to Party City to CVS, you’ve likely noticed one of your favorite big box or brick-and-mortar stores has shut its doors… for good.

2024 saw a 69% increase in storefront closures, according to AARP. But in Bismarck, consumers say in-person shopping still has a pull.

“Mostly probably in-person because we like to see the quality and the color, and I feel like, online, I just end up returning a lot,” said Kirkwood Mall shopper and Mandan resident Madison Lucy.

While the area hasn’t been immune to big box or physical store closures, mall management says in-person shopping remains steady.

“In 2024, we did see more visitors. We saw about a five-percent increase in our traffic,” said Kirkwood Mall marketing director Mikalah Auer.

It seems shoppers here have a certain affinity for staying warm, and busy.

“Bismarck is a little more family-oriented,” said Kirkwood Mall shopper and Washburn resident Kaydense Wiedrich.

“It’s cold,” said Kirkwood Mall shopper and Mandan resident Alex Lucy.

“We ain’t got much else around here in North Dakota. So, it’s nice to have a mall to be able to actually go around and walk,” said Kirkwood Mall shopper and Washburn Nate Wiedrich.

Shopping online still happens, Auer says, but stores have been able to change with the times.

“Our retailers have really adapted to a blend of in-person and e-commerce shopping. So, we still see a lot of people come in store, but then they also offer options for online. Another option that a lot of stores have added is the buy-online-pick-up-in-store option,” said Auer.

But it can’t just be the cold that’s bolstering our economy. Could it? Over at the Bismarck-Mandan Chamber Economic Development Corporation, Nathan Schneider explains the cities are uniquely positioned to absorb the losses of bigger stores.

“The workforce that gets displaced will probably get absorbed into other retail stores. There’re openings at retail stores literally across the community. The space might sit open for a period of time. Look at the old Gordman’s building that sat open for years, but eventually, if it’s a quality product, another store will come along,” said Schneider.

In fact, Schneider says closures might actually help area mom-and-pop shops as out-of-towners will likely be enticed to buy their goods from local outlets.

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