GMAT考试写作指导：Issue写作范文二六

　　26. In retail, or storefront, business, location is still a key ingredient of business

　　success. The extent to which this will continue to be true, given the inexorable growth

　　of Internet commerce, will vary among industries.

　　In more traditional retail sectors, such as clothing, cosmetics, and home

　　improvement, an in-person visit to a retail store is often necessary―to try on clothes for

　　fit, compare fragrances, or browse among a full selection of textures, colors, and styles.

　　Also, activities such as shopping and dining out are for many consumers enjoyable

　　experiences in themselves, as well as excuses to get out of the house and mingle with

　　others in their community. Finally, shipping costs for large items such as appliances and

　　home-improvement items render home shopping impracticable. Thus, burgeoning

　　technologies pose no serious threat to Main Street, and location will continue to play a

　　pivotal role in the fate of many retail businesses.

　　Nevertheless, technology-related industries are sure to move away from physical

　　storefronts to virtual ones. Products that can be reduced to digital bits and bites, such

　　as books and magazines, recordings, and software applications, are more efficiently

　　distributed electronically. Computer hardware will not disappear from Main Street quite

　　so quickly, though, since its physical look and feel enters into the buying decision.

　　Computer superstores should continue to thrive alongside companies such as Dell,

　　which does not distribute through retail stores.

　　In conclusion, consumer demand for convenient location will continue with

　　respect to certain tangible products, while for other products alternative distribution

　　systems will gradually replace the storefront, rendering location an obsolete issue.-