Plenty of shoppers are still looking to patronize brick-and-mortar businesses, consultant Marc Willson of The Willson Company said during a business breakfast program Thursday.

The Gloucester Department of Economic Development and Chamber of Commerce hosted the first of a quarterly networking and educational initiative. About 30 businessmen attended the program at Good Life Kitchen, located in the Morgan Building on Main Street.

Although retailers complain about how they have lost much business to the internet, Willson said online shopping accounts for only 5 percent of what Americans spend for products. That still leaves a good opportunity for retail stores, he added.

However, to stay successful and remain competitive with modern shopping trends, Willson said businesses must have an internet presence. It can be simple or more complex, he said, but having photographs and graphics on your website is a must to draw a customer’s attention to your business.

Another important cons...