A “brick and mortar business” is a term used mainly on the internet to differentiate between businesses that have physical (rather than virtual or online) presences.  This type of business has a commercial address “made of brick and mortar” where customers can transact face-to-face. Commercial property, whether rented, leased or bought, adds considerable overhead. The overhead would include: the cost of property, insurance, and taxes which are more expensive for brick and mortars businesses than for internet-based businesses.