I believe there are stats to show that real imagery converts better than illustration. I don't think it would be much issue if you were targeting existing customers who frequent your brick and mortar store. However new customers who have never heard of your store would be a little confuse with the product that you are selling when you choose illustration.

Unless yours is an established brand, then using a little illustration to differentiate yourself from competitors wouldn't hurt. Brands like Hermes and Chica-Loca (popular in Korea).

You might want to rotate between real images and illustration for your carousel if your branding depends on these illustrations.

I believe there are stats to show that real imagery converts better than illustration. I don't think illustration would be much issue if you are targeting existing customers who frequent your brick and mortar store. However new customers who have never heard of your store would be a little confuse with the product that you are selling.

Unless yours is an established brand, then using a little illustration to differentiate yourself from competitors wouldn't hurt. Brands like Hermes and Chica-Loca (popular in Korea).

As for you carousel, you might want to rotate between a set of real images and illustrations if your branding depends on these illustrations.