Page 41 - July 2021

All images are from
Apple Store, Tower Theater, Los Angeles, USA

In a report by Agile Retail entitled ‘Fixing retail stores 2021 and need to look to deliver experiences that cannot be replicated online,
beyond’ they point out that post-lockdown, people now want, which will help to drive footfall and boost shopper loyalty.
even crave, a deeper, more emotional relationship with the brands 2. Digitally enabled - Digital solutions need to be seamlessly
they love through physical stores, and as retail brands adjust to a integrated throughout stores of the future, in fact even now retailers
new symbiotic existence with online purchasing, both channels will are rapidly drawing forward innovation pipelines with tech-led
become increasingly harmonised. solutions that both supports the shopping experience as well as
The report goes on to say that for the first time, innovation and aiding the operation and helping team members do their jobs.
agility are truly at the heart of retailing. Successful and progressive 3. Highly efficient - They need to balance theatre with refined
retailers are defining a new era of agile retailing – shorter, more flexible operating models to drive down the cost of doing business. As more
commitments, modular and adaptable retail builds, and experiential, trade shifts towards the less profitable online channel, maintaining
entertainment-led retail concepts are growing exponentially. profitability in stores will be a key focus for retailers.
Meanwhile, an article by Kati Chitrakorn called ‘Rethinking the 4. Omni-channel native - The store of the future will deliver a
store of the future’ highlights that the future retail store will be all seamless omni-channel experience with a more frictionless and
about new imperatives such as safety first, fulfilling online orders joined up path-to-purchase for shoppers. Retailers will adopt new
ahead of consumer-facing sales, offering touchless experiences and solutions in-store that improve their omni-channel capability, boost
focusing on personalisation for those brave enough to visit. online capacity, and make online more profitable.
Thinking about the store of the future long term, an article entitled 5. Naturally sustainable - This will be a core feature in store of the
‘Five themes that will shape the Store of the Future 2030’ by Nick future as corporate and social responsibility is no longer a nice to
Miles, Head of Insight – Asia Pacific at Retail Analysis from IGD says have element, shoppers of today and especially tomorrow will expect
that the world in 2030 will look very different to today and that retailers and suppliers to operate responsibly, and stores will play a
retailers and suppliers need to work harder to evolve store formats key role in showcasing efforts in this space.
so they reflect the changes taking place. The themes that Miles points
out are that stores of the future need to be: examples of stores of the future
1. Exciting and experiential - Stores need to give shoppers a reason Launched during the pandemic by The Latest, their debut store
to visit and standout from their competition. In the future stores will in Berlin is a perfect example of a store of the future that exists in
JulY 2021 Retail & leisuRe inteRnational 41