We like following the retail sector, working with several clients in the space. And I--as a shopper--enjoy seeing brands innovate to surprise and delight me to earn my business in this current era of e- and m-commerce. It has certainly been a tumultuous year for retail, though with weekly announcements of store closings by stalwart industry brands like Macy's and Sears. The evolution to online shopping by the average American consumer has been especially swift in recent months, led by e-commerce giant Amazon. Prime membership is now estimated to be up to 80 million in the US, most of them in affluent households; and Amazon has shown no signs of slowing its aggressive stance in retail, with announcements late last month aimed at disrupting both grocery (Whole Foods Market purchase) and clothing stores (Prime Wardrobe). The stakes for retailers couldn't be higher and the demand to adapt couldn't be greater. But does all this mean brick-and-mortar storefronts are dead? That all successful retail brands will be 100% online? I don't think so. Here's why....
