Retail Trends Taking Shape In 2018

Watching the evolution of physical retail has been inspiring. Retail centers are defying the skeptics and continuing to reconfigure themselves as consumer hubs for entertainment, education and fitness, alongside traditional shopping. Brands are remodeling stores to excite consumers. Online brands are recognizing the advantages of brick-and-mortar locations and continue to multiply their physical square footage (a nine-fold increase since 2012, according to one estimate). As we enter the second quarter of 2018, I expect even bolder changes this year and beyond. Stores will, of course, continue to focus on creating a powerful and lasting shopping experience, and technology will be at the center of that. Here’s what’s in store for the remainder of the year, and a few years to come. Read more at Forbes.