The annual ‘ State of Retail Online ’ study , released recently by National Retail Federation ( NRF ) and Forrester , has revealed that offline and online retailing are increasingly intertwined . It has been found that customers shop across touchpoints and the industry is intended to serve its customers better on both the platforms , be it digital or physical . 32 per cent of those surveyed were ‘ pureplay ’ online retailers while 57 per cent were multichannel retailers , including traditional brick-and-mortar retailers who also sell online . NRF Vice President for Research Development and Industry Analysis Mark Mathews believes that ‘ retail is just retail , whether the sale is done physically or digitally ’. Those selling offline have been selling on online platform for some time and e-commerce retailers are also exploring opportunities in |
online sale as they feel it is the way to success ,” added Mathews .
The survey also revealed that 43 per cent of offline retailers anticipate a net boost in active physical stores by year-end and only 16 per cent expect a reduction in brick and mortar store business . While 61 per cent of retailers plan to spend more on employee training in order to support their store associates providing better services to customers . It was also found that the location of the store is important to retailers as faster delivery of online orders is the top priority for them . Around 21 per cent of those who took part in the survey feel omnichannel services are also on priority for them . The current retail industry trend shows that customers have now started opting for ‘ click and collect ’ option while placing an order
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online and retailers too shipped orders received online from a nearby outlet .
The frequent use of technology at offline stores also lets consumers get what they wish for or make the sale even if the product is not
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available at that time . Furthermore , Forrester Vice President and Principal Analyst Sucharita Kodali stated that physical retail store is not doomed as retailers plan to start stores compared to shutting them this year . |
Japan-based fast-fashion brand Uniqlo has announced to launch its first store in Hawaii ( US ). The upcoming store will be spread over an area of around 17,300 |
sq . feet at Ala Moana Center , the largest and the premier shopping location in the city which also houses brands such as Neiman Marcus , Bloomingdale ’ s and |
Abercrombie & Fitch , to name a few . Slated to be inaugurated this fall , the Japanese casualwear brand will offer LifeWear for men , women and kids at the store . Before the official opening of the store , the fashion retailer will also open a pop-up store at Ala Moana Center in June .
The announcement of the opening of the first Uniqlo store has come at a time when it is celebrating 150th anniversary year of the Gannenmono – the arrival of the first Japanese immigrants to Hawaii . Last month , Uniqlo announced to launch its first store in the Netherlands that too coincides
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with the 150th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Japan and Sweden . The proposed store , biggest in Benelux region ( Belgium , the Netherlands and Luxembourg ), will also have the LifeWear products in offerings – the commitment of the brand to create perfect clothing that meets the needs of everyone ’ s daily lifestyles . Further , Uniqlo – owned by Fast Retailing Co . Ltd . – is also planning its India foray . The brand has already applied for the single-brand licence to commence its retail business in the Indian market . However , it is yet to finalise space for its first store in the country which is expected to open doors in 2019 . |