With people looking for elevated brick-and-mortar store experiences, many are choosing to shop with brands that inject fun into IRL retail. Westfield is turning its shopping centres into entertainment destinations, attracting shoppers looking for fulfilling and interactive retail experiences.

Walmart has partnered with Popable, an online pop-up marketplace, to provide short-term retail spaces for local businesses. At a time when the long-term viability of small brick-and-mortar shops is in flux, these leases provide flexibility for both businesses and customers to try something new.

The preference for digital shopping among Japanese consumers is waning post-lockdown as the cultural cachet and allure of in-store experiences have been restored. However, phygital experiences offer a promising middle-ground in a tech-orientated culture with a love of immersive IRL retail.

The ease and convenience of online shopping may have led to department stores closing across the UK, but they still continue to be a vital part of retail’s cultural heritage. Bobby’s in Bournemouth is one store that has undergone a transformation to adapt to new challenges facing the high street.