Men's clothing store Hointer is out to revolutionise retail. Founded by a senior ex-Amazon employee, it combines the best of physical and digital in a customer-centric real-world experience that's as fast and efficient as buying online.

From pharmaceuticals to fashion, retailers are taking cues from Apple, recruiting expert staff, and encouraging consumers to exchange their online shopping behaviour for a lasting relationship with local stores.

The internet has become a sprawling hub of images often featuring desirable content – but no place to buy it. California-based start-up The Hunt has set out to tackle the problem by providing a new and interactive online shopping experience.

The Fancy is a feed of desirable products bubbled up from a community of taste-makers. A new breed of retailer, the site allows products to become encoded with social value, yet keeps a clear focus on consumption rather than conversation.