Traditional brick-and-mortar retail stores have felt mounting pressure to expand their online presence, but that doesn't mean the in-store experience is dying. According to a new Deloitte survey, approximately 79 percent of retail experts believe the physical store will be a mainstay to the shopping experience for at least the next five years.

While the polled retail executives expect ecommerce sales to triple through 2016, few think online will replace brick-and-mortar. Instead, the physical space will be the place for retailers to differentiate themselves from their competitors. In response, brands need to reconfigure talent and store operations to better meet customers' changing perceptions of the store.

"A strategy [that aligns these dimensions] and is enabled by the right technology solutions can help retailers deliver a tailored experience for their customers," RetailingToday reports, citing the research. "It is an experience that begins before customers enter the physical store and continues long after they leave."

It's crucial that retail brands keep an eye on the ever-evolving retail industry. By staying ahead of trends, merchants can maximize their chances for success.

This entry was posted by Retail Pro on Tuesday, January 31st, 2012 at 2:45 am .