WIRED Retail 2017 | www.wired.co.uk | 11 October 2017 | London, UK

The end of 2016 and the start of 2017 proved brutal for bricks and mortar retailers, with familiar brands – including J.C. Penney, Staples and Abercrombie & Fitch – announcing the closing of hundreds of stores worldwide between them. As companies struggle to rise above increasing overheads, many are turning to the business models of brands showing growth and stability.

The greatest potential for growth is often seen in brands with strong ecommerce platforms and mobile payment capabilities. Further, those with a flexible and lean supply chain are benefiting from customer advocacy. But physical stores are still relevant, with the blur between online and offline retail becoming increasingly important.