You touch on what I believe to a major trend in retail: the convergence of the online and offline shopping experience. With technology innovations and more dynamic self-service systems, retail stores are increasingly becoming consumer-driven environments. The ease and efficiency offered through online shopping, including the ability to garner expert reviews on a product with the click of a button, are finding their way into the world of bricks and mortar. From RFID. handheld shopping devices, to flexibile digital displays, these technologies promise to reinvigorate the offline shopping experience.

While e-commerce continues to pull shoppers from offline retailers, our own consumer behavior and sociology ensure that bricks and mortar establishments will always exist in one form or another.