2017 BC Retail Study

The retail landscape is undergoing a seismic shift. How well are BC retailers preparing for their future?

Fuelled by innovation, the future of the retail industry is transforming fast. Technologies and concepts that were once considered futuristic are now table stakes, and the traditional bricks-and-mortar store is on a short lifeline. Yet while technology is now fundamental to the shopping experience, it’s not enough on its own. Consumers constantly seek new products, and they want to be surprised and delighted along their path to purchase.

Our 2017 BC Retail Study sets out to examine the trends that will shape the future of retail. We spoke with dozens of industry leaders and put our own professionals to the task of exploring where the industry might consider focusing their energy and investment to prepare for turbulent times ahead.

What might the retail space look like? Will there be a place for bricks-and-mortar shops, or will everything happen in the digital space? How will retailers measure what they do so they will more accurately be able to rank themselves against competitors but also against company goals? Will sustainability still matter? How can companies prepare to move as quickly as they need to in a fast-shifting environment?

There’s a lot of work to ahead for BC retailers. Our latest study may help navigate the shifting landscape.