Retailers who do not sufficiently meet the challenges identified in our Emerging Issues article will struggle to thrive – or will go under.
It would be a mistake, however, to think that merely meeting those challenges will be enough to guarantee long-term success. The trends that are affecting nonfood retail – most notably the rise of online shopping – are only just beginning to impact food. Consumers report that digital retailers can offer better value and more convenience than a brick-and-mortar experience. Even the most casual observer of the industry could cite aggressive moves by the largest players in this space. Current trends would suggest between 5 percent and 10 percent of sales will be conducted online by 2030. The demand, however, is much greater.
