Image: Warby Parker
This week I’ve been thinking about online retailers moving into bricks and mortar. I know this isn’t a new topic—see two of our stories here and here—but it’s an interesting one.
The need to create an experience for customers in-store is becoming increasingly important, and thanks to my job I’m able to speak to some of the people making it happen. Like Gary Elphick, CEO of Disrupt Sports, who is experimenting with taking his business offline and into other brand’s retail spaces. Look out for our chat in the coming weeks.
With this in mind, here are a few other things I’ve been interested in this week:
I’m reading… this short piece from Inc. about US eyewear company Warby Parker opening at least 25 bricks and mortar locations this year. The business started with a pure play online offering in 2010 and now has 46 retail locations in the US.
CEO Neil Blumenthal is passionate about creating a consumer experience, telling the Wall Street Journal: “I don’t think retail is dead. Mediocre retail experiences are dead.”
Hear more from Blumenthal in this video:
I’m also reading… this piece from the Financial Times about the trend of online retailers taking stakes in the offline world. It’s a really interesting read that includes a look at ecommerce giant Alibaba’s plans to get into bricks and mortar. As Alibaba CEO Daniel Zhang said: “Today we cannot just separate online and offline.”
I’m following… Retail Oasis on Instagram. The Aussie retail consultancy firm has a great account, posting pictures of retailers they visit around the world. Great for a bit of inspiration/procrastination.
I’m thinking about…see above!
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