If the last few years have shown us anything, it’s how quickly we can evolve as a society. From successfully working from home, to just shopping online for everyday items, the pandemic has been a catalyst for change in the industry. That’s why we decided to explore how storefronts will continue to evolve in 2023 and beyond. 

Just a few years ago, most shops were simply places where people bought things. These shops, or storefront businesses, didn’t change much because they didn’t need to. But when online shopping started, the role of these traditional shops began to change. They became even more important in the world of retail, especially as online shopping continues to grow.

According to IBM’s 2020 US Retail Index, the COVID-19 pandemic changed how people shop. More people started shopping online, and this happened faster than experts predicted.

Interestingly, the world of retail is changing in a surprising way. Today, many businesses that only sell things online are interested in opening physical stores. Just five years ago, these businesses didn’t need physical stores because they sold directly to customers online. But now, they see the benefit of giving customers a mix of online and in-store shopping experiences.

To keep up with these changes, the shops of the future are trying new things. They’re experimenting with unique showrooms, using augmented reality (AR) technology, and offering subscription box services. They’re coming up with creative strategies to shape the future of retail.

Storefronts Pulling Double Duty

With buy online, pickup in store (BOPIS) becoming downright mainstream in 2022, many stores have already embraced their role as dedicated fulfillment centers.

Many multi-channel retailers have been offering these services for years, but now even online-exclusive sellers are getting in on the action. With retail space more available than ever, especially in the many ghost town malls peppering the country, retailers are snatching up spots to use as distribution centers for their business. Though these locations aren’t always used as a true “storefront,” they provide a similarly local, accessible experience. 

Amazon, especially, is seizing the opportunity. In mid-2020, Amazon was in talks with Simon Property Group, Inc., the country’s largest mall operator, to rent retail space formerly held by JCPenney, Sears, and other department stores. 

The move isn’t unexpected. Amazon has rapidly been expanding it’s fulfillment capabilities. As always, the retail giant is making moves to compete against businesses who have the one essential element Amazon has yet to nail: physical locations. 

The Click to Brick Model

So why is the world’s largest retailer scooping up properties as fast as it can? It all comes down to convenience. The closer and more numerous their distribution centers, the faster products get into customers’ hands. 

It’s a trend that’s expected to carry over to many segments of ecommerce.  Direct-to-consumer (D2C) stores that were once online-only are now putting up four walls and giving customers an in-store shopping experience as well. It’s a trend that’s gaining momentum both by retailers who planned it in advance, and those who didn’t.

Notable retailers jumping on the clicks-to-bricks model include craft-made Tecovas boots, Bonobos clothing, and luggage maker Away among many more.

Warby Parker has been a poster child for the Click to Brick model. Launched exclusively online in 2010, the trendy eyewear seller opened its first flagship location in New York in 2013. Since then, they’ve expanded to 100 stores across the country. Few retailers have mastered the transition as well as Warby Parker. Especially considering its primary online offering – mailing customers five pairs of glasses to try on and return – is deeply ingrained in the business. And, effectively eliminates the need for a store visit at all. 

CEO Neil Blumenthal explains the synchrony of its dual models: 

“We think the presentation by retail experts of either [online] or [offline] is a false choice,” Blumenthal said. “It really is the intersection of the two. And we are trying to approach retail expansion in a very deliberate manner, where we are testing and learning.”  

“We have learned so much from face-to-face conversations, feedback that, from a purely digital relationship, probably would have been impossible to get,” Dave Gilboa, Warby Parker Co-Founder, said.

Changing the Storefront Experience

For millions of retailers, storefronts aren’t new and exciting additions. But they’re certainly working to make them that way. 

Stores everywhere are transforming their interiors to provide not just “shopping and browsing,” but “experiences.” Though it’s a buzzword that’s all but lost its meaning, experiential commerce is gaining traction with young audiences. More than any generation before, millennials and Gen-Zers are focused more on the why behind their buying than the what. Retailers who want to stay in step with their audiences need to update their stores – and websites – to provide something more than just a place to buy stuff.

Leading the Charge

Nordstrom was the de facto founder of this model. Since its first location opened nearly 120 years ago, the brand has effectively transformed and evolved into something more. With stores providing a range of services from stroller cleaning to shoe repair, alterations to personal shopping, the brand has solidified its standing in the luxury sector. Recent innovations have included a limited-time partnership with Tesla to install car galleries within stores. Plus, Nordstrom Local locations to cater to clients with personalized shopping and styling.

Of course, some goods lend themselves more easily to experiential sales than others. 

Canada Goose, a high-end outdoor outfitter, demonstrates the effectiveness of its cold-weather gear with an arctic room that creates a daily snowstorm inside its Toronto location. While the arctic room will certainly show off a parka’s ability to keep you warm, it’s even more likely you’ll talk about the experience for years to come even after purchasing it. 

Another prime example comes from the mattress retailer Casper, which launched its flagship store in New York along with their “The Dreamery” experience. At “The Dreamery,” shoppers can book a time to snooze on a Casper mattress. This was an innovative way for the brand to give customers something novel, practical, and memorable. Most likely, it’s also helped sell a mattress or two.

Walmart Looks to the Skies

When we consider the most innovative retailers in the game, Walmart can’t be left out of the conversation. This year, the mega-retailer announced its plan to transform 200 of its supercenter stores into aesthetically pleasing spaces. The redesign was reportedly inspired by the design and experience of airports. This refresh is aimed at making customers’ in-store and digital experiences better aligned. Key features include bolder signage, more touchless payment options and an app integration.

“We’re really excited about the shopping experience being one in which customers can really toggle between their phones and what they see at the store,” said Walmart Chief Customer Officer, Janey Whiteside. 

A main focus of the transformation was making in-store browsing feel more like shopping on an app, but the company was careful not to make the experience too digital.

“It’s really important that we don’t alienate people who aren’t used to shopping on their phone,” Whiteside said. “We’re not going to reorient stores so that if you don’t use a phone, you can’t find anything.”

Whatever individual storefronts are becoming, they’re all becoming one thing: more than a place to browse and buy. The goal of an in-store experience isn’t only product sales – it’s engagement, brand affinity, and loyalty. 

Stores that are focused on prioritizing fulfillment services don’t need to miss out on the action. With a lot of innovation happening inside stores, there’s plenty of room to experiment.

Storefront Innovation Reigns

Many stores are also launching smaller or more specialized storefront experiences. From virtual and augmented reality and beyond, retailers are truly embracing new technology and buying models. 

“The importance to have an ecommerce presence is unlike we have seen before,” said Tim Ahlenius, Vice President of Strategic Initiatives at Americaneagle.com. “With online purchasing continuing to grow at a rapid rate, retailers can best seize opportunities by beginning to expand their ecommerce store and digital marketing strategies to overcome challenges and thrive in this new and growing space. If it makes sense, evaluate if a subscription-based ordering system is an opportunity. Additionally, explore partnerships both locally and within your industry sector.”

Here are just a few innovative ways retailers have updated their storefront and online shopping experiences in the last couple of years.

AR + VR

Retailers exploring the realm of augmented reality received significant momentum in 2023 with the enhanced capabilities of Shopify AR. The platform provides a toolkit that empowers retailers to design their own immersive AR experiences. In fact, products showcased using Shopify AR reported a stunning 94% increase in conversion rates compared to the same products presented without AR. As the year progressed, this technology has proven to be especially beneficial as customers continue to favor online shopping over in-person experiences. With an estimated 3.5 billion AR users globally by the end of 2022, a number of retailers have adeptly incorporated this cutting-edge technology into their operations.

TOMS

In 2016, TOMS launched a limited-time initiative where customers could wear a VR headset in-store to be immersed into a Peruvian village. With its model of “one for one” shoe donation, the experience allowed customers to get an intimate look at the kind of people their purchase would be helping. The goal of the project was engagement, and it successfully reached millions, producing a de facto “empathy machine.”

Kendra Scott

In May, the Texas-based jewelry seller launched an AR-powered virtual try-on feature, catering to customers who couldn’t come into stores to test out looks. Users don’t need to download anything to use the service. It works with iOS devices in the Safari web browser, allowing customers to try on jewelry overlaid on their image. 

Wayfair 

The furniture giant launched its AR room design service in 2019 to help customers get the right look and dimensions for their rooms before buying. It’s a shining example of the usefulness of AR, and one that worked even before COVID restrictions were in place. By allowing customers to try out different pieces in their home before buying, they win twofold. When customers “try on” many different items, they’re more likely to make a purchase. This experience also reduces the number of large-item returns, a pain point for many furniture retailers. 

Subscription-Based Buying

Some retailers are counting on their customers’ loyalty and desire for convenience to move the needle. With subscription services, sellers can rely on sustained order volume, predictable stock needs, and valuable feedback from buyers. While many businesses exist as subscription-only models, plenty of traditional retailers are entering the market as well. And with predictions suggesting that the global ecommerce subscription industry will be worth $246 billion by 2025, it’s a wise move.

Urban Outfitters

This millennial-centric clothing brand recently launched its subscription-based clothing rental service, Nuuly. While it offers the exact same items available to buy at Urban Outfitters and similarly popular stores, Nuuly takes the commitment out of the transaction. When customers receive a box of six curated items, they’re able to wear them for a month before returning for the next haul. Of course, if anything is a hit, customers can buy the item outright.

The model isn’t unheard of, with billion-dollar services like Rent the Runway having been available for years. What is significant is the move toward giving its target market what it wants: freshness and affordability. At just $88 per month, the service lets customers wear the latest fashions without the hefty price tag, driving loyalty and increasing the likelihood to buy.

Nike

The international activewear brand is making moves to fortify its ecommerce offering by launching a shoe subscription for kids called Adventure Club. With three frequency and pricing-based options, kids can receive up to 12 new pairs of shoes per year, offered on over 100 styles. After kids grow out of these shoes, they can be returned and recycled to reduce waste. By leveraging an age-old problem – kids rapidly outgrowing shoes – Nike is able to secure brand loyalty and sustain revenue.

“Kids grow fast and wreck shoes. We wanted to create a program that turns the negative, stressful shoe-shopping experience into something convenient for parents but fun for kids,” says David Cobban, General Manager of the Nike Adventure Club.

Concierge Ordering

Though it’s a relatively slight divergence from traditional retail buying, many stores are embracing the concept of concierge shopping as well. 

In 2019, Tupperware opened a pop-up shop in New York city. A key factor in designing the experience was to eliminate the need to continuously restock shelves and displays. Rather than encouraging buyers to pick items themselves, they used a showcase model. After browsing and choosing, customers connected with employees, who input orders and arranged the behind the scenes picking and packing. It’s a model popular with retailers that have limited display space, and less room for foot traffic. 

Similarly, Glossier provided a concierge shopping experience in its 2019 series of pop up shops. By focusing on providing an on-brand space with a community feeling, the brand proved itself in the realm of physical shopping spaces. 

Predictions for the Evolution of Storefronts in the Near Future

1. Increasing Integration of Online and Physical Retail: More businesses that originally only sold items online are now exploring the opening of physical stores. This is in response to realizing the benefits of offering customers a mix of online and in-store shopping experiences. These are often seen as part of an omni-channel approach to retail.

2. Creative Use of Retail Space: Physical stores, or “storefronts,” are serving multiple functions, such as acting as fulfillment centers for online orders. This model has gained popularity with the rise of ‘buy online, pickup in store’ (BOPIS) services.

3. Evolving Shopping Experience: Stores are transforming their interiors to provide not just shopping but experiences. Experiential commerce is gaining traction with younger audiences. This can range from unique showroom concepts, immersive in-store experiences to using augmented reality technology for showcasing products.

4. Major Retailers Investing in Physical Locations: Companies like Amazon invest in physical retail spaces, enhancing the balance between their online and offline operations. This trend is also notable among direct-to-consumer brands as they expand into physical retail.

5. Storefronts as Brand Experience Centers: Stores are evolving to become more than just a place to buy products. The in-store experience is being crafted to drive engagement, brand affinity, and loyalty.

6. The advent of AR/VR in Retail: Augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) technologies are being adopted by retailers to enrich the shopping experience and boost sales. Shopify AR, for instance, has been shown to significantly increase product conversion rates.

7. Specialized Storefront Experiences: Many stores are launching more specialized or smaller storefront experiences, integrating innovative technologies and unique buying models. The aim is to provide customers with unique experiences that go beyond traditional shopping.

8. Incorporation of Touchless and Digital Options: To align with an increasingly digital consumer base, stores are introducing features like bolder signage, more touchless payment options, and app integration. The goal is to create a more seamless shopping experience that blends the physical and digital retail spaces.

Confronting the Challenges: The Major Obstacles Facing Modern Storefronts in 2023 and Beyond

In 2023, modern storefronts are grappling with several significant challenges. With the rise of online shopping, they must consistently work to justify the value of the in-person experience and invest in technologies that fuse the digital and physical retail worlds. Evolving consumer expectations demand a shift towards experiential retailing and personalized shopping, making it essential for stores to innovate or risk becoming obsolete. 

While advantageous, the surge in ‘buy online, pickup in store’ (BOPIS) services also adds pressure on stores to reconfigure their spaces for efficient fulfillment without sacrificing the customer experience. Additionally, they must navigate the complexities of implementing immersive technologies like AR and VR in retail. 

Lastly, the balance between digitization and accessibility poses a unique challenge: storefronts must ensure their services cater to tech-savvy customers and those who prefer traditional shopping.

The Big Picture

Whether in large ways or small, ecommerce stores are pushing themselves to provide more interesting, innovative ways to reach customers. Whether it’s turning a storefront into a fulfillment center, transforming the inside of a storefront into a memorable experience, or just providing new options for buying that turn it into an event, smart retailers are seizing the moment to get ahead of the curve. 

Want to turn your storefront into an experience to remember?

Start with shipping and fulfillment. By embracing ShipperHQ features like BOPIS, time-slot delivery, and curbside pickup at checkout, your storefront can get that much closer to the leading edge.

FAQs

What role does AI play in the future of storefronts?

AI plays a key role in personalizing the shopping experience, optimizing operations, and improving customer satisfaction in storefronts.

How are modern stores adopting sustainability practices?

Modern stores adopt sustainability practices like eco-friendly packaging, reducing plastic usage, and sourcing from ethical suppliers.

Are robots becoming part of storefronts?

Robots are increasingly being used in storefronts for tasks such as inventory management, customer assistance, and enhancing efficiency.

What is the importance of store layout for modern storefronts?

Store layout is important for creating a seamless flow, enhancing product visibility, and providing immersive experiences in modern storefronts.

What is the impact of VR/AR in-store experiences?

VR/AR in-store experiences engage customers, reduce physical inventory needs, and provide personalized shopping experiences.