What: Felix Capital Frederic Court’s view on the future of e-commerce.

Why it is important: Some major behavioral changes are on their way, which complement (not replace) physical retail.

Felix Capital has financially backed ventures such as Farfetch or Goop. Frederic Court thinks that the customer’s need for inspiration, once fuelled with perfect execution in-store, is still here, but is now delivered via a screen. Therefore, brands need to adapt by having the right approach to digital, the perfect product, and operational excellence.

Why is it important? Court mentions groups of young women, gathering to spend time together and visit stores. Now, they do the same, but digitally, by having lunch or dinner together and visiting sites on their phone at the same time. The new social shopping experience is delivered via a digital approach, but not at all costs: profitability must prevail. In addition, for Court, retail will come back, to deliver an elevated experience.

‘E-commerce as entertainment’: An investor behind Goop predicts the wild future of retail