What: With the turmoil caused by Covid, will retail change in 2022 as we slowly return to a version of normalcy?

Why is it important: After reaching out to retail founders, we can conclude that physical stores aren't going anywhere. However, their purpose will change. It is also more important than ever to focus on community and developing closer client relationships.

Retail founders believe changes such as, physical stores being regarded less as just a distribution channel for products and more as a cost-effective experiential media channel for customer acquisition. As well as lessening their retail footprint, while deepening their investment into the functions and services that each space has to offer. Focusing on things like hosting events and encouraging community. Along with using more eco-friendly production and materials, upcycling, diversifying collections as well as many other changes.

The evolution we see this year is going to have a lasting impact.

Shilpa Shah, co-founder of Cuyana; Dan Schoening, Vice President Strategy at Nordstrom; Matt Alexander, co-founder and CEO of Neighborhood Goods; Alyssa Wasko, founder and designer of Donni; Tal Zvi Nathanel, co-founder and CEO of Showfields; Jennifer Bandier, founder of Bandier; Heath Wells, co-founder of NuOrder and general manager of NuOrder by Lightspeed;  Julie Bornstein, founder and CEO of The Yes; Max Bonbrest, co-founder of AYR and Doug Stephens, retail consultant are part of the article.

What will fashion retail look like in 2022?