By Shawmut Design and Construction

Although there are claims that e-commerce has taken over sales from brick-and-mortar stores, the numbers don’t lie. According to Forbes, about 91% of all retail sales in 2017 occurred in brick-and-mortar locations. The rapid growth of e-commerce has changed consumer preferences and expectations, but it hasn’t killed retail—just forced it to evolve.

Brands are transforming their physical stores to be more than just a place for transactions, creating experiences that fulfill customers’ needs. Take Fred Segal, which opened its first retail location in 30 years on Sunset Boulevard in West Hollywood and created a one-stop-shop for a full day of experiences. The 15,000-square-foot flagship houses a restaurant, gym, and expansive retail space complete with both shop-in-shops and pop-ups. READ MORE