LAS VEGAS — E-commerce has disrupted the market for retail real estate on a seismic level, but it has not obliterated the need for brick-and-mortar shops. Instead, the online shopping craze has functioned as an evolutionary mechanism. E-commerce has forced retail operators and landlords to both bolster their digital platforms and enhance their in-store shopping experiences. “Much has been made of the need for brick-and-mortar retail to adapt to e-commerce, but we’ve also seen a shift in the other direction with a number of e-retailers opening brick-and-mortar showrooms to complement online offerings,” said Mike Conway, vice president of national accounts and retailer partnerships at Phillips Edison. “Overall, we’re confident that the future for retail is bright, and we can’t wait to see how these trends continue to unfold.” For consumers, this evolutionary shift means that retailers are looking to interact more with shoppers in their stores. The manner in which retailers enhance the shopping experience varies from concept to concept. But some trends are beginning to emerge, according to a recent report from Phillips Edison, a REIT specializing in grocery-anchored retail properties. And the use of pop-up spaces and showrooms are two of the leading practices for retailers to consider …
