A hybrid retail experience is the amalgamation of e-commerce and brick & mortar stores. In the past couple of years, new brands have established and started their journey through e-commerce for its benefits like low set-up cost, wider reach, convenient buying process etc. But the ones established way back are also moving to digital platforms to sell their products.

You will also see brands like Glossier and Amazon that started online and are now serving or plan to serve offline through their brick-and-mortar stores.

Building a hybrid retail experience gives a brand the best of both worlds and provides customers with a uniquely seamless experience.

The retail experience is ever-evolving. It aims to give better connectivity and convenience to the buyer. These changes not only benefit the consumer but also the brands by giving them a chance to deliver a better experience and create a loyal customer base.

The pandemic has fueled online shopping more than ever. Online sales have grown annually by an average of 16% since 2020 while physical stores have seen an average growth of only 3% in the same period.

However, the concept of brick-and-mortar stores is essential for the retail experience. Brands will continue to drive traffic to their physical stores for better customer connection and higher profit margins. It is the place where retailers form deeper bonds with their consumers and offer best-in-class services for a better impression.

New features like hospitality lounges, hi-tech fitting rooms with smart mirrors, in-store features on mobile apps, curbside pickups etc. are being made a part of brick and mortar stores to enrich the customer experience.

Hybrid retail experience is the future of retail. It is a wholesome strategy that brings together all the necessary elements of the online and offline channels for a brand to succeed.