The death of the physical store was exaggerated. Nearly 78% of retailers report moderate or significant in-store investment, and with more than 5,000 store openings forecast for 2026 (Coresight Research), this isn’t a boom. It’s a recalibration.
What’s driving it? Stores aren’t transaction hubs anymore—they’re brand stages. In Retail Brew’s own survey data, 62% of retailers said they’re investing to strengthen brand perception, and 58% to drive loyalty. Conversion? An afterthought. Experience is the new currency, and physical retail is where you spend it.
AI is in the mix, too—adopted by 82% of retailers—but don’t expect robots on the sales floor just yet. The real action is behind the scenes: marketing optimization, supply chain, operations. Meanwhile, 76% of retailers report heightened consumer price sensitivity, and more than half have raised prices amid tariff pressure.
You can fill out the request form via the following link to get the full picture of where retailers are investing, how they’re balancing channels, and what’s actually working: The state of stores
Retail Brew delivers the latest retail industry news and insights surrounding marketing, DTC, and e-commerce to keep leaders and decision-makers up to date.
All the news and insights retail pros need to know, all in one newsletter. Join over 180,000 retail professionals by subscribing today. Check out the latest issue here.
If you are not yet a BRA Retail Member, you can easily opt in to either Regular (no cost) or Distinguished Retail Membership via this super simple join form