Omni-Channel Retailing and the Rise of the Digital Consumer: Evaluating the Opportunities and Trends for Canadian Retail Property

The growth of mobile technology and digital shopping platforms continue to push the Canadian retail property sector into new and unfamiliar territory.

Defined as a new retail paradigm where multiple methods such as physical stores, websites, mobile devices and social media are used to access and communicate with shoppers, omni-channel retailing is now on the minds of many as a powerful, emerging theme changing traditional shopping activities.

The concept of omni-channel retailing is important for retail property leasing and investment in that it marks a new way of thinking for both retailers and consumers. The ways in which people shop and interact with retail is changing. Consumers now have 24/7 access to retail products through a variety of digital, social and physical channels. As a result of this trend, retailers’ efforts are now directed towards leveraging these connection points to drive sales, with retail property no longer the only channel, but one of many.

This report discusses why retail property investors and managers should view real estate as a means to facilitate these connections, as well as the changing role of retail space in an increasingly digital environment.

To download the report click here.