Store Optimization: 2017's Major Strategic Focus

By Miya Knights , Technology Research Director, Planet Retail

As the digitalization of the shopping journey reaches a tipping point, this year will make or break brick-and-mortar retailers who are still overspaced and underperforming.

Store optimization (i.e., using analytics to right-size format, space, labor, range, and promotions, alongside in-store tech to improve productivity and operational efficiency as well as drive sales) is emerging as a major strategic area focus for retailers this year. This is in contrast to only recently, where retailers’ technology investment has been seduced by e-commerce growth.