Is the future of retail in the stars‪?‬ C3Centricity Podcasts

With the move of most major supermarket chains to offer online stores too, plus a few successful online only stores, such as Amazon in the US and Ocado in the U.K. manufacturers are now reconsidering just how big they could or should grow their online business.
Today, supermarkets are scrambling to catch up as start-ups in many developed countries are giving this new type of freedom to consumers.
The case for bricks & mortar stores
Customers will always need to see and try before they buy in numerous categories. Offering free returns may work for apparel but not for electronics.
Several home improvement brands and stores are already offering apps which allow customers to see their potential purchases in their homes. Or their paint and fabric choices "in situ" but actually virtually.
The future of retail
I decided to summarise some of the key changes which I believe are essential to answer customers needs already today, not just in the future:
Convenience: customers have busy lives and prefer less and less to go for the large weekly shop in out-of-town shopping malls and hypermarkets. This is why smaller stores in strategic localities will develop faster in developed markets. There will also be a clear differentiation by category.
Experience: while some shopping malls are in decline, especially in the US, those that survive will shift the emphasis from purchasing to experience. By incorporating cinemas, bowling alleys, cafes and restaurants, malls are hoping to attract customers by differentiating themselves and driving more traffic to them.
However, the retailers themselves also need to start selling differently. Apple, Nike and a few others have already done this. But most outlets appear to be oblivious to the change in their customers' desires for experiential connections with brands.
Delivery: Whether we buy online or in-store, one thing is clear; we want it NOW! Fast these days is two-day or same-day delivery. In the near future, we will want our purchase to be waiting for us when we get home. Already a quarter of shoppers, according to some L2 research said they would abandon their cart if same-day delivery was unavailable.
Choice: We all know what is available around the world, thanks to the internet. Our desires are no longer limited by what is available in-store or even in our own country. We want to have the choices that others have, wherever in the world they live.
According to research conducted by Walker, by the year 2020 customer experience will overtake price and product as the key brand differentiator.
Values: Millenials, in particular, are basing their choice of brands on things such as social responsibility, sustainability, transparency and authenticity.
Corporate reputation is being scrutinised and evaluated at each mention in the press or on social media. Organisations that don't walk their talk will be rapidly found out and publically discredited.

Conclusion
Retail has always been about making sure that "the right product is in the right place at the right time at the right price.” The right place at the right time appears to be gaining ground over the other two. What do you think?