Chris Biggs, Global Head of Retail for the Boston Consulting Group (BCG), has found that there is an increasing consumer preference for hybrid (online/in-store) shopping, rising from 39% to 48% over the course of a year. Could this be the trend that saves the high street?

In order to make a success of hybrid shopping, retail spaces will need to be adapted to create a seamless and positive experience from online to in-store, with technology that allows customers to be confident that a particular product is available nearby.

Forbes.com also reports that BCG's research has found that 90% of consumers are more concerned about sustainability than ever before. The article notes that "the onus in 2022 will be on brands and retailers not just talking about their green credentials, but convincing the customer that their efforts are genuine." The current energy crisis highlights the need for sustainability in the built environment and we could see pressure from consumers calling for retailers to commit to sustainable real estate as well as sustainable products.