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Interview
Looking ahead but more generally , with your expertise , what do you think is next for the Retail sector ? Marketplaces are already dominating the ecommerce market , but now we ’ re also seeing more retailers launching their own marketplaces to get a piece of the action . In the UK , for instance , B & Q , Debenhams , and The Range have successfully ventured into this space . Globally , SHEIN has joined the trend as well , and I believe this momentum will only continue . Marketplaces - and the necessity for retailers to be on them - are definitely here to stay .
Another fascinating trend is the rise of hybrid retail , where ecommerce stores are opening brick-and-mortar locations . Think about Gymshark in the UK or Wayfair in the US . This evolution underscores the critical need for technology that seamlessly integrates backend operations . Whether you ’ re selling online or in physical stores , meeting your customers ’ needs means streamlining inventory , orders , and fulfilment across all channels .
If there was one critical message you ’ d like a reader to take from this piece , what would it be ? The critical message to take away is the paramount importance of connectivity in commerce operations . Seamless integration across all sales channels - whether online or offline - is essential . Connectivity ensures that inventory , orders , and fulfilment processes are streamlined , allowing businesses to meet customer demands efficiently . This not only enhances the customer experience but also drives growth and competitiveness . Embracing technology like Linnworks that fosters connectivity is key to thriving in the evolving retail landscape . ■
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