Pondering the store's future in an age of web buying

Same topic came up in the UK a month or so ago, along with some images of what on-line shops were advertising, and what the customer actually received! Despite the major increase in on-line shopping, they found a large number of people were going to smaller shops for the conversation and interaction with other human beings. If you know what you want, then on-line is fine, if you like to browse and check what you buy, especially clothes or shoes, a real shop is essential.

There were also major issues with delivery there, with great pressure on delivery staff, theft, non-delivery, damage and having to arrange re-delivery. Not every country has courier and parcel delivery services like Japan.

There was even an appearance from Lionel Richie who talked about his new home furnishing collection

(with apologies to Peter Griffin) Who hurt you, Lionel?