Today, e-commerce matters in every retail market. In some – such as books, entertainment, and electronics – it has already brought massive upheaval and traditional players have been driven out of business. In others – such as grocery and DIY – its impact has so far been limited but this is set to change.
As this article explains, while e-commerce will affect all retailers, it will not affect them all equally. Modest differences in competitiveness and financial health will be amplified and, as weaker stores are forced to close, those that remain may actually gain volume. This disrupted, dynamic environment does not just present new threats for retailers; it also offers new opportunities.