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Agenda-setting intelligence, analysis and advice for the global fashion community.

Why the Retail Renaissance Can’t Last Forever

Rents plummeted during the pandemic, allowing brands to open thousands of new stores this year. But on the hottest streets, the deals are over and bidding wars have begun.
Busy streets in New York City's Soho neighbourhood.
For the first time in more than four years, Manhattan retail rents remained stable rather than declined, according to CBRE. (Shutterstock)

It was always Ilana Kohn’s dream to open a store.

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Further Reading

The New Rules of Brick-and-Mortar Retail

Amid an ongoing 'retail apocalypse' that’s wiping out thousands of stores, retailers are staking their future on a new generation of brick-and-mortar shops that are radically different from their predecessors.

Case Study | Tapping Into the Future of Physical Retail

In the age of e-commerce, defining the role of the store is as daunting as ever. But a brick-and-mortar experience is vital to brand building. A store is still the most important touchpoint between consumer and product, and the right interaction could create a lifetime of loyalty. From Warby Parker’s digital-to-physical evolution to Neiman Marcus Group’s investments in customer service, BoF examines the importance of the store — and how it complements the online experience.

About the author
Cathaleen Chen
Cathaleen Chen

Cathaleen Chen is Retail Editor at The Business of Fashion. She is based in New York and drives BoF’s coverage of the retail and direct-to-consumer sectors.

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