These Retail Innovators Are Bucking the Brick and Mortar Downturn

Traditionalists who love shopping in physical stores can rejoice—brick and mortar is making a comeback as a way to complement a brand’s online presence, according to industry experts.

“There’s credibility development,” says Amish Tolia, co-founder and chief executive officer of Leap, which operates retail stores for companies that started out with direct-to-consumer models. “When a brand moves into brick and mortar, it creates this halo to your online business.”

Tolia spoke with Daniella Yacobovsky-Fiala, co-founder of BaubleBar, and David Munczinski, president of marketplace platform for b8ta, about making the move from e-commerce to street commerce with Bloomberg retail reporter Jordyn Holman. The panel was part of the second annual The Year Ahead: Luxury summit on Thursday. Hosted by the lifestyle group Bloomberg Pursuits, the conference was held at the company’s headquarters in New York. Speakers included Tiffany & Co. CEO Alessandro Bogliolo, architect Robert A.M. Stern, pastry chef Christina Tosi, and Rent the Runway’s Jenn Hyman, as well as executives from Porsche, Virtuoso Ltd., and Marriott International Inc.

Brands are looking to create multiple distribution channels in their effects to build more genuine connections with customers, Yacobovsky-Fiala explained.

“Sometimes we really like shopping online and sometimes we like walking into a store,” she said. “It’s about finding a way to connect with customers authentically. People are really looking for a visual and an aesthetic that doesn’t have that repolished, retouched veneer.”