Some argue that iBeacon has the potential to completely change the way we interact with environments, from retail outlets to museums – and others even claim that it could “change the world forever”. But what makes it so special?

Just in the for the holiday season in 2014 Macy announced a new partnership with Google that allowed people to see whether an item was in stock in geographically nearby Macy's stores. Stock levels are displayed for particular items, down to the details of style and colour.

The UK retail landscape is changing. With a growing number of people wanting to shop on their own terms, many opt to browse products online, but pick them up at a physical store. In fact, 45% of UK internet users have used such a service, compared to just 20% in the US.

Men's clothing store Hointer is out to revolutionise retail. Founded by a senior ex-Amazon employee, it combines the best of physical and digital in a customer-centric real-world experience that's as fast and efficient as buying online.

From paying at self-checkouts to ordering with apps, modern shoppers are handling more and more elements of the shopping journey themselves. But is streamlining the shopping experience removing the personal element of retail?

Has e-commerce killed the high street? Online sales are rising, but 70% of UK students still prefer brick-and-mortar stores. The issue is confused. In an attempt to crack it, we sat down with retail expert John Ryan to ask how and why stores can retain their custom.

After years of speculation, Amazon finally announced the Fire Phone in June 2014, featuring stereoscopic glasses-free 3D. Its biggest talking point was Firefly – a visual and audio 'Shazam' that lets you buy whatever you scan directly from Amazon. But do people really want this?

For the first time in its 20 year history, Amazon is planning to open a brick-and-mortar store in New York City. With online shopping continuing to break records, does Amazon's move prove that real-world, physical stores are still important?