With so much of our lives already automated, people are becoming more comfortable with the idea of robots in everyday life. Tapping into this, US-based hardware store company Lowes has introduced robotic members of staff in its San Jose California store.

What will the stores of the future look like? Japanese mobile provider Softbank thinks robot assistants are the way to go, and have announced that 'Pepper' – the "world's first personal robot with emotions" – will be staffing two Tokyo branches on a trial basis.

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.

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?