Once a signifier of luxury or novelty, custom products and services are now within reach of the everyday consumer, thanks to the rise of artificial intelligence, algorithm-led platforms, and the COVID-era digitisation boom. Today, everyone wants to be the main character of their brand experience.

From offering spaces for decompression to creating adventurous indoor experiences, malls are far from dead. But what is the future of the American mall? And how can retailers build brick-and-mortar environments that accommodate the vast and shifting expectations of modern shoppers?

How are media channels shaping the way we shop? What can brands do to make the convergence of physical and digital retail more seamless? And how are store spaces adapting to consumers’ shifting needs? In this part of the 2022 Expert Outlook, we speak to three experts about the future of shopping.

With people looking for elevated brick-and-mortar store experiences, many are choosing to shop with brands that inject fun into IRL retail. Westfield is turning its shopping centres into entertainment destinations, attracting shoppers looking for fulfilling and interactive retail experiences.

As cannabis use moves further towards mainstream acceptance, Leafly is partnering with Uber Eats in Canada to make buying weed more convenient. In territories where the drug has been legalised, such initiatives can also make accessing cannabis feel safer for those who are starting to experiment.