"There are a wide variety of challenges facing retailers. The polarization of wealth and incomes will continue to gut the middle class in most developed economies. Baby boomers will continue to spend less, thus requiring brands to figure out the needs and sensibilities of younger consumers. Technology continues to advance at unparalleled speed. Globalization is shrinking the world and bringing a never-ending procession of challenger-brands to the market."

Retail futurist Doug Stephens, in a recent interview with Retail Dive for its report, “The future of retail: What 2020 and beyond will bring to the industry.”