Paragon
Nov 13, 2025
Large block letters on the front cover of a May 2017 real estate magazine simply read “RETAIL IS F*CKED”. Now, in 2025, that trajectory has reversed course. Retail fundamentals are strong and the case for physical retail investment has arguably never been stronger.
The reason for this seismic shift, however, is not intuitive. The entire justification for the existence of the physical retail store has changed. Physical stores no longer exist solely to generate sales; they have evolved into critical brand ambassadors and convenience hubs for both retailers and consumers.
Research from a Chatmeter survey that analyzed 500,000 customer reviews and current shopping behaviors proclaimed 9 out of 10 consumers indicated, “Online shopping can’t compare to the in-store experience.”
While everyone’s been writing retail’s obituary, here’s what actually matters (and the data tells a different story than the headlines):
75%+ of retail sales still happen offline in 2025
60% of shoppers visit stores because they genuinely enjoy the experience
50%+ need to try before they buy—especially in apparel and beauty
Inventory availability drives more store visits than any other factor
But here’s the kicker: It’s not about the tech.
To view the full report, please click here.