Offline and online to blend in the future of global retail

THE tremendous growth of the e-commerce sector has brought about a revolution in the global retail industry, with companies switching to online platforms in an attempt to reach potential customers and consumers across borders. This revolution has also led to traditional retailers fearing a loss of their business to online sellers. This has resulted in such retailers - from hypermarkets to convenience stores - starting websites and offering delivery services to woo customers.

The online route has certainly benefited small retailers. Malaysian footwear brand Christy Ng started its sale through Facebook and eventually listed its products on eBay, Lazada, Zalora and other popular online marketplaces. Amazon tied up with the Federation of Indian Micro and Small & Medium Enterprises to sell unique and hard-to-find products from micro, small a…