> ## Content Index
> Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.dbbnwa.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further.

# Physical Stores Remain Core to Omnichannel Strategy
- URL: https://www.dbbnwa.com/physical-stores-remain-core-to-omnichannel-strategy/
- Published: 2025-08-18T20:00:08.000Z
- Updated: 2025-08-20T13:27:13.000Z
- Description: Studies show that physical stores are strategic linchpins in omnichannel retail, enhancing engagement, boosting nearby online sales, and powering experiential innovation.
- Author: Staff Report
- Tags: Supply Chain, Technology, Leadership

### Strategic Resurgence of Physical Stores

A [2024 survey by CBRE](https://business-review.eu/business/retail/cbre-study-physical-retail-dominates-with-major-brands-rapidly-expanding-in-europe-273391?ref=dbbnwa.com) of more than 60 major European retailers revealed that 71% of respondents plan to increase their number of physical stores, with 72% aiming to expand store space, a sharp rise compared to just 26% in 2022\. The study emphasizes that almost 97% still view physical stores as essential strategic assets, signaling their [enduring value within omnichannel frameworks](https://www.mckinsey.com/~/media/mckinsey/industries/retail/our%20insights/the%20winning%20formula%20what%20it%20takes%20to%20build%20leading%20omnichannel%20operations/the-winning-formula-what-it-takes-to-build-leading-omnichannel-operations-2022.pdf?utm%5Fsource=chatgpt.com).

### Physical Retail Driving Online Performance

According to [Reuters](https://www.reuters.com/business/retail-consumer/bricks-over-clicks-shops-come-back-into-fashion-europe-2024-10-28/?ref=dbbnwa.com), physical stores are experiencing a European revival post-pandemic. Retailers report that having a nearby store can boost local online sales by up to 20%, demonstrating the complementary nature of offline and online channels. This synergy shows how physical touchpoints elevate overall performance across channels.

### Seamless Integration as Differentiator

An [industry overview from May 2025](https://www.nrfbigshoweurope.com/en/industry-trends/seamless-omnichannel-retail?ref=dbbnwa.com) highlighted that seamless omnichannel execution, where digital and physical channels align fluidly, is now a critical strategic differentiator for European retailers. Such integration enhances operational efficiency, inventory coordination and customer relationships, reinforcing the importance of physical stores in a connected ecosystem.

### Innovative Hybrid Formats: Dark Stores & Fulfillment Hubs

In response to escalating omnichannel demands, [B&Q in the UK](https://www.thetimes.com/business-money/companies/article/b-and-q-shines-a-light-on-the-dark-stores-revolutionising-retail-0b7vgtzc6?utm%5Fsource=chatgpt.com®ion=global) retrofitted parts of its stores into mini fulfillment centers. By 2024, this hybrid approach processed 85% of online orders across 53 stores, showcasing how physical locations can serve as both customer hubs and logistics headquarters.

### Academic Insights: Trial‑and‑Return Strategies

[One academic study](https://arxiv.org/abs/2505.15597?ref=dbbnwa.com) explored the economics of offering trial-and-return options across physical and online channels. It finds such programs are most profitable when product-fit uncertainty is high, and store clerks play a pivotal role in encouraging trials that ultimately drive conversions, reinforcing the strategic utility of physical presence.