Are Stores Doomed? Urban Retail in the E-Commerce Age

1.5 CM / LU Pending

Main Street is under siege once again. The rise of online giants like Amazon and Jet seems to be the latest strike in a decades-long assault on the urban store. But is it the last? How can urban retail survive and thrive in the new age of e-commerce? In this session, academic and professional research will explore the past, present, and future of urban retail. Urban morphologist Conrad Kickert will discuss his research on a century of retail change in Europe and the United States. Urban designer Vikas Mehta will present his studies on the role of neighborhood retail in vibrant communities. Professional retail expert Heather Arnold will outline various strategies for urban retail streets to remain vibrant. All three will provide unique but complementary perspectives on the challenges and opportunities for urban retail, building a road map for its future in the digital age.