Retailers turn to bricks and mortar as online sales look set to decline

More and more online retailers are opening physical stores on the high street as reports say the growth of internet shopping is slowing.

By 2021, the rate of growth in online sales is expected to decline from the current level of around 11% to 7%, according to property consultancy Colliers.

In anticipation of this, online retailers are turning to bricks and mortar to strengthen their sales.

Big brands such as Samsung, Dyson and Seat which previously sold through stockists are now reaching customers directly through their own bricks and mortar shops.

Mark Charlton, head of forecasting and research at Colliers, said: "The trend for [online retailers] to take physical stores will undoubtedly accelerate as increased online competition and lower rates of sales growth requires them to find a competitive edge."

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