# Back to Brick Innovative approaches to bring online shoppers back in stores. By [Bianca](https://www.trendhunter.com/bianca), Brand & Innovation Strategist | Published Oct 5, 2009, updated Nov 19, 2009 | Category: [Business](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/business-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/back-to-brick ## Key Figures - Trend score: 5.2/10 - Evidence articles: 11 ## What is the Back to Brick trend? **Back to Brick:** Brick and mortar stores are shutting down quickly as retailers can't afford to cover costs lost due to fewer customers. Consumers are favoring the Web for its variety, ease of bargain hunting and convenience, so retailers need to either meet those needs too or offer something the online experience can't offer. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 11 featured examples - Articles from: Jan 26 to Sep 29, 2009 - Published: Oct 5, 2009 - Patterns: [Cyclicality](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/cyclicality), [Redirection](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/redirection) - Megatrends: [Experience](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/experience), [Nostalgia](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/nostalgia) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Themes within the Back to Brick trend ### Brick and Mortar Innovation Retailers are innovating with unique in-store experiences to bring customers back to brick and mortar stores. ### Interactive Shopping Experiences Tech and design are coming together to create immersive shopping experiences that blur the line between in-store and online shopping. ### Luxury Convenience Stores Convenience stores are no longer just for quick stops - luxury convenience stores are offering high-end products and personalized experiences. ## What the Back to Brick trend means for industry ### For Retail To stay competitive, retailers need to think outside the box and offer unique in-store experiences. ### For Technology The integration of tech, like touchscreens and virtual reality, are changing the way we shop. ### For Luxury Brands Luxury brands are redefining what it means to be a convenience store, offering high-end products and personalization. ## Trend signals for Back to Brick Trend score 5.2 out of 10, from popularity 80%, activity 67%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 80% - Activity: 67% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Back to Brick trend 11 featured examples from Jan 26 to Sep 29, 2009. - [Boutique Vending Machines](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/boutique-vending-machines-utique-upscale-automated-retail-shopping): ‘U*tique' Upscale Automated Retail Shopping (Category: Business) Implication: Traditional brick and mortar retailers can innovate by introducing more interactive and automated shopping experiences similar to U*tique. - [Stylish Shopping Shoots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/julius-bramanto-market-maiden): Julius Bramanto's 'Market Maiden' Makes the Farmer's Market Fashionable (Category: Fashion) Implication: The fashion industry can leverage the trend of haute market style to reach new audiences and create unique brand experiences with outdoor market collaborations or location-based m… - [In-Store Online Shopping](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/intel-point-of-sale-kiosk): Intel Point-of-Sale Kiosk Skips Sales Personnel But Not Fitting Rooms (Category: Business) Implication: In-store online shopping and point-of-sale kiosks are disrupting the retail industry. - [In-Store Fan Shout-Outs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/new-moon-twilight): "Twilight" Cast Takes a Break From "New Moon" for Fan Video (Category: Pop Culture) Implication: Retailers can benefit from creating in-store experiences that connect with customers and build loyalty, especially in the age of online shopping. - [Solar-Powered Shopping Malls](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/solar-powered-shopping-malls): Japan's Aeon and Oasis 21 Green Architecture (Category: Eco) Implication: Opportunities for architects to incorporate green technologies and designs into their projects. - [Brick and Glass Showrooms](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/avantgarde-interior-designs-martin-margiela-munich-store-brick-glass-mirror): Martin Margiela's Munich Store Is An Eclectic Fashion Hub (Category: Fashion) Implication: Opportunity for retailers to create immersive and visually striking store designs that enhance the shopping experience. - [Shopping Dogs to Sell Pet Food](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/eukanuba-fetch-shopping-dogs): Eukanuba 'Fetch' Ad Campaign (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Disruptive innovation opportunity: Develop pet food ads that feature animals interacting with products to showcase their benefits and appeal to pet owners. - [Magnetic Mall Ads](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mothvertising-londons-westfield-shopping-mall-wants-you-to-fly-towards-the): London's Westfield Shopping Center Wants You to Fly Towards the Light (Category: Marketing) Implication: Disruptive innovation opportunities in creating more impactful and memorable advertisements. - [Giant Independent Bookstores](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/city-of-books-portland-powells-bookstore-bibliophile): Powell'S Color-Coded Rooms and In-Store Maps Defy Big Chains (Category: Business) Implication: The retail industry has an opportunity to invest in local, independent bookstores that offer a unique shopping experience to customers. - [Rock Stars in Supermarkets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gwen-stefani-grocery-shopping-editorial): Gwen Stefani's Grocery Shopping Editorial Makes Chores Glamorous (Category: Fashion) Implication: Fashion brands can explore partnerships with supermarkets to elevate the shopping experience. - [Self-Weighing Shopping Carts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/abastor2.0-shopping-cart): Abastor2.0 Concept Would Make Getting Groceries Easy (Category: Unique) Implication: The retail industry can benefit from adopting self-weighing shopping carts to enhance customer experience and streamline operations. ## Recent trend clusters - [Autumn Teasers](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/autumn-teasers) (Business) - [Errand Leisure](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/errand-leisure) (Business) - [Category Mashups](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/category-mashups) (Business) - [Automated Upkeep](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/automated-upkeep) (Tech) ## Trending in Business - [Performance-Based Creator Ads](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/creator-ad-platforms) - [Repairable Hardshell Jackets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sperro-sv) - [Natural Deodorant Expansions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/target-beauty-studios) - [Mini Beauty Stores](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/little-luxuries-store) All articles: [Business](https://www.trendhunter.com/business)