hyperphysical retail

English

Etymology

Emerged around 2018. Used by leaders like The Future Laboratory to describe the evolution of retail.

Noun

hyperphysical retail (uncountable)

1. (economics, marketing, business, neologism) The activity of making a shop more visually appealing and creating interesting experiences for the people who go there. [from 2018]
   • 2022 May 5, Lucy Shaw, “The future of retail is "hyperphysical"”, in Nss magazine‎^[1]:

     From Balenciaga's pink fur-clad pop-ups to Jacquemus' bag vending machines: at a time when many consumers have yet to abandon e-commerce as their preferred mode of purchase, hyperphysical retailing is catalysing the attention of younger consumers.

   • 2022 June 17, “Let’s get physical: Why Hyperphysical stores are this year’s biggest retail trend in Asia”, in Global Retail Alliance‎^[2], archived from the original on 2022-07-05:

     While hyperphysical retail is more about enhancing the customer experience and increasing brand recognition and accessibility, as opposed to simply selling products, sales are still at the forefront of brands’ minds.

   • 2023 June 21, Ashton Kirsten, “Understanding 'Hyperphysical' Luxury Retail”, in RetailNext‎^[3]:

     In-store analytics facilitates continuous testing and iteration of experiences within hyperphysical retail environments.

   • 2023 August 4, Lucy Shaw, “Experience Radar 28: Retail Fights Back With Hyperphysical Stores And Multiverse Storytelling Grips Tinseltown”, in WorldXO‎^[4]:

     Balenciaga is also dipping its well-manicured toes into hyperphysical retail at its pop-ups dedicated to its Le Cagole it-handbag in London and Bangkok, which feature an explosion of shaggy pink faux fur covering every imaginable surface.