Far from replacing the store, the growth in digital channels is simply adding new dimensions to bricks-and-mortar shopping; retailers are experiencing this first-hand.

And Future Stores 2017 will be delving deep physical retail’s continual development in a live conference for in-store innovators on 31 May – 1 June.

Ahead of the event, Future Stores has released an exclusive directors’ report, The High Street Renaissance. The report – available to download now – contains exclusive consumer research insights, including:

77% of consumers want to curate their own shopping journey in the store

For retailers, this means providing the technology to enable these independent journeys, while still maintaining control of the customer relationship. If you are interested in this topic, here are two Future Stores sessions you might enjoy:

Day 1, 2:15pm

How to create an ultra-convenient store experience for your customers by providing faster and easier ways to achieve their shopping missions

Keith Andrews, Head of Retail Portfolio & Innovation, Thomas Cook

Day 1, 3:00pm

Mastering self-service: How can you design mobile apps that enhance your in-store experience by providing shoppers with relevant information at their fingertips?

Jens-Jorg Simon, Senior Manager Retail Mobile, Omnichannel & Digital Retail, Adidas

7 in 10 consumers prefer mobile POS to a fixed point of sale

The checkout is changing, and retailers need to focus on adding flexibility and value at this key engagement point. If mobile POS is on your agenda for 2017, don’t miss these sessions:

Day 1, 9:20am

How can you encourage your staff to overcome a fear of failure mindset and embrace an ethos for staying ahead of the game with new digital business transformation concepts?

Paul Wills, Director Dealer Development, Hyundai Motor UK

Richard Hewitt, Head of Digital Stores, Marks and Spencer
Francesca Danzi, Former Director of Global Beauty, Managing Director & Founder, Burberry
Will Lockie, Former Head of Multichannel, Evans Cycles

Day 1, 4:15pm

Mobilising your store associates with digital tools: How can you strike the right balance between technology and human interaction to elevate your store experience and support your shoppers’ missions?

Dean Bonas, Head of Sales Operations, Liberty Global
Hannah Shepherd, Head of Retail Experience, Virgin Media

34% of consumers say digital makes in-store shopping easier

Retailers are rapidly recognising the value of technology in physical retail spaces, but what should that investment look like – and how will it impact customer value? For more insights, join these sessions:

Day 1, 2:15pm

What is the best approach to connecting your digital and physical channels in order to provide a 24/7 service for the ”always on” shopper and boost omni-channel sales?

Matt Lyons, Head of 3D Design Development, Boots
Penny Malm, Omnichannel Lead, Nobia

Day 2, 9:15am

Keeping your store relevant in a digital era: How to create connected digital experiences that meet the increasing demands of the growing millennial shoppers market

Guy Smith, Head of Design, Arcadia

Future Stores is taking place at the Radisson Blu Portman Hotel, London on 31 May – 1 June, 2017. Click here to book your tickets.