Real estate firm Macerich is best known for operating malls and shopping centers throughout the U.S., but now the company is taking a new approach to retailing: bridging “high-growth digitally native brands” with brick-and-mortar. The company launched BrandBox in November 2018, a concept designed to house e-Commerce brands in malls on a rotating basis, giving them the chance to operate storefronts at an affordable cost. Brandbox launched its first concept at Tysons Corner Center in Tysons, Va., and it includes: Flexible space and lease terms: A BrandBox store ranges from 500 to 2,500 square feet, and leases run six to 12 months; Support on design and buildout, staffing and technology through partnerships with companies including Bobby Redd, FITCH, Vitra, RetailNext and Boomtown; Store designs tailored to each brand; Social and experiential marketing designed to drive foot traffic and brand awareness both online and offline; Access to an analytics dashboard; and Educational content via Brandbox.com.

Ahold Delhaize has launched nearly 500 robots at its GIANT and Stop & Shop stores to patrol the aisles for spills and, eventually, out-of-stock items. The retailer discussed the capabilities of these six-foot machines, which have been outfitted with googly eyes and nametags that read “Marty,” at a Jan. 14 NRF Big Show session, titled Why There A Robot In My Store?

Retailers can’t afford to ignore the rising ubiquity of direct-to-consumer (DTC) options — 81% of American shoppers will make at least one purchase from a DTC brand in the next five years, according to the 2018 Direct-To-Consumer Purchase Intent Index from Diffusion PR. Additionally, 33% of all shoppers will make 40% of their purchases directly from brands during this period.