"The biggest challenge facing brick-and-mortar retail is uncertainty. That includes uncertainty about the long-term effects on consumer spending habits, and uncertainty on the progress of combating the illness in different markets, along with widely varying rules and regulations. The constant will be a need to have a strong supporting digital component to pick up the slack."

Eric Hammond, vice president of Greenlane Brands (which owns lifestyle brand Higher Standards), in a recent interview with Glossy.com for its story, “Six retailers on the store of the future.” Hammond emphasized the importance of a strong online presence to pick up the slack of physical retail in the next year.