The last 12 months have been incredibly difficult for the retail industry, but it has been extraordinary to witness how retailers responded to the Covid-19 pandemic. 

They say necessity is the mother of invention and around the world we have seen innovation, accelerated decision making, and a willingness to be bold and take risks.

There’s the rapid deployment of new ecommerce, and fulfilment solutions in response to lockdown and store closures. US retailer Dick’s Sporting Goods is a prime example. Within 48 hours of its stores closing, Dick’s had modified its in-store click-and-collect model and launched contactless kerbside pick-up.