In this episode of The I.A.D.S. Retail Park 🎙️, Maya and Dr. Christopher Knee, honorary advisor to IADS, reveal the two secret advantages department stores hold over even the mightiest online retailers: deep product knowledge and the power of physical stores. Discover why Amazon’s cutting-edge algorithms can’t match the genuine recommendations of a trustworthy merchant and how the unique in-store experience, from knowledgeable staff to omnichannel pickup, creates a winning edge in today’s evolving market. Learn how pioneers like Waterstones and legacy giants like Sears thrived by blending expertise with presence, and why the future belongs to department stores that adapt their human and spatial assets to digital-era shoppers.For more insights and updates, follow us on LinkedIn at International Association of Department Stores - IADS, check out our Substack, visit our website at www.iads.org for additional resources, and learn more here!

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