What is New Retail

New retail is a term used to describe the merging of online and offline commerce. It’s about breaking down the barriers between ecommerce, physical stores, and supply chains to create a cohesive experience for both businesses and customers.

Instead of thinking in silos (like “in-store” vs. “online”) new retail connects everything. It uses data, technology, and real-time updates to give customers a consistent, personalized experience, no matter how or where they shop.

A brief history

The term “new retail” was introduced by Alibaba co-founder Jack Ma around 2016, during a time when ecommerce was growing fast, but was still seen as separate from brick-and-mortar retail.
His idea was to reimagine commerce by combining the best of both worlds, using data and integrated systems to connect stores, warehouses, and digital channels.

Today, new retail has evolved into what we now call omnichannel commerce, a more widely used term for the same foundational idea: delivering connected, consistent customer experiences across every touchpoint, whether it’s offline or online.

Good to know

New retail isn’t a platform or a product. It’s a mindset. And it depends on having connected systems (like your ERP, ecommerce platform, PIM, and POS) that share data in real time. These days, this mindset is more frequently described as an omnichannel approach.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How is new retail different from omnichannel?
Omnichannel isn’t so much different from new retail, as an evolution of new retail. It’s the more commonly used term, but it builds on the same principles: bridging online and offline channels to serve customers better.
What kinds of tools support new retail?
Tools like PIMs (Product Information Management), feed management platforms, ERPs, and ecommerce systems all play a role in a new retail approach. They help keep product data accurate, inventory synced, and shopping experiences smooth.
Is new retail only for B2C?
Not at all. B2B buyers now expect the same quality digital experience they get as consumers. New retail thinking is just as relevant for B2B, especially when you're selling across channels or managing complex product data.
Do I need physical stores to use a new retail approach?
No, you don’t need a physical store to have a new retail approach. It’s less about having stores and more about how your systems talk to each other. Even if you only sell online, adopting this mindset helps you stay flexible and ready for new sales channels.