It is undoubtedly the case that many retail firms, particularly the smaller ones, will fail in the future. Market research suggests that about a third of us really don't like shopping and would be very happy to buy over the Internet. This is a rather larger percentage than the 15 percent or so drop in volume that would herald the end for many retail operations. This situation is not only coming about in the retail industries, it is already having a profound effect in banking and travel. If they have really got their wits about them, any large retailer, bank or travel agent will already be creating an Internet subsidiary.
Traditional retailing is already as good as dead.
Shopping will become increasingly linked with entertainment, for those who think that shopping can ever be a pleasant experience. For those who don't, the Internet is the way forward. There will also be a division between things that most people consider a chore to shop for, and those that we consider a pleasure. Clearly most people do not enjoy the weekly trip to stock up at the local supermarket and would be most grateful for regular deliveries. On the other hand, buying a new car will almost always involve a test drive.