eCommerce will play an increasingly important role as retailers consolidate store networks, Hugo Boss SEAPAC MD Matthew Keighran believes.
Keighran said while the brand is working on building its digital footprint in Australia, eCommerce will play a vital role in a post COVID-19 economy.
"As far as the key growth areas and emerging trends, we see of course that the rise and rise of eConmerce has even jumped a couple of steps further or progressed in a much quicker way than we initially thought, " he told ragtrader.com.au.
"In Australia, we are definitely behind but we'll be launching a special program globally starting in July. We're very, very excited about that."
Keighran said the brand's eCommerce business with David Jones increased exponentially during the closure of retail stores.
"I think the next biggest issue to consider is the way that we run our retail stores and the network of retail stores.
"What is necessary in a post COVID-19 world?
"At this point in time, I'm sure you can imagine, there's lots of negotiations going on with landlords, and then we're having a very hard look at how many stores are actually necessary in this new world.
"I think it's consolidating the retail network. It's picking up the pace with the eCommerce aspects of the business, and a further area would be really around the customisation of our approach to our customers."
Keighran also predicts a rise in personalisation and a renewed focus on top tier customers.
"I think people will be wary about going into stores, people will be a little concerned about buying what they see as non-necessary purchases.
"So, just remaining in contact with our customers and understanding their needs and wants will put us in a good position coming out of this."