p>Connection. Making a connection. That’s what we appear to be seeking in 2018, and that’s not always something retailers are able to accomplish using an app or a website. For bricks-and-mortar brands, maintaining a bond with shoppers is the holy grail in the digital age.

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“Barneys is paying more attention to the kids and to the youth and making [shopping] an even more tangible experience,” Obiwuru told me. “They’re actually bridging a connection with the consumer and saying, ‘It’s not just about the money. We want to actually connect with you.’ ”