Great Northern has partnered with the Path to Purchase Institute for the fifth consecutive year to explore the latest trends in physical retail shopping. This collaboration began during the COVID-19 pandemic, a time when e-commerce was booming and uncertainty loomed over the future of physical stores. As the pandemic receded into the past, shoppers returned to brick-and-mortar stores, but their behaviors have evolved. Our 2025 survey aimed to further capture these changes, focusing on shopping habits and the factors driving in-store visits. The primary reason for visiting physical stores remains the ability to see and interact with products firsthand, whether selecting groceries or home furnishings. Read More...