E-commerce, physical stores and new technologies in the evolution of fashion retail business models

Purpose This article introduces a special issue comprising eight articles with up-to-date, in-depth studies on the antecedents and consequences of the spread of new technologies in fashion retail. Design/methodology/approach The article presents and discusses the general lines of the contribution offered by these works, covering topics related to at least three aspects: the characteristics of the technological infrastructure, the strategic dimension and emerging business models and the customer experience and consumer psychology. Findings Digital technologies, artificial intelligence and the spread of omnichannel strategies are gradually changing the retail landscape in the fashion industry. The adoption of new technologies is having a significant impact on both e-commerce and physical store networks, on companies' business models and on consumer perspectives. Originality/value The paper offers some interpretations of the research presented in the special issue, placing it within a broader perspective and highlighting aspects that cut across the various studies.