Today's consumer is more comfortable than ever making purchases online, navigating a site and buying without ever speaking with a sales associate. In order for brick-and-mortar stores to compete in this self-service economy, retailers need to be aware of several trends that are taking shape. For example, self-checkouts are popping up to enable customers to take matters into their own hands. We're also seeing more in-store kiosks where buyers can get information quickly without having to track down a salesperson. Lastly, smart retailers are adopting in-store mobile devices for better communication and customer service. All of these innovations help to empower the consumer on their path to purchase.