Corporations will have to strategically address these segments to compete and ultimately win against a formidable competitor, said Denise Larson and Gary Reisman, principals and co-founders of New Media Metrics.

FORBES: Connect

Overall, there is emotional attachment to both specialty and general-merchandise retailers, indicating there is still a role for both, according to Denise Larson and Gary Reisman, principals and co-founders of New Media Metrics.

FORBES: The Most-Loved Retail Brands Right Now