The intelligent transformation of brick-and-mortar retailers should be promoted to cultivate new growth points for retail and boost the steady development of the consumption sector under the country's new development pattern, a report said.

The report, issued by the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade Academy, said in the new-development stage, the intelligent transformation of physical retailers is an inevitable trend.

Zhao Ping, vice-dean f the CCPIT Academy, said: "China's total retail sales of consumer goods surged 4.9 percent year-on-year in October. The pressure on consumption growth is still heavy, and the growth rate has not returned to the level before the epidemic. In contrast, online retail sales have been posting double-digit growth for a long time."

The intelligent transformation of physical retailers is needed to integrate online and offline, explore new consumption modes, and inject fresh impetus to the growth of the consumption sector, she said.

The report said the intelligent transformation promotes high-efficient supply, and would satisfy the growing demands of consumers.

Through data feedback, consumption demands can guide the innovation of production and organization modes, so supplies can better suit demand.

In addition, through the application of new modes and new technologies, physical retail is able to focus more on improving user experience, and enhancing the quality of consumption, the report said.

Gao Kun, deputy general manager of Suning's Beijing branch, said the intelligent transformation of physical retail promotes the prosperity of consumption in China's grass root-level regions.

CCPIT Academy said to realize the transformation, retailers should center on consumers to improve user experience, pay attention to integration and innovation, and stick to the intelligent development mode.

zhengyiran@chinadaily.com.cn