The long-predicted “retail apocalypse” has been officially replaced by a high-tech renaissance. According to a new report from Colliers, titled “How AI Is Redefining Retail Real Estate in 2026,” the integration of artificial intelligence is not replacing brick-and-mortar locations, but rather making them more indispensable than ever. Authors of the report found that while digital commerce continues to grow, a staggering 85.1 percent of U.S. retail sales still flow through physical stores, which is prompting 71 percent of retailers to expand their physical footprints this year. The modern store is now undergoing a profound structural change. It is no longer just a showroom for products. It has become a sophisticated fulfillment hub and a critical support system for omnichannel commerce. Researchers at Colliers said this shift is driven by the fact that one in four online orders is now fulfilled directly through a physical store.…