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NEW YORK CITY—Maybe because it's summertime, the height of sci-fi movie season, many research companies and media outlets are looking forward, including the (cue portentous music) Future of the Shopping Mall. Fortunately, they are predicting the survival of organized retail in the near and not-that-far-off future. But it may not look quite like what we're used to.

As noted elsewhere on GlobeSt.com, the recently released A.T. Kearney Omnichannel Shopping Preferences Study reports physical stores continue to be the preferred method of commerce, with two-thirds of responding shoppers purchasing online use a brick-and-mortar store before or after the transaction.

“Stores provide consumers with a sensory experience that allows them to touch and feel products, immerse in brand experiences, and engage with sales associates who provide tips and reaffirm shopper enthusiasm for their new purchase,” the study said. “The future of retail is solidly anchored in the brick-and-mortar channel.”

Which retailers and how large they will be is the focus of CNBC's mall of 2039  will feature smaller stores (think Hointer, which features only one of each item on display, with the shopper using a smart phone to indicate the size to be sent directly to the fitting room), mobile checkouts (already being done at Apple), and more frequent turnover of retailers due to a planned number of pop-ups. Look for even more services, dining and yes, grocery stores to join the mix. Department stores will still exist, creating brand loyalty as they provide massive assortments and entertainment.

Other predictions include virtual retail, with walls and even Google Glass allowing shoppers to order online from the mall, the subway, anywhere.  

Of course, not all predictions come true. Remember “Demolition Man,” the 1993 movie where Sylvester Stallone is revived in 2032 after being cryogenically frozen, only to learn that Taco Bell was the sole survivor of the chain restaurant wars, Arnold Schwarzenegger had been President, meetings are conducted by video conferencing (using handheld computers) and cars drive themselves? 

Then again…