Dr. Cor Molenaar, Professor of eMarketing and Distance selling at RSM, expects department stores in the top segment to be future proof. However, mid-range and lower-end department stores suffer from internet platforms such as Amazon and Bol.com and will eventually disappear. Top brands need physical appearance, image and 'touchability'. The department store takes care of the visitors which all brands can benefit from. The Internet does not replace this as it is simply a sales channel.