An online shopping giant could have a physical impact on our retail landscape.

Amazon is planning to open across the Tasman next year, giving traditional retailers a run for their money.

Architect David Thornton said some shops could be forced to close their doors or downsize, if they lose customers to online shopping.

He told Larry Williams retailers will be forced to up their game and improve customer experience to keep people shopping in store.

"If retailers aren't evolving they're not going to survive. There will be areas where, you know, there's only one retailer can be the cheapest and if they're thee guy that's online."

LISTEN ABOVE AS DAVID THORNTON SPEAKS WITH LARRY WILLIAMS