adj. Describes a retailer that sells products through three channels: bricks-and-mortar stores, a catalog, and a website.
2000
Traditional companies that have set up Web sites aren't immune to this reality. The luxury goods retailer Saks Fifth Avenue launched its Web site in August. Saks is now "tri-channel," the latest e-commerce buzzword: It sells in stores and through catalogues in addition to its Web presence.
1999 (earliest)
Even so, Fersch is not convinced of the viability of traditional advertising. "As a tri-channel retailer, our greatest advantage is our 100 million catalogs, our 520-plus stores and our Internet presence."