MAKING CHANGE
A RETAIL BLOG
This bold little town of Stockton on Tees is investing in “social infrastructure” to vision the next chapter of why people come downtown. They believe culture is shifting and in their case, the focus on retail and office to drive downtown traffic is outdated and losing relevance. To fill the void, they’ve developed this “social infrastructure” strategy to focus on community as the primary driver of traffic and vibrancy.
The Drama Book Shop is a case study of the value of in-person retail — and the critical role it can play in culture. So, as the retail industry grasps at straws to define its next chapter, let’s have a look at the five things we can learn from the Drama Book Shop–and what it tells us about creating value in brick and mortar experiences.
Le Bon Marché’s awe-inspiring kids section is teeming with designer duds for the tiniest of Parisian humans. But for the local children, it’s all about the wow-worthy toy selection.
The Pampers Airstream felt like a living, breathing lullaby. There was everything you needed to change a diaper, plus a totally secure cam to snap your baby’s pic post-diaper change, if you wish. But was the pop-up cool, helpful or meaningful enough to turn families into brand loyalists?
Lola James Harper’s two-year temporary space within Le Bon Marché has everything: photography, perfume, gorgeous guitars, a very hipster-chic coffee bar, even a place to play and record music. The exhibit is rounded out by curated, music-inspired gifts.
Le Bon Marché has gone all out with one of today’s hottest trends: personalization. At the store, shoppers can show an on-site graphic designer a picture of their dog, their fiance, or even an entire family portrait. Using software, the designer draws an on-the-spot Parisian-style caricature, which is then printed on an item of your choosing, on whatever fabric you wish.
Bodega’s are a New York City staple. Recently we’ve seen a trend of brands creating their own pop-up bodega to showcase their products. The juxtaposition of mixing high end designs with the humble corner store aesthetic is always marketable. Trendy handbag designer Gelareh Mizrahi’s opened their mini mart for SS NYFW which will remain open until next September. The store transplanted in the heart of Soho, is boisterous and fun.
Figs is making the world better, one pair of scrubs at a time. Co-CEO/founder Heather Hassan, recently featured on Inc.’s 100 Female Founder edition expressed, Figs goal is to “completely transform the healthcare experience by putting as much thought into the work-wear of medical professionals as they put into caring for their patients.”
The short term grocery store is complete with a millennial checklist: instagrammable design, social justice missions, and wellness focused products
This past week, we experienced The Wing’s new beautifully designed co-working and community space in Chicago’s bustling Fulton Market District within the West Loop. Read more to find out how we felt about visiting the “diverse community open to all”.
