Experiential Shopping

February 10, 2014 – Simply displaying and stocking merchandise no longer is enough for a store to be viable. In today’s competitive marketplace being good nor great is acceptable. Consumers command outstanding customer service or a unique experience, otherwise, why get up from the couch where i can work from my wireless key pad, connected to my smart tv, click and voila, have just about anything delivered to my doorstep? Shops need to offer experiences that engage the shopper, and some successful retailers are doing that:

Samsung Experience, NY here’s where you can visit a 10,000 square foot space filled to the brim with the latest tech gadgets. Touch, feel and test out product capabilities first hand, with no pressure to purchase, as none of the merchandise is actually for sale on the spot. If an item strikes your fancy, a brand ambassador assists in making an online purchase at the in-store computer, which arrives at your doorstep within a week. You can now even experience a sampling of this experience on a smaller scale when you visit your local best buy and stop by the Samsung Experience Shop.

Lululemon here’s where you buy your yoga clothing and take an in-store yoga classes.

Apple this is the place where you check out the latest apple gadget, but also you get to hang out at the genius bar, where you can talk the language that 1-techies know and love.

Both at the store level and at the shopping center level, providing different modes of online access will become more commonplace. These brands are testimony to the growing shift in consumer retail experiences. Staying ahead of these trends will prove pivotal in the success of brick and mortar storefronts moving forward.