How Retailers Like Glossier are Creating the Store of the Future (Photo Gallery)

If anyone says that retail today is boring they are lying. Retailers are experimenting with all sorts of store formats to see which one will resonate best with customers. Even Starbucks, the nearly 50 year old retailer, is mixing it up with its new Starbucks Now format in Beijing. From Starbucks to Glossier to Neighborhood Goods here are four retailers and their take on the store of the future.

1. Last month Starbucks opened its first Starbucks Now store format in Beijing China. The store is designed for customers who want to quickly pick up the coffee they ordered using the Starbucks mobile app and get going. Seating is limited and is not designed for customers that are planning to stay a while. The store is also used as a hub for coffee delivery orders which are popular in China.

Starbucks Now store in Beijing. Photo credit: Starbucks

2. In September of 2017 Nordstrom launched a new store concept called Nordstrom Local. Nordstrom Local stores are small. They are only 3,000 sq. ft and they do not carry dedicated inventory. The stores are focused on service and providing a great experience. Some of the services offered at Nordstrom Local stores include personal stylists, free of charge, manicures, pickup for eCommerce orders (including curbside pickup), returns, alterations, gift wrapping and complimentary refreshments.

Nordstrom Local in Melrose California. Photo credit: Nordstrom

Nordstrom Local, Downton LA, California. Photo credit: Nordstrom

3. Glossier was born out of CEO Emily Weiss’ blog, Into the Gloss in 2014. The fast-growing beauty brand reached unicorn status earlier this year after a round of funding valued the company at $1.2 billion. The brand has a cult like millennial following and has effectively redefined the in-store experience. Glossier’s stores are the definition of when Instagram meets real life.

Glossier Showroom in New York City. Credit: Glossier. Note: this showroom has been replaced with Glossier’s NYC flagship store

Glossier’s Flagship Store in New York City

Glossier pop-up store in Boston. Photo credit: Glossier

4. Neighborhood Goods was founded in 2017 by Matt Alexander and Mark Masinter to provide a new take on the old department store model. At 14,000 sq. ft Neighborhood Goods is less than 10% the size of a traditional department store. The company also made the strategic decision to focus on digitally native and new to bricks and mortar brands.

Tricia McKinnonAugust 20, 2019Trends, Customer ExperienceComment