Retail Design
Understanding The Retail industry
Across the country new shopping districts are rising (and in some cases replacing the streets of the past) and they are bringing direct-to-consumer brands along with them. Companies such as Casper, Warby Parker, Everlane and Away all started out as direct-to-consumer brands, all online. But many of these companies found that they needed that in-store experience consumers couldn’t have through buying only online. Customers wanted to feel and see the products they were shopping for in-person.
Even grocers are changing as society is changing. Now many grocery stores offer service counters, space to sit down, hyper-local produce, classes and the ability to skip the line through ordering ahead. Other new trends such as shoppers being more environmentally conscious have drastically effected industries such as the world of fast-fashion and department stores. Sustainability is changing the way consumers get dressed. Online platforms and stores are starting to recycle clothing instead of mass producing.
How Design and Branding Can Integrate With The Strategic Approach of Restaurants
One of my favorite restaurants is Styer’s Garden Cafe (also known as Terrain) by Urban Outfitters. Specifically, my friends and I frequent the Glen Mills, Pa Location several times per year. Terrain has truly created an aesthetic and brand identity that entrances brunch goers as they marvel over sitting in a greenhouse to eat delicious (and beautifully plated) food.
Terrain used design to strategically plan every aspect of their restaurant, including stunning decor, neighboring garden shop, magical lights and bread served in flower pots. Terrain is also able to successfully draw customers in through offering classes with topics such as caring for hydrangeas, wreath making and grilling.
Terrain’s Lawn and Garden concept fully embraces the idea of outdoor living. The restaurant has an upscale product mix and focuses heavily on sustainability.Terrain thrives on market differentiation and their sustainable competitive advantage. There are not many restaurants quite like it. The retail space coveys a relaxed and uncrowded feel with high ceilings, wide spaces and calming background music. In their neighboring shop they have an eclectic product mix with items from all over the world- from Egyptian lanterns to chemical-free skin products. The shop is connected to the restaurant, attracting customers and keeping them there longer- as they wait to be seated in the restaurant or as they shop after brunch.