The Retail Duo always makes time to gather our own content, observe retail trends, and schedule in some getaways for inspiration and recharging! With a packed schedule this fall—including commercial projects, retail offerings, and a few conference sessions as both attendees and presenters—we’re gearing up for an exciting season. One thing is for sure: NYC never disappoints. Here's a breakdown of some of our highlights...
Yeti
An entire store dedicated to a brand we all know and love. At the heart of this space, the product shines as the hero, and customers can't help but admire the massive family of YETI products. Quality and craftsmanship are evident in the brand's DNA, giving guests a clear sense of YETI's durability. And the options! Who knew there were so many styles, colors, and products in the YETI family? Customization and personalization were a key feature, allowing customers to create their own unique products. A fantastic integration of digital and lighting elements further elevated the experience.
Petco
Located in Union Square, you don’t need to be a pet owner to fall in love with this whimsical store. We couldn’t get enough of the beautiful, flexible fixtures and containers housing the merchandise. One of our favorite features: the adorable pet mannequins in every shape and breed of dog and cat under the sun! The signage and lighting were designed to make shopping easy, and the merchandise stories were some of the best we’ve seen in a long time. Charming ceiling installations added even more interest. A one-stop shop for pets and all their needs, Petco goes beyond the ordinary. Not only can Rover get a grooming and beauty spa treatment, but there’s also space for training. You can even wrap up your visit with a custom photo in the photo studio or the photo booth!
Hoka
This flagship store is redefining the running experience. Coined as a gathering spot for runners, HOKA prioritizes comfort for avid runners while elevating the in-store experience. The basement houses lockers, washrooms, and a space to meet, relax, and listen to occasional guest speakers—talk about community-centric! While shoppers may not always see every size and style in person, the space incorporates QR codes and digital experiences for easy access to further information. Investing in the perfect shoe is a personal journey, and the brand embraces that it’s not always a quick decision. Customers are encouraged to return for a wear test or get their feet digitally scanned. We were especially impressed by the color scheme, interior lighting, cash desk design, friendly and knowledgeable staff, and, of course, the beautiful product displays.
Mejuri
Not just another jewelry store, Mejuri delivers simple merchandising, unique features, and an inviting store environment. We loved the touches of gold and the modern mirrored space. The product was clearly the focus, while the store's design brought a trendy yet modern feel. At the time of our visit, the campaign titled "From the Campaign Series: A New York Minute" was relatable, featuring influencers in their natural forms, sharing their product recommendations. QR codes and imagery made the collections easy to shop. Jewelry shopping is very personal, and the store's design allows customers to browse collections without feeling overwhelmed or pressured.
Banana Republic
Pairing fashion with home goods, this Soho location is a beauty. The store offers a range of premier services designed to elevate the Banana Republic shopping experience—from custom tailoring to personalized concierge and styling services. This store is being hailed as "a cultural curation of the brand's ethos of modern exploration," featuring art, sculptures, books, and décor. One standout feature was the awe-inspiring artwork, which changes seasonally. From photography to ceramics and wood sculptures, the brand's storytelling truly comes alive here. A merchandiser's heaven—can we just move in?!
We left NYC feeling inspired and took away some key insights: QR codes are everywhere, helping to bridge the gap between online and in-store shopping. Props and objects are being more thoughtfully designed and strategically placed. Great campaigns and storytelling make all the difference, and community-centric stores are more important than ever.
One can never have enough time in NYC! We’ll have to return and add more must-see retail spots to our next list. Thanks for reading!
xo
Diane & Karen
The Retail Duo Inc. is a retail consulting agency that provides a concierge-style approach to our services. For more information, visit us on Instagram @theretailduo or at www.theretailduo.com.
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