With Selfridges offering its world famous Oxford Street store for “non-traditional ceremonies” to couples as coronavirus restrictions are relaxed, Retail Week looks at some of the other one-of a kind experiences that stores around the world provide.
After months of restrictions in the UK and similar measures around the world, customers across the globe are only now beginning to rediscover the joys of physical shopping and some of the unique experiences it can bring.
The pandemic has also increasingly demonstrated the importance of stores offering experiences and services that customers simply can’t get online.
Stores at the forefront of this movement are combining adventure, excitement and digital elements to make a customer’s trip a memorable one.
Retail Week takes a look at retail destinations located all around the world offering intriguing, unique and sometimes downright wacky experiences that are sure to attract customers.
Get hitched at Selfridges
A visit to Selfridges may already mark a major milestone for those on a shopping spree and now the iconic London department store is allowing visitors to commemorate an even bigger moment. Couples can exchange vows in the store following news that the store has obtained a wedding license.
The store plans to offer non-traditional ceremonies. The weddings, which will allow up to 20 guests, will be held on the fourth floor of the famous Oxford Street store. Packages will allow couples to utilise in-store services such as style advice, hair and makeup before the ceremony, while guests can also enjoy a meal or a visit to the private cinema afterwards.
As part of this new initiative, Selfridges is also offering a specific package for the more sustainably-minded couple. The ‘Earth Lovers’ package places emphasis on the planet, with bride and groom having an appointment with ’Resellfridges’ to find or rent ensembles for the day itself. There are also organic wine and champagne options.
Stay overnight in an IKEA store
Following years of attempts to dissuade eager shoppers from attempting to stay overnight in its store, IKEA announced that they would be hosting the “Swede Dreams Sleepover”. Held on National Sleep Day, March 13th, the event allowed 40 lucky raffle winners and a guest of their choice to spend a night exploring one of two stores in the US after closing time.
The Swedish retailer also promised an Insomnia Lounge with advisors to help guests achieve the best possible sleep, as well as a silent disco.
This is not the first time the furniture retailer has allowed visitors to roam freely throughout the store at night – in 2010, IKEA’s Wembley store let 100 cats roam free in the store allowing them to explore the store’s offerings until the early hours.
Skate the House of Vans, London
The House of Vans, located in Waterloo, London, aims to celebrate creative expression – inside visitors can find an art gallery, a live music venue, a cinema, bars and a cafe.
House of Vans also contains its very own artist incubator space. VansLab offers free workspace for budding artists and then offers the creatives the opportunity to showcase the results in the art gallery space.
That is not all that is on offer from the streetwear brand. There are also two indoor skate parks to be discovered on the bottom two floors of the building, allowing skaters to escape the elements. On occasion, they can even meet famous skateboarders.
Take your dog for lunch at Drool Foodhall
Set to open in mid-July at the new Bobby & Co department store in Bournemouth, located at a former Debenhams branch, Drool is the world’s first food hall for dogs. The pop-up will have plenty of attractions for the hungry canine, including a cake shop and a Lick ‘n’ Mix station. For the sustainable pet owner, the foodhall will also offer a dog ball recycling centre.
Stands have been designed at a suitable height for dogs to ensure ease of access to the sweet treats – all of which have been specifically created for the dogs themselves.
Owners will also be able to bring some treats home from the day out, with a tuck shop opening on site.
Play some basketball at Nike Soho
Located in the heart of New York City, Nike’s Soho hub offers consumers the chance to purchase new shoes and to shoot some hoops.
The store contains a mini basketball court, allowing customers to test their skills. Attention to detail is key here – the ceilings are 23 feet, a nod to the jersey numbers of both Michael Jordan and LeBron James.
Shoppers can also test out some new running shoes on the treadmills at the Nike+ Running Trial Zone.
Meanwhile, soccer fans have the opportunity to play on a pitch on the store’s third floor.
Customisation is paramount throughout the store. There’s a dedicated customisation section which allows consumers to change laces, fabrics and add details to their new shoes.
Experience the American Dream
Located in New Jersey, American Dream is more than a mall. Within its vast halls, visitors can find a Nickelodeon theme park, a DreamWorks water park, indoor skiing and a skating rink. There are also two mini golf courses within the centre, as well as a mirror maze.
For those visitors with a sweet tooth, It’Sugar is a three-floor candy department store that aims to blend sugar and pop culture. Described as the world’s first establishment of this kind, the store sells a vast assortment of treats and some souvenirs to ensure the sugar high is not forgotten.
If all that was not enough for visitors to enjoy, there are also all the typical attractions of a large shopping centre, with over 100 stores and eateries.
The most interesting store in the world
Showfields isn’t shy about declaring what lies behind the doors of its New York City store. The creative brains behind the store scour the internet to locate the most interesting of whatever you are seeking – and bring them all together.
From fashion to art to self-care, Showfields is mission-focused at its core, stocking brands that are cruelty-free, locally made, plant-based, founded by people of colour and much more.
Spread across four floors, the store also has art installations, food and beverages and an event space that regularly welcomes brand founders, artists and those at the heart of the innovative brands and art that decorates the store.
The aquarium at Dubai Mall
Located within the Dubai Mall, visitors can take a break from the 1,200 stores spread across 12 million sq ft to visit the Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo.
There are 140 species currently residing in the mall’s indoor aquarium. Highlights include the over 400 sharks, and eagle and cow nose rays that can be spotted within the 10 million litre tank. Courageous visitors can even take a scuba dive in the aquarium.
Following the underwater spectacle, visitors can then go ice skating or go on a trip up the world’s tallest tower, Burj Khalifa.
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