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Agenda-setting intelligence, analysis and advice for the global fashion community.

Can a Store Ever Be a ‘Third Place?’

From listening bars to in-store cafés, brands are reimagining stores as gathering spots. But whether these commerce-driven hangouts can foster true community is still up for debate.
Customers inside Sephora
Sephora is one retailer that comes close to fulfilling the mission of a third place, with its testing stations and tolerance for customers who come in just to browse or even touch up their makeup. (Getty)

A Texas boot brand planting roots in the heart of SoHo is curious enough.

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Further Reading

Case Study | Tapping Into the Future of Physical Retail

In the age of e-commerce, defining the role of the store is as daunting as ever. But a brick-and-mortar experience is vital to brand building. A store is still the most important touchpoint between consumer and product, and the right interaction could create a lifetime of loyalty. From Warby Parker’s digital-to-physical evolution to Neiman Marcus Group’s investments in customer service, BoF examines the importance of the store — and how it complements the online experience.

About the author
Cathaleen Chen
Cathaleen Chen

Cathaleen Chen is Retail Editor at The Business of Fashion. She is based in New York and drives BoF’s coverage of the retail and direct-to-consumer sectors.

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