Narrative retail concepts are dynamic shopping experiences that go beyond creating a point of purchase to deliver a customized experience that communicates a brand's values. Often playing a role in forming consumer expectations of the brand, retail concepts that illuminate a brand's heritage and values help establish the store as a valuable resource that can help consumers meet their goals.
An excellent example of an engaging retail concept that communicates a brand's story to shoppers is Pantry, a recently launched supermarket concept. Pantry was conceived as a means to offering consumers a one-stop shop where they can gather everything they need to make a the perfect meal at home. With 20 ingredient stations throughout the store, Pantry educates consumers and engages them in their pursuit of low-waste food consumption and democratizing access to quality, chef-curated ingredients.
66 Narrative Retail Concepts
From Recipe-Based Grocery Stores to Shoppable Couture Installations:
Rebecca Byers — Nov 23, 2015 — Business
66
Futuristic Decor Design Labs
The IKEA Space10 Explores Home Furnishings for the Future
65
Recipe-Based Grocery Stores
This Store Will Allow Shoppers to Buy Recipe Kits and Ingredients
64
Succulent Retail Concepts
Kaktus Kobenhavn is a Cactus-Centric Lifestyle Shop in Copenhagen
63
Anti-Fast Food Burger Branding
Better Burgers Aims to Be New Zealand's Answer to In-N-Out
62
Couture VR Experiences
Dior Eyes is a Branded Virtual Reality Headset for Interacting with Clients
61
Experiential Coffee Boutiques
Nespresso's Flagship Coffee Store Encourages Tasting and Discovery
60
Futuristic Athletic Retailers
The Personalized Nike Experience at its New Stores Redefines Retail
59
Luxurious Menswear Flagships
The Joseph Abboud Flagship in NYC is the Designer's First
58
Luminous Retail Windows
This Cosmetics Window Display Resembles Glowing Test Tubes
57
Clothing Store Diners
This New Concept Store by Urban Outfitters is a Food Court Eatery
56
In-Store Boutiques
John Lewis' In-Store Shop Highlights Noteworthy Products with Pop-Up Displays
55
Plant-Based Retail Concepts
Green Common Concept Store is Uniquely 100% Plant-Based
54
Rest-Focused Retailers
The Takeo Kikuchi Flagship Store Focuses on Customer Comfort
53
Airport Shopping Markets
This Conceptual Airport Market Focuses on Experiential Dining
52
Modernist Skincare Boutiques
The Sleek Aesop Sao Paulo Shop is the First to Open in Brazil
51
Ball Park-Inspired Retail
STANDIN Baseball Store with Stadium-Inspired Decor in Fukuoka, Japan
50
Installation-Inspired Shops
Architect Jordana Maisie Created the New FEIT Flagship Store in NYC
49
Fibrous Honeycombed Interiors
The SND Concept Store by 3GATTI is a Unique Retail World
48
Apothecary-Style Beauty Flagships
The Delbove Flagship Boutique is a Sprawling Upscale Boutique
47
Rustic Patisserie Concepts
This Parisian Patisserie Boasts a Stunning Factory-Inspired Interior
46
Digital Wine Club Showrooms
Club Francais Du Vin Launched Its First 'Store-to-Web' Concept
45
Spa-Inspired Retail Concepts
This Aesop Store by JamesPlumb Boasts Shelves with Running Water
44
Understated Surf Boutiques
The New Saturdays Surf Osaka Flagship is Upscale Beach Retail
43
Abstract Retail Interiors
The adidas Originals Seoul Store Celebrates the 50 Colorway Superstar
42
Minimalist Design Emporiums
The New MUJI Fifth Avenue Store Has a Custom Scent Lab
41
Menswear Brand Cafes
The Frank & Oak Toronto Flagship Houses Cafe St Viateur
40
Experiential Duty Free Shops
This Duty Free Concept at Nice Airport Helps Entertain Shoppers
39
Aesthetic Retail Makeovers
A New Store in NYC Marks the Beginnings of Banana Republic's Rebrand
38
Immersive Sports Stores
Adidas' 'HomeCourt' Stores Take Sports Retailing to the Next Level
37
Experiential Co-Branded Retail
AwesomenessTV and STORY Team Up for a Pop-up Retail Experience
36
Luxury Appliance Stores
Shoppers Can Take a Shower at This New High-End Appliance Store
35
Shrouded Salon Interiors
This Chic Japanese Salon Features a Stunning Display of Greenery
34
Flagship Blow Dry Bars
Show Dry is a Chic Urban Blow Dry Bar with Geometric Decor
33
Gallery-Style Concept Stores
This Spacious Retail Outlet is Set Up Like a Model Home
32
Logo-Mimicking Displays
The Adidas Harvey Nichols Pop-Up Boasts a Locker Room Set-up
31
Shark-Infested Storefront Windows
This Aquarium Window in Budapest Was Designed by KISSMIKLOS
30
Nature-Inspired Pop-Up Fixtures
The British Designers Collective Pop-Up Shop Features a Large Tree
29
Scientific Perfume Displays
This Science Lab Display Promotes Penhaligon's High-End Perfumes
28
Austere Retail Apartments
Graanmarkt 13 Comprises a Gallery Space, Restaurant and Retail Concept
27
Shrouded Streetwear Flagships
A New JUICE Flagship Store Has Opened in Beijing
26
Loft-Like Retail Spaces
This West Elm Store Has an Airy Interior That Encourages Interaction
25
Literary Retail Takeovers
The Sonia Rykiel Flagship in Paris Has Been Transformed into a Library
24
E-Commerce Flagship Uniforms
The Warby Parker Uniforms at Their Flagship Store Offer Flexibility
23
Surreal Ornamental Boutiques
The New Delfina Delettrez London Store Resembles a Jewelry Box
22
Atmospheric Couture Pop-Ups
The Fendi Pop-Up at Harrods Imitates the Brand's New Headquarters
21
Charred Wood Boutique Facades
The New COS Flagship in Toronto Resides in Stylish Yorkville
20
Bike Factory Cafes
Heritage Bicycles in Chicago is Part Bike Shop and Part Coffeeshop
19
Vibrant Textile Design Pop-Ups
The Kauniste Pop-Up Brings Finnish Design to Helsinki Airport
18
Luxury Lifestyle Blog Pop-Ups
The Goop Pop-up Shop in Chicago is a Typically Gwyneth Affair
17
Middle Eastern Couture Boutiques
The First-Ever Prada Saudi Arabia Store is Built in Jeddah
16
LA-Themed Fitness Stores
This Nike Flagship Store in California has a Massive "We are LA" Mural
15
Flagship Basketball Superstores
Toronto is Receiving its Own House of Hoops
14
Space Age Travel Centers
The Flagship Space Age Fuel Store is the Brand's Only Travel Center
13
Aristocratic Gentlemen's Salons
The Murdock Soho Salon is a Classic
12
Shoppable Couture Installations
The Thom Browne Pop-Up in Paris is Part Exhibition, Part Retail
11
Sculptural Garden Centers
This English Garden Center is Designed to Be a Hub for Education
10
Sporty Rooftop Shops
The Nike Miami Store Will Boast an Outdoor Track and Basketball Court
9
Full Service Retail Spaces
The DURKL Flagship Store Aims to Change the Fashion Retail Experience
8
Gilded Flagship Makeovers
The Barneys Beverly Hills Store Recently Experienced a Modern Update
7
Chic Commuter Boutiques
Toronto Eaton Centre's Mobile Closet Makes Fashion Accessible
6
Quaint Hybrid Cafes
Supreme Roastworks is a Hybrid Retail Concept Located in Oslo
5
Experiential Candy Shops
The Hershey’s Chocolate World Experience Boasts a Wall of Candy
4
Apothecary-Inspired Retail Spaces
Torafu Architects' Aesop Kawaramachi Store Embodies Minimalism
3
Cage-Like Store Interiors
This Flagship Store Features a Continuous Clothing Rail Throughout
2
Industrial Menswear Retailers
SUIT's Modern Concept Shop is Designed by HAF Studio
1
Archival Retail Environments
The Marie-Stella-Maris Debut Store Chronicles Its Brand History
Related Ideas
Futuristic Grocery Stores
Whole Foods' Store of the Future is Both Sensory and Tech-Savvy
Minuscule Japanese Huts
The Muji Hut is an Oasis Founded in Antiquated Japanese Design
Succulent Retail Concepts
Kaktus Kobenhavn is a Cactus-Centric Lifestyle Shop in Copenhagen
Festival Fitness Gear
This Yoga Clothing Collaboration Blends Freedom, Flexibility and Fitness
VR Real Estate Tours
Harrods Estates Provided Comprehensive Tours of London Apartments
Race-Ready Runners Pop-Ups
The Nike Womens London Pop-Up is Revealed Ahead of the 10-KM Race
Food Truck Fashion Boutiques
The Ardillas United Brand Converted a Doritos Truck to a Mobile Shop
Interactive Menswear Stores
The 'Dandy Lab' Creates a Hybrid Shopping Experience for Men
Minimalist Japanese Microhomes
These Tiny Wooden Huts Feature Only the Bare Essentials
Minimalist Eyewear Boutiques
Ace & Tate is an E-tailer with a New Physical Outpost in Amsterdam
Marionette Fashion Campaigns
The Kendall Jenner Fendi Ads is Dark and Moody Yet Subtly Playful
Experimental Fashion Pop-Ups
This Imaginative Pop-Up Shop Offers a Number of Convenient Services
Pop-Up Department Stores
The 'Multiplex' by Tom Dixon and Selfridges Bring Variety to Consumers
Playful Coffee Bars
Café August Marries a Vibrant Brand Identity with Quirky Decor Accents
Multifaceted Home Interiors
This Unique House Features an Angular Interior Open Floor Plan
Understated Luxury Hotels
Each Room at the Boro Hotel Boasts Floor-to-Ceiling Windows
Futuristic Pharmacy Interiors
The Lydaki Nitsa Pharmacy Design is Situated in a Modern Loft
Pop-Up Makeup Boutiques
H&M's Temporary Beauty Space Celebrates Its New Makeup Line
Clothing Store Diners
This New Concept Store by Urban Outfitters is a Food Court Eatery
Interactive Whiskey Architecture
This Jim Beam Honey Display is an Immersive Pop-Up Display
Sports Lab Interactive Retail
The New ASICS Flagship in Paris Offer High-Tech Customization
Homey Craft Shops
Pony Craft's Cozy Store Makes the Search for Materials Organized
Laser-Powered Razors
This Innovative Laser Razor Can Trim Facial Hair Without Cuts or Irritation
Theatrical Skincare Boutiques
The New Aesop Berlin Boutique Was Designed by Snohetta
Standalone Jewelry Departments
This Family Jeweler Created a Separate Section Just for Silver
Modular Retail Logos
Design Firm Freytag Anderson Reimagines the IKEA Logo as a Moveable Image
Shopping Cart Cup Holders
These Innovative Cardboard Cup Holders Make Shopping with Coffee Easy
In-Store Boutiques
John Lewis' In-Store Shop Highlights Noteworthy Products with Pop-Up Displays
Upscale Water Brand Pop-Ups
The Evian Pop-Up Experience Opened Ahead of Wimbledon 2015
Interactive Electronics Shops
The littleBits Pop-Up Store is Part Retail Space and Part Laboratory
Plant-Based Retail Concepts
Green Common Concept Store is Uniquely 100% Plant-Based
Vibrant Pop-Up Vodka Bars
The Ciroc 'London Riviera' Pop-Up Will Be Open for Five Months
Parisian Sneaker Shops
The Sneakersnstuff France Location is an Elegant and Airy Boutique
Eerie Geisha Menswear
The Thom Browne Men's Spring Collection is Riddled with Japanese Influence
Pet-Friendly Airport Terminals
New York's John F. Kennedy Airport is Adding a Luxury ARK Terminal
Minimalist Office Organizers
Muji's Organizer is a Time Saver with a Simplistic Design
Beauty Brand Lifestyle Pop-Ups
The Cabin West Pop-Up Includes a Hair Salon and Curated Bookshop
Massive Multicultural Markets
The Anthony Bourdain Food Market Will Host 100 International Vendors
Beacon-Powered Pop-Ups
Hudson's Bay Company's LXR & Co. Pop-Up Boasts Beacon Shopping Capabilities
Miniature Film Sets
Creating These Recreated Film Sets Require Help from Skilled Artisans
Celebrity Designer Pop-Up Retail
The House of Harlow 1960 Pop-Up Shop is a First for the Brand
Sensorial Coffee Bar Pop-Ups
The Nespresso Connoisseur Club Experience is Multifaceted
Minimalist Flagship Boutiques
Hussein Chalayan Opens His First Retail Space in London
Personal Shopping Suites
Selfridges Now Has a Dedicated Space for Retail Consultations
Experiential Electronic Shops
Motorola's 'Moto' Store is the Brand's First Brick and Mortar Shop
Aussie E-Tailer Pop-Up Shops
Online Retailer BNKR Has Opened a Pop-Up in Downtown LA
Reclaimed Balcony Spaces
This Apartment Maximizes Space by Repurposing Its Balcony as Indoor Space
Social Shelving Campaigns
This Inventive Instagram Idea Cleverly Uses the Photo Grid
Kid-Designed Stuffed Toys
IKEA Will Raise Money for Charity by Selling Plush Toys Designed by Kids
Moving Clothing Displays
The Descente Blanc Store in Fukuoka Features a Suspended Mobile Racks
Chic Alleyway Restaurants
El Papagayo is a Stunning Eatery Tucked Away in Córdoba, Argentina
Full-Service Fashion Cafes
Gucci's 1921 Cafe is the Fashion Brand's First High-End Dining Service
Experiential Duty Free Shops
This Duty Free Concept at Nice Airport Helps Entertain Shoppers
Elegant Skincare Outposts
The Aesop Toronto Boutique is an Understated Retail Heaven
Comfortable Auto Shops
Sonic Automotive Shows Off All Its Used Cars with Immersive Technology
Fashion Gallery Boutiques
This Elegant Fashion Shop Boasts Feminine Tones & Natural Light
Paint-Splattered Wine Branding
The Cruse Wine Co is an Oakland Winery with a Contemporary Look
Wine-Dispensing Bar Taps
This Unique Wine Bar Serves Red, White and Rose from the Tap
Vodka Concept Stores
This Grey Goose Boutique is a Luxury Liquor Pop-Up
Lavish Airport Pop-Ups
JFK Airport's Hermès Pop-Up Shop Embodies a Luxurious Air
Mobile Audio Retailers
The HeadRoom Mobile Boutique is a Travelling Headphone Retailer
Craft Beer Cafes
Zagreb's A'e Caffe Bar Offers Local Craft Beers from Croatia
Open-Concept Jewelry Shops
Pandora's New Jewelry Store Design Increases Interaction
Simple Historic Flagship Shops
The Peserico Store in Florence Boasts a Monochrome Look
Stylish Underground Wine Bars
The Riddling Widow Brings a Gothic Edge to a Sophisticated Concept
Flagship Blow Dry Bars
Show Dry is a Chic Urban Blow Dry Bar with Geometric Decor
Retailer Community Kitchens
Host a Dinner Party for Your Friends in the IKEA Warsaw Kitchen
Holistic Airport Saunas
The Finnair Lounge at Helsinki Airport Boasts a Unisex Finnish Sauna
Furniture-Kiosk Hybrids
'Just a Black Box' Doubles as Street Seats and Retail Kiosks
Record Label Lifestyle Shops
The Jaime XX New York Store is Opened in Partnership With Young Turks
Upcycled Store Interiors
This Quirky Shoe Store Features Shelves Made from Car Windshields
Minimalist Shared Retail Spaces
The Little Dröm Store and Kki Sweets Share a Shop in Singapore
Textured Restaurant Interiors
This Guadalajara Restaurant Boasts a Stylish Rustic Texture
Royally Opulent Prams
This $7,800 Silver Cross Pram is Fit for a King
Vibrant Textile Design Pop-Ups
The Kauniste Pop-Up Brings Finnish Design to Helsinki Airport
Twitter-Powered Shopping Cranes
The Topshop Playland Pop-Up Lets Visitors Pay with a Tweet
Tropical Bar Retailers
This Multi Level Restaurant and Retail Shop Creates a Relaxing Atmosphere
Luxe Airport Champagne Bars
Fortnum's Has Brought Its Signature Food and Drink to Heathrow Airport
Dry Shampoo Pop-Up Salons
The Batiste Stylist Pop-Up Offered Free Hairstyling at a London Mall
VR-Powered Hybrid Retail
The Ted Baker Shoreditch Store Has a Barbershop and VR Technology
Pre-Flight Meal Apps
The 'AirGrub' App Lets Travelers Buy Airport Food with Pre-Order Food App
Organic Community Stores
Dubai's Biorganic Health Food Shop Doubles as a Social Hub
Lavish Golden Razors
Barney's is Selling Gold-Plated Luxury Razors for Charity
Positivity-Rewarding Cafes
Marmite's Twitter Shop Treats 'Lovers' for Free, While 'Haters' Pay
Farm-to-Flight Airport Markets
The Napa Farms Market is a Local Food Vendor at SFO
Shoppable Couture Installations
The Thom Browne Pop-Up in Paris is Part Exhibition, Part Retail
Branded Pop-Up Skate Parks
Streetwear Brand Surf Liquor is Behind This Pop-Up Shop and Skate Park
Local Artisan Airport Kiosks
The Singapore Design Collective Now Has a Kiosk at Changi Airport
Upscale Coffee Bars
This Starbucks Location Acts as "Coffee Theater" for the Beloved Coffee Brand
Stark Chocolate Shops
The Mast Brothers Chocolaterie is a Blank Canvas for Displays
Fitting Room Shops
Modcloth's Pop-Up 'Fit Shop' Gives People Access to Online-Only Clothing
Distillery-Inspired Skincare Shops
The Aesop Nottingham Shop Was Designed by Paris Studio Ciguë
Naturalized Cosmetics Outposts
The Aesop Frankfurt Boutique Was Designed by Philipp Mainzer
Pharmaceutical Wine Bottles
Tsikoudia is a Uniquely Bottled Offering from a Cyprus Winery
Airport Terminal Surfing Competitions
Surf & Style is an Annual Surf Competition at Munich Airport
Ultramodern Airline Clubhouses
The Luxurious Qantas Lounge at Sydney Airport Has an Epic Spa
Patriotic Whale Purses
The Thom Browne Whale Coin Purse Promotes a Fun Style
Historical Winery Hotels
The Monverde Hotel in Portugal Invites Visitors to Enjoy the Land's Wine
Gentleman-Targeting Hair Products
The Jack Black Hair Care Line is Made Using Natural Ingredients
Cage-Like Store Interiors
This Flagship Store Features a Continuous Clothing Rail Throughout
Organic Beard Washes
This All-Natural Beard Shampoo Uses Essential Oils to Ensure Proper Care
In-Store Toy Shops
Crate & Barrel is Temporarily Housing a Land of Nod Store-In-Store Shop
Portable Nugget Ice Machines
The Opal Nugget Ice Maker Creates Three Pounds of Ice in One Hour
Expansive Jewelry Shops
Online Retailer BaubleBar's First Physical Location Will Be in New York
Wood-Scented Beard Oils
These 'Two Guys' Grooming Products Smell Like an Enchanted Forest
Play-Encouraging Furniture Campaigns
This IKEA and DreamWorks Ad Inspires Kids to Say Yes to Play
Regal Vermouth-Infused Wine
Regal Rogue is an Australian Winery Leading the Vermouth Revival
Translucent-Shelled Flagship Stores
Acne Studios' Seoul Flagship is Clad in Concrete
Explosive Wines Labels
These War-Themed ‘NUKE’ Wines are Produced in a Radioactive Vast Carver
Informatively Local Apps
The Amazon Echo App Fills You In On Local Businesses and Services
Imaginative Play Apps
IKEA Partnered with DreamWorks to Showcase Its New LATTJO Play Collection
Punny Furniture Ads
IKEA Malaysia Promotes Its Upcoming Sale with Various IKEA Puns
Online Handicraft Markets
The 'Handmade at Amazon' Store Sells Genuine Handicrafts
Sporty Blogger Apparel
Fitness Blogger Adrianne Ho is Debuting a Sultry Sportswear Collection
Three-Storey Treehouses
This Huge Treehouse Accumulates a Total of 780 Square Feet
Body-Contouring Cushions
Muji's 'Body-Fit Cushions' Ensure Comfort by Molding to Body Shapes
Fantastical Furniture Ads
IKEA Encourages Us to Harness Our Imaginations in 'Come Home to Play'
Exaggerated Fur Couture
Fendi's First Couture Collection Features Extremely Furry Looks
Philanthropic Vegan Eateries
This Charity Business Donates 100% of Profits to Support Causes