Ecommerce retailer Gilt has been acquired by Hudson's Bay Co., but that's not all; the retail brand will create a physical store that suits the brand's commitment to quality experiences.
Rather than just being a brick-and-mortar store for the brand, the Gilt in-store experience will offer shoppers the ability to lounge, shop curated products and even feature kiosks to shop online. This blending of online and offline shopping mixed with the comfortable surroundings helps to ensure that consumers are likely to feel more included in the retail experience.
As eCommerce lures consumers away from physical store locations with lower price points and flash sales, brick-and-mortars like the new Gilt location are helping to create a new kind of balanced experience.
Ecommerce Lounge Boutiques
The Gilt Physical Store will Unveil at the Hudson's Bay Co.
Trend Themes
1. Omnichannel Retail - Gilt's physical stores coexist with their online store, allowing for a seamless shopping experience for consumers
2. Curated In-store Experience - Gilt's lounges and kiosks allow for a unique and personalized shopping experience, enhancing overall customer satisfaction
3. Blending Online and Offline Shopping - Gilt's combination of physical and online shopping aims to provide a more inclusive and balanced retail experience for consumers
Industry Implications
1. Luxury Retail - In-store lounges and curated products appeal to affluent customers who value both quality and comfort
2. E-commerce - Gilt's successful online presence has informed the design of their physical store, marking a trend for e-commerce companies like Amazon and Warby Parker to expand into brick-and-mortar stores
3. Department Store - Hudson's Bay Co.'s acquisition of Gilt and merging of online and offline shopping could signal a shift in the department store industry towards more experiential and innovative retail spaces