# Retail Intimacy Retail spaces become destinations for social interaction. By [Vasiliki Marapas](https://www.trendhunter.com/Vasiliki.Marapas), Research Advisor & Writer | Published Nov 20, 2015 | Category: [Business](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/business-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/retail-intimacy ## Key Figures - Trend score: 5.0/10 - Evidence articles: 5 ## What is the Retail Intimacy trend? **Retail Intimacy:** The shopping experience is slowly transforming into a sociable, community-driven experience, and that shift is being strongly emphasized in the retail space. Aiming to create more than just higher consumer engagement, retailers are creating safe, inclusive and positivity-encouraging spaces that work to close the gap between strangers. These ventures broaden the sense of "community" to include fellow shoppers, creating a culture of optimism and goodwill. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 5 featured examples - Articles from: Apr 18 to Nov 18, 2015 - Published: Nov 20, 2015 - Patterns: [Divergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/divergence), [Redirection](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/redirection) - Megatrends: [Co-creation](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/co-creation), [Gamification](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/gamification), [Prosumerism](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/prosumerism) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Themes within the Retail Intimacy trend ### Community-Driven Retail The shift towards creating safe, inclusive and positivity-encouraging spaces is creating a culture of optimism and goodwill. ### Multipurpose Retail Spaces Spaces that combine the functions of an eatery, bar, library, design gallery and furniture outlet are providing new opportunities for niche design retail. ### Retail as Safe Spaces Retailers turning stores into LGBT safe spaces could set a precedent for other businesses to provide special training on LGBT issues. ## What the Retail Intimacy trend means for industry ### For Retail Industry Businesses can learn from and adapt to the shift towards community-driven retail. ### For Design Industry Multipurpose retail spaces provide new opportunities for niche design retail. ### For Service Industry Creating retail spaces that are safe spaces for specific communities can have a positive impact on the community and surrounding areas. ## Workshop question In an increasingly diverse world, what could your brand do to encourage unity? ## Trend signals for Retail Intimacy Trend score 5.0 out of 10, from popularity 75%, activity 66%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 75% - Activity: 66% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Retail Intimacy trend 5 featured examples from Apr 18 to Nov 18, 2015. - [Multipurpose Design Hubs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/clerkenwell): 'Clerkenwell' Offers a Space for Art and Design-Focused Events (Category: Art & Design) Implication: Hotels and restaurants can incorporate design galleries and showrooms to provide a unique and memorable experience for their guests. - [Community Hub Supermarkets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/whole-foods-austin): This Award-Winning Whole Foods Austin Location is a Retail Playground (Category: Eco) Implication: Supermarkets can embrace the trend of creating community hubs that provide more than just a shopping experience. - [Retailer Community Kitchens](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ikea-warsaw): Host a Dinner Party for Your Friends in the IKEA Warsaw Kitchen (Category: Business) Implication: Opportunity for retailers in various sectors to explore the concept of community-focused spaces and facilities that enhance the customer experience and build brand loyalty. - [LGBT-Friendly Coffee Shops](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/safe-places): This Chain is Turning Several Stores in LGBT Safe Places (Category: Social Good) Implication: Coffee shop chains can adopt the concept of LGBT safe spaces to create inclusive environments where customers can feel supported and accepted. - [Positivity-Rewarding Cafes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/twitter-shop): Marmite's Twitter Shop Treats 'Lovers' for Free, While 'Haters' Pay (Category: Business) Implication: Opportunities for restaurants, cafes, and food companies to incorporate sentiment-based payment systems and reward positivity, creating a unique and engaging customer experience. ## Recent trend clusters - [Assisted Conversion](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/ai-assisted-checkout) (Business) - [Occasion Commerce](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/occasion-commerce) (Business) - [Autonomous Merchandising](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/autonomous-merchandising) (Business) - [Assisted Choices](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/weight-loss-medication-support) (Lifestyle) ## Trending in Business - [Performance-Based Creator Ads](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/creator-ad-platforms) - [MIami Pop-Culture Shirts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/miami-pop-culture-shirts) - [Natural Deodorant Expansions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/target-beauty-studios) - [Mini Beauty Stores](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/little-luxuries-store) All articles: [Business](https://www.trendhunter.com/business)