# Interactive Doll Retailers The American Girl New York Shop is Dubbed "The Store of the Future" By Jana Pijak | Published 2016-06-20 | Business Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/american-girl-new-york References: [ny.racked](http://ny.racked.com/2016/5/12/11649636/american-girl-new-york-store-rockefeller-center) A soon-to-open [American Girl](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/luxury-dollhouse) New York flagship store have been dubbed 'the store of the future' and aims to leave a lasting impression on visitors of all ages. The popular toy brand has been referred to as "a pioneer of experiential retail thanks to its iconic stores that were among the first to combine shopping with eating, playing and other immersive activities." A new American Girl New York location will not only feature the retailer's [Signature Studio](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pang-pang-kopi) kiosks -- touchscreen-powered displays that allows shoppers to customize their doll's outfit -- but will also be home to private party rooms that shoppers will be able to reserve for special occasions. As a result of their early exposure to technology and experiential retail, Gen Z consumers are desiring memorable in-store experiences just as much as their mature parents, something that American Girl recognizes and hopes to achieve with its interactive merchandising. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.8/10 - Popularity: 65% | Activity: 72% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Business](https://www.trendhunter.com/business) > [Retail](https://www.trendhunter.com/retail) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Experiential Retail:** Opportunity to create immersive in-store experiences that engage and leave a lasting impression on consumers. - **Customization:** Potential to offer personalized products and services through interactive technology. - **Technology Integration:** Opportunity to incorporate touchscreen-powered displays and other digital innovations into retail spaces. ### Where This Applies - **Toy Retail:** Disruptive innovation can be achieved through interactive and customizable toy offerings. - **Retail Design:** Opportunity to create innovative and engaging store layouts that incorporate technology and experiential elements. - **Event Planning:** Potential to provide unique party experiences within retail spaces through private party room offerings. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Virtual Holiday Shopping Experiences](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/holiday-shop.md) - [Events-Focused Retail Spaces](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-brick-spot.md) - [Multi-Brand Virtual Malls](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/virtual-mall.md) - [Tri-Level Luxury Dollhouses](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/luxury-dollhouse.md) - [Experiential Intimates Spaces](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/knix-opens-immersive-retail.md) - [Gen Z Concept Stores](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/uo-x-glendale.md) - [Multi-Sensory Flagship Stores](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kate-shibuya.md) - [Elevated In-Store Experiences](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bath-and-body-works-3.md) - [Next-Gen 90s Dolls](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/groovy-girls.md)