Aimed at bolstering Capetown's vibrant local culture, paired with a passion for fashion, 'Cornerstore' has built a reputation as more of a community hub first, and a retail space second.
The retail shop's plain white walls allow each garment to shine while each clothing item is laid out and hung minimally throughout the store. Cornerstore's selection of clothing, art and toys intermingle with retro arcade games, figurines and Super Nintendo controllers. Taking inspiration from their skateboarding origins, creators of the shop apply a strong DIY culture to Cornerstore, with a workshop upstairs where design concepts and garments are constructed.
The entire space has evolved into a multipurpose venue for social gatherings, friends and fellow creatives to get together. Much more than a shop, Cornerstore has organically grown into a place for culture and community. Connecting likeminded individuals through art, fashion and music, Cornerstore provides a unique concept that has reinvented traditional notions of what retail space can be.
Key Themes Behind This Trend
- Community Retail Spaces
- The emergence of communal retail shops that foster a sense of community presents an opportunity for businesses to align themselves with local culture and attract customers seeking more than just a shopping experience.
- Incorporating Workshops
- Combining retail spaces with workshop areas promotes innovation and creativity in fashion and allows customers to observe the production process, which can increase brand loyalty.
- Multipurpose Venues
- Retail spaces that offer more than just shopping, but also serve as social gathering places and hubs for creatives, provide customers with an experience that cannot be found online.
Where This Applies
- Fashion Retail
- Fashion retailers can take advantage of communal retail spaces to connect with local communities and foster brand loyalty through transparency and the incorporation of workshops.
- Entertainment
- Multipurpose retail spaces that offer retro games, arcade experiences, and other cultural exhibitions can attract customers seeking entertainment beyond a traditional shopping experience.
- Arts and Culture
- Retail spaces that foster an environment of creativity and community can collaborate with local artists and promote local culture, which can lead to increased foot traffic and customer loyalty.
