# In-Store Sneaker Tours Timberland's 'Flex in the City' Introduces an Interactive Adventure By Laura McQuarrie | Published 2017-05-12 | Fashion Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/flex-in-the-city References: [eventmagazine](http://www.eventmagazine.co.uk/timberland-stages-flex-city-activity/brands/article/1433182) & [timberland](https://www.timberland.com/sensorflex.html) Participating [Timberland](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/timberland-pro-1) stores are now offering a new kind of [in-store activity](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/on-rotation1) called 'Flex in the City' that gives visitors the chance to get a first-hand experience of its Sensorflex footwear technology. In-store consumers are invited to put on a pair of Sensorflex shoes of their choosing and take them for a test run on a treadmill that will guide them through a virtual city. Throughout the experience, participants are able to use a touchscreen to personalize their experience by choosing where they would like to go, as well as what they would like to do. Their choices in the interactive activity work like a quiz to suggest the best pair of Sensorflex footwear for their needs. As part of the virtual travel-themed excursion, consumers also have the chance to win a multi-day stay for two in New York. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 6.0/10 - Popularity: 84% | Activity: 89% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Fashion](https://www.trendhunter.com/fashion) > [Shoes](https://www.trendhunter.com/shoes) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Interactive In-store Experiences:** The 'Flex in the City' trend showcases the potential for businesses to engage customers through interactive activities that provide real-time product experiences. - **Personalized Product Recommendations:** The interactive quiz in the 'Flex in the City' experience demonstrates the opportunity for businesses to use customer preferences and choices to offer personalized product recommendations. - **Virtual Reality Integration:** The use of virtual reality in the 'Flex in the City' activity highlights the potential for businesses to enhance customer engagement by incorporating immersive technologies. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Retail:** The 'Flex in the City' concept presents a disruptive innovation opportunity for retailers to create unique in-store experiences that differentiate from online shopping. - **Footwear:** The implementation of the 'Flex in the City' interactive adventure demonstrates how the footwear industry can leverage technology to showcase the benefits and features of their products. - **Travel and Tourism:** The inclusion of a chance to win a trip in the 'Flex in the City' experience creates a potential collaboration opportunity for the travel and tourism industry to engage with consumers. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Mobile Try-On Tours](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mobile-tryon-tour.md) - [Experiential Running Shoe Shops](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sportsshoes.md) - [Branded Interactive Parks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/birkenfields.md) - [Dynamic Running-Focused Retail Concepts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nike-running-the-corner.md) - [Next-Gen Sneaker Stores](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/store-of-the-future-concept.md) - [Customizable Shoe Decorating Events](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/style-your-toe.md) - [Plush Footwear Pop-Ups](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-monster-den.md) - [Experiential Clog Stores](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/crocs-icon.md) - [Revitalized Shopping Destinations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/foot-lockers-home-court.md)