In the ever-evolving landscape of retail, the design and execution of a flagship store can be the forerunner in captivating customers and elevating the brand experience.
I recently had the chance to visit Crate & Barrel’s new flagship store in the Flatiron district of Manhattan. Rather fittingly, this stunning new store is located in the historic Palace of Trades Building. Built in 1868, it was the home of Arnold Constable and Company, the largest department store in New York City at the time. It’s clear that while building this store, Crate & Barrel prioritized the preservation of the history and architecture of the building, combining its elegant design details with modern updates to create a beautiful yet functional shopping experience.
The seamless blend of aesthetics with functionality feels like a natural setting for a home décor and furnishing store. The result is a space that not only showcases Crate & Barrel’s product offerings but also serves as a source of inspiration for customers seeking to elevate their living spaces. Walking the store is a delight; each section of the store flows seamlessly into the next, creating a cohesive journey for customers as they move through the space and envision the possibilities for their own homes.
Here are just a few of the highlights that make this unique and innovative flagship store stand out to me:
1. Store design integrated seamlessly with elegant building architecture
Crate & Barrel clearly took care to not only preserve the history of its flagship’s new home, but made a point of showcasing it as part of the experience, a savvy strategy for a home goods retailer looking to elevate its brand.
Somehow the towering neoclassical columns in the aisles feel right at home next to a display of desk chairs. This attention to detail evokes trust in the brand to be just as thoughtful when it comes to furnishing your home.
2. Exquisite lighting
The lighting scheme in the store is thoughtfully orchestrated to highlight the beauty of each product while creating a warm and inviting ambiance throughout the space. While many retailers settle for cheap and easy to maintain fluorescent lighting, in this store, lighting is not merely an expense to control, but a part of the experience. From whimsical glowing hot air balloon paper lanterns in the children’s section, to museum-like track lighting that illuminates each piece of glassware on a table setting, lighting plays a key role in the form and function in this store.
3. No redundant or unnecessary signage.
Unlike many retailers that overwhelm customers with clutter and confusion, this space is carefully organized to facilitate easy navigation and exploration. The absence of unnecessary signage and clutter allows the products to take center stage and makes the home goods retail store feel more like home.
4. Approachable displays
Throughout the store, customers are encouraged to touch, feel, and experience the products firsthand, fostering a deeper connection to the brand and its products. Interactive elements such as fabric swatches, sample room layouts, and digital displays draw customers in and further enhance the experiential nature of the shopping journey.
5. Plenty of knowledgeable help
This flagship is not just a pretty space. In addition to serving as a unique shopping destination, the store doubles as an interior design hub, offering a range of design services. With a team of on-site designers and dedicated design area downstairs, and helpful employees throughout the store, the customer service matches the elevated execution of the space itself.
In an age where online shopping continues to grow, the importance of the physical retail experience cannot be overstated. While we have seen the recent exit of other iconic stores from Manhattan, Crate & Barrel is joining retailers like Restoration Hardware and Saks Fifth Avenue in investing in physical space as a strategic representation of their brands.
Having led teams to develop flagship locations in the past, I know this must have been a labor of love. It remains to be seen whether Crate & Barrel’s investment in their new flagship pays off and if it will stand the test of time. But one thing felt certain in my mind as I walked out of the store: beautiful retail is timeless.
