11 of NYC’s most innovative retail spaces

For more from NRF 2018: Retail’s Big Show on January 14 – 16 in New York City, visit the official recap.

For more from NRF 2018: Retail’s Big Show on January 14 – 16 in New York City, visit the official recap.

As the lines between digital and physical retail continue to blur, the retail store itself continues to take on new forms, and there’s no better place than New York City to see prime examples of the latest approaches to store design, in-store tech and the customer experience.

From Manhattan to Brooklyn, retailers in New York for NRF 2018: Retail’s Big Show will be venturing outside the convention to see retail innovation in action in the Big Apple.

These 11 can’t-miss spots are just part of the 40+ stores included in the NRF 2018 Self-Guided Store Tours, developed in partnership with Accenture and Retail Design Institute and available via the NRF 2018 mobile app.

A/D/O
29 Norman Avenue, Brooklyn

Nestled in the industrial neighborhood of Greenpoint in Brooklyn, this creative space is a hybrid retail shop, restaurant, workspace and startup accelerator created by MINI.
Image courtesy of A/D/O.
 

Amazon Books
7 West 34th Street, Manhattan

Experience Amazon.com in a physical setting. Whether you’re looking for a good read or a new Amazon device, this cozy yet innovative bookstore in Herald Square features curated collections and innovative technology.
Image courtesy of Amazon Books.
 

Cadillac House
330 Hudson Street, Manhattan

This public meeting space in SoHo reimagines the Cadillac Brand by embracing New York City’s culture. A car showroom, coffee shop, Council of Fashion Designers of America’s Retail Lab and an art gallery live together under one roof.

 

Coach House
685 Fifth Avenue, Manhattan

Coach’s flagship store in Midtown is an immersive retail experience, featuring unique products. The whimsical store features a leather artisan workshop, allowing customers to unleash their creativity.
Image courtesy of Coach House.
 

Lowe’s SmartSpot powered by b8ta
118 2nd Avenue, Brooklyn

The Lowe’s in the industrial neighborhood of Gowanus features a smart home shop powered by b8ta technology. SmartSpot tells a story about each smart home product, encouraging product discovery.
Image courtesy of Lowe’s.
 

lululemon
597 Fifth Avenue, Manhattan

A beacon of calm in bustling Midtown, this lululemon location features a meditation studio, design workshop and trial area that immerses shoppers into the community.
Image courtesy of lululemon.
 

Sephora
122 West 34th Street, Manhattan

The largest Sephora in North America is conveniently located in Herald Square. Its “Teach, Inspire, Play” focus encourages shoppers to experiment with products to create their best look.

 

STORY
144 10th Avenue, Manhattan

An ever-changing retail store nestled in Chelsea, STORY’s concept curates merchandise based on unique themes. Past concepts have included Color, Making Things, Fresh and Made in America.
Image courtesy of STORY.
 

Shake Shack
51 Aston Place, Manhattan

The East Village location of the iconic burger chain features kiosk-only ordering, a cashless environment and an optimized kitchen.

 

Whole Foods
1095 6th Avenue, Manhattan

Known for its large grab-and-go area and food hall, the Bryant Park outpost of the natural grocery store features an innovative “produce butcher” area.
Image courtesy of Whole Foods.
 

MM.LaFleur
611 Broadway #401, Manhattan

The Bryant Park retailer serves sophisticated business apparel in a bento box. An “Out of Office” appointment helps shoppers find the perfect style.

 

See all the featured locations and learn more about the Self-Guided Store Tours at NRF 2018: Retail’s Big Show. The convention and expo will be held Jan. 14 – 16 in New York City.