Shoppers in New York City might be excused for thinking they are in Paris, assuming they are visiting the French beauty brand L’Occitane’s latest flagship store. The experience-based storefront provides virtual reality opportunities that let shoppers feel like they are riding a hot-air balloon over the French capital. Or they can hop on a stationary bike and pretend that they are competing in the Tour de France.
In actual reality, they also can receive hand massages, gaze at French-inspired artwork, and chat with other shoppers in a Mediterranean-style canopy made to look like an olive tree. Many of these elements will change constantly, so that each time a shopper enters the store, she or he will get a new experience.
Oh, and they can also review and test the products that are for sale. But even though the displays of products are innovative and creative, the real goal of the store is to create an experience, and perhaps to induce shoppers to share that experience via social media.

 

Source: Use with Chapter 16, “Store Layout, Design, and Visual Merchandising”