Experience Counts

Designing an in-store retail experience that’s truly memorable is the goal of the most successful retailers. In this episode, we chat with Sam Gean, the marketing director of the Japanese goods retailer Rikumo in Center City. Walking through the store is a multi-sensorial journey that invites discovery — but they don’t stop there. Rikumo’s workshops and digital efforts are prime examples of how to extend those experiences in inventive ways.• How Rikumo conceived its store as a product showcase • A deep dive into the design of the store, which deliberately touches on all the senses from the store aroma to the complimentary tea tastings• Rikumo’s workshops and events allow customers to experience the retailer’s philosophy and design values in new ways• How to maintain your brand identity in partnerships and other opportunities• Examples of the retailer’s techniques to creating compelling storytelling, including on social media • Why Rikumo designed a Philadelphia city guide• Experiences as the No. 1 facto

In Part II of this episode on innovative retail concepts, Matthew Stein, who runs MSC Retail’s MSC University division as its director and vice president, shares insights about the commercial districts around higher-ed spaces, the desire of consumers wanting to connect as a major trend driving retail experiences, and why it’s all about being aspirational. • How the ground level of any commercial space defines the spaces adjacent to it and what it reveals about the community where it’s located • Bringing the uniqueness of Philadelphia to higher-ed institutions in the city• Food & beverage as the main driving components of the consumer experience in higher-ed spaces• Why curating a mix of aspirational retailers is important and what this communicates to students, faculty and staff• The thinking that went into the Franklin’s Table food hall concept, including the unusual tenant mix• Critical data points that brands should be looking at to help them create better customer experiences — and where to

Shopping centers and other innovative retail concepts are some of the most exciting playgrounds for consumer experiences. For this two-part episode, we talk to leading real estate investment trust PREIT and MSC Retail about how they’re curating experiences designed to fit their target market. This episode of Part I features PREIT’s Senior Vice President Heather Crowell and Marketing Director Erika Erb, who both share fascinating insights into the type of information that goes into PREIT’s decision-making, the consumer behaviors they’re tapping into and a special look into the exciting new Fashion District, slated to open to the public in September this year.Heather Crowell, Senior Vice President, chats: • New diversified model to the traditional mall• Bridging the online-offline experience IRL, by catering to those who love the hunt of the deal PREIT’s Cherry Hill project as a testing ground for new retail concepts, including a new partnership with incubator 1776 that focuses on retail innovation• The oppo

All things digital and tech, which are both necessary components of experiential retail. We spotlight Keith Fitzgerald, VP of Tech at Honeygrow, whose kiosks presaged how customers order food and since has become a pioneer in bringing new technologies into the food experience. UBIQ’s Brand Director Kyle Riggle and Marketing and Social Media Manager Dariel Harris also stop by the studio to chat about how they’re using content across their platforms from in-store to social media, and making online-offline experiences seamless.Keith Fitzgerald, VP of Technology of Honeygrow, on:• How kiosk technology is an integral part of the guest experience• Personalization through tech• Building engagement through the Honeygrow app• How Honeygrow is optimizing moments when customers are waiting for their food to build brand loyalty• Creating a seamless experience between the kiosks, the mobile app and the store visit• How Honeygrow is using data to serve up better customer experiences • How new technology like augmented

In this episode around building community, The Sable Collective founders Shanti Mayers and Syreeta Scott (of renowned hair salon Duafe) invite us to sit in on a workshop held at their boutique in North Philadelphia. After the event, we chat about:Three major pillars that The Sable Collective builds its products around Why community is so important and what The Sable Collective has been able to contribute to theirsHow the event element became an integral part of their retail modelCreating a space where facilitators can come to The Sable Collective to help carry out their missionsHow Mayers and Scott ensure that events stay aligned with The Sable Collective’s pillarsExamples of how they adapt events to participants, including offering childcareIntentionally becoming a resource for the community with mental and financial health eventsWhy consistency mattersHow social media is the horse for the messagePersevering as an owner through the inevitable challenges that come upA call to action for facilitators A special