NRF 2022 Hudson Yards: Merging Bricks-and-Mortar with Digital
Hudson Yards: Merging Bricks-and-Mortar with Digital One of the newest shopping facilities in New York City, Hudson Yards represents the state of retail today. The vertical mall is easy to navigate and is a remarkable riff on the concept of new retail pioneered in China by Alibaba founder Jack Ma. From out-of-the-box mindfulness to participatory experiences to luxury brands reinventing themselves, Hudson Yards offers in a single structure the best of what leading-edge retail has to offer. Hudson Yards is Retail Excellence & Innovation Hudson Yards is the largest private real estate development in the United States by area.
The first of its two phases, opened in March 2019 and comprises a public green space and eight structures that contain residences, a hotel, office buildings, a mall, and a cultural facility. The second phase, on which construction has not started yet, will include residential space, an office building, and a school. Construction began in 2012 with the groundbreaking for 10 Hudson Yards, and the first phase opened on March 15, 2019. Both phases are projected to be complete by 2024. Hudson Yards is home to over 70 plus stores and restaurants. Hudson Yards is a living museum of retail excellence and innovation Hudson Yards represents the best of what retail has to offers. You can think of Hudson Yard as the museum of contemporary retail.
Each floor has a theme which is outlined in red and highlights the winning trends in retail. Hudson Yard is located at one of the largest transportation hubs in the world. It is a shopping center, a place of business for many leading corporations, a performing arts destination and a residential community.
Welcome to Hudson Yards – An Adventure into the Future of Shopping There are many stores at Hudson Yards which you should visit. We highlighted examples of retailers on each floor. Floor one highlights represents elegant innovation Brooks Brothers (https://www.brooksbrothers.com) The oldest men’s clothier in the U.S. Brooks Brothers is introducing a new global design concept at its Hudson Yards location. Working to stay competitive in today’s marketplace, the company has introduced in-store Mobile Clienteling as well as AI to help with supply chain challenges.
Conservatory (https://www.hudsonyardsnewyork.com/shop/conservatory) The Conservatory’s retail model is based on cultivating a sense of exclusivity: if you want to buy from the brand online, you have to begin in-store at Hudson Yards. Shoppers speak with a sales associate who creates an online customer profile/account; then they can access the ‘hidden’ e-Commerce site. Floor two highlight is Discovering Innovative Retail Models: From Digital To Brick & Mortar B8ta (https://b8ta.com) B8ta was founded to allow shoppers to try products in-store that they previously could only view online. B8ta also offers Retail as a Service to help brands place their products in a b8ta store and use software to manage and analyze the store experience.
Mack Weldon (https://www.mackweldon.com) In its first physical store, Mack Weldon’s mission is to make sure the basics (and beyond) are smartly designed and shopping is easy and convenient. Customers are invited to learn more about the brand via tablets displaying information on the brand’s innovative fabrics, loyalty program, and try-on guarantee.
Stance (https://www.stance.com) Stance socks, underwear and t-shirts are designed by “Punks & Poets” — artists and athletes who have championed the brand. Starting with a tired socks category, Stance ignited a movement of art and self-expression that has drawn athletes, performers, and iconic cultural influencers to the brand.
Milk & Honey Babies (https://milkandhoneybabies.com) Women-owned Milk and Honey Babies started as a beach-inspired brick-and-mortar baby boutique in Orange County, Costa Mesa, California. One of the emerging retailers featured on Floor 2 of Hudson yards, Milk & Honey Babies features a modern selection of high quality, eco-friendly and non-toxic baby products.
Lovepop (https://www.lovepopcards.com) In its first brick-and-mortar store, Love Pop cards is bridging the physical-digital gap by offering a digital catalog in a touchscreen mirror and features the option for complimentary shipping.
Love Pop Cards are 3D paper pop up greeting cards for all occasions. Floor Three: Retail as an Experience Destination Lululemon (https://shop.lululemon.com) Although still primarily focused on its female customers, athleticwear brand Lululemon is working to expand its men’s, digital and international sales. The company emphasizes strong employee training to deliver a relevant in-store customer experience.
Athleta (https://athleta.gap.com) Designed for women and by women,Athletaproducts integrateperformance and technical features for active women and girls. To engage with the local customers, Athleta offers numerous in-store and community events throughout the year.
Sephora (https://www.sephora.com) Owned by luxury conglomerate LVMH as of 1997, Sephora is dedicated to a unique and compelling in-store experience. Customer engagement technology that interacts with shoppers in-store is a winning play. Sephora’s Color IQ allows a shopper to select make-up while looking at themselves with Color IQ in-store.
Verizon Wireless (https://www.verizonwireless.com/stores/) Featuring a minimalist approach to store design in its new Hudson Yards location, Verizon Wireless has created an inviting environment for shoppers to try out products with the help of educated store staff.
