RETAIL Renaissance

The PANDEMIC heralded the death of IN-PERSON SHOPPING. But a NEW WAVE of highly CURATED, MULTIDIMENSIONAL, singularly IMMERSIVE BRICK-AND-MORTAR STORES is bringing it BACK to LIFE-and REVOLUTIONIZING the experience of BUYING CLOTHES.

- ALISON S. COHN

Despite much hand-wringing about the so-called retail apocalypse, we're entering a new golden age of bricks and mortar. After spending more than two and a half years clicking Instagram ads while lounging in pajamas, we're finding that the concept of getting off the couch and going out to experience the joys and pleasures of browsing, perusing, learning about, trying on, and purchasing great fashion in real life looks majorly appealing. Global luxury labels are turning flagships into physical manifestations of their universes that are filled with food, furniture, and lush gardens. They're starting conversations with customers and revealing the stories behind these houses in a whole new way. Across the U.S. and around the world-independent multibrand boutiques and mono-brand stores are not just surviving but thriving; singular spaces invite visitors to touch and smell and taste and play. It would be impossible to provide a definitive list, but here are some of our favorite places to connect one-on-one with designers and store owners, discover a sense of community, and fall in love with actually going out and shopping again.

ALL IN ONE