First Look: Camp combines retail with family-friendly experiences

Experiential retailer Camp has opened a new mall location filled with activities for kids — and merchandise to buy.

Located at The Shops at Columbus Circle in Manhattan, the two-story outpost is the sixth Camp to date (other locations at end of article.) It opened with an art theme and features experiences and merchandise focused on the visual arts. Creative and interactive art experiences are integrated throughout the space, which is designed as a series of open rooms that invite exploration.

Entering on the lower level, visitors can climb up into the cab of a big blue Chevy truck — an ideal set up for a photo opportunity. The first level also features a race track complete with plasma cars and scooters for kids to ride, pipe and paddle drums that can be played and a sequin-saturated “dance cabin.” Another area features a simulated campfire circle where visitors can play games, build a fort with waffle blocks and tell stories. 

The second level is home to the store’s art activities.  Families can purchase a timed-entry ticket for $15 per person, which can be credited toward any purchases or an activity.  (Visitors who only want to shop or browse the second level of the shop don’t need a ticket.)

Each of the rooms (or “cabins” in Camp speak) on the upper level features a different art experience, ranging from a “slime studio” to a “splatter art:” cabin where kids get decked out head-to-toe in a poncho, face shield, and shoe protectors and have fun by flinging colors onto the walls. Another room is devoted to tie-dying, where visitors can color everything from t-shirts to backpacks. 

Camp’s merchandise assortment, which includes art projects that can be worked on at Camp or at home, is displayed throughout the entire space. Similar to other Camp locations, the new Camp has a canteen and a theatre for performances and workshops for kids ages 2-12 and their parents. Special art classes will also be available throughout the summer. 

In addition to The Shops at Columbus Circle, Camp has three other New York City locations: The Shops and Restaurants at Hudson Yards, Fifth Avenue and Brooklyn's City Point. It also has stores at The SoNo Collection, Norwalk, Conn., The Hill, Dallas; and City Point, Brooklyn.