Outlandish opens store that combines livestream shopping with in-person shopping
E-commerce startup Outlandish is bringing TikTok shopping into physical retail.
The company, self-billed as a leader in live shopping and social commerce, has opened its first U.S. flagship, on the busy Third Street Promenade in Santa Monica, Calif. The location is designed to blend the interactivity of live-streamed social media shopping with the hands-on experience of traditional retail.
The space features state-of-the-art livestreaming facilities, allowing influencers and brands to broadcast live shopping events directly from the store floor. Customers can engage with creators in person or join the experience virtually through the Outlandish platform, which is a certified TikTok partner.
"When I founded Outlandish, my vision was to create a one-of-a-kind shopping experience that combines the excitement of live, interactive shopping with the personal connection of in-store visits," said William August, CEO of Outlandish. "This flagship store bridges those worlds, letting customers experience the best of both — whether they're touching and trying products in person or joining live-streamed events with their favorite influencers."
(On his LinkedIn page, August is also listed as being the founder and CEO of Outlandish China, which is described as a full-service digital marketing agency based in Shanghai, formed by international creatives from China, America, and Europe in 2018.)
The first floor of Outlandish features branded stalls where various hosts sit in front of product displays as they promote their wares in real time on TikTok Shop, reported Business Insider. On its second floor, visitors can shop for merchandise from those sellers. The products and sellers will rotate, the report said, with the livestreaming booths available for rent by the hour.
With opening of the flagship, Outlandish has the capacity to bring global, world-renowned brands directly to customers and visitors in Los Angeles, noted August.
“The local audience can then step into their very own livestream, and interact with viewers across the world,” he added. “What we're offering to customers is a truly unique experience.”
Outlandish will also offer a diverse range of classes at the Santa Monica location aimed at empowering creators to master live shopping, social media marketing and content creation. The sessions will cover essential skills and strategies for success in today's digital marketplace.
Outlandish expansion plans include opening a location in Mexico in 2025, followed by one in Spain following,
Since its founding in 2018, Outlandish has revolutionized live shopping, partnering with top global brands and leveraging platforms like TikTok, the company said.
"We're pushing the boundaries of what shopping can be,” August said. “This storefront is a blueprint for the future of commerce, where technology and tradition come together to create a truly immersive experience,” August said.
