In the Works: Four new retail concepts
New York -- New concepts remain the lifeblood of retail. Here are four currently in the works:
1. Ice hockey equipment manufacturer Bauer Hockey is throwing its puck in the retail arena. The company will open its first-ever store this summer, in the Boston suburb of Burlington, Massachusetts, followed by a second location in the fall, in the Minneapolis area.
The Bauer stores, which the company describes as the “Own The Moment" retail experience, will include an indoor ice rink where shoppers can try out equipment. Designed by Toronto-based Perennial, Bauer stores will have dedicated areas for each product category as well as specific areas to educate new-to-hockey families and welcome them to the sport. Stores will host several events and initiatives for players, parents and the overall hockey community.
Bauer plans to open six-to-eight stores during the next several years in key hockey markets across the United States and Canada. The company expects its retail operations to grow its overall business and be profitable in the next 18-24 months.
2. Bealls Inc., the 100-year-old Florida-based department store retailer, is developing a specialty store concept, called Bunulu, which will debut by the end of 2015.
The new banner will target a younger demographic, and feature coastal-inspired active lifestyle apparel and accessories for both men and women. The brand’s website describes Bunulu as the “next generation of outdoor active lifestyle brands. Personalized for the coastal lifestyle.”
According to the report in the Bradenton Herald, Bunulu will open three to five stores in the fall. Stores will average about 4,000 sq. ft.
3. Stitch, a new concept in clothing alterations and design services, has opened a flagship in West Hollywood, California, with plans to expand across the nation. The store offers quality tailoring, a fast turnaround and real-time text/email updates on garment progress. It also features a lounge decorated with for-sale paintings by local artists, and a rotating pop-up boutique with clothing for sale.
The seamstresses at Stitch are centrally located in the store, allowing customers to watch and interact. Fittings and measurements take place in the comfort of a private suite. Additionally, Stitch offers in-home and on-site services around the clock.
4. While it’s not technically new, it is new to this country: Jins, a pioneer of “smart” eyewear and one of the largest eyewear brands in Japan is entering the United States, with a flagship in San Francisco.
The 4,900-sq-.ft., Jins San Francisco outpost will stock more than 1,200 different styles and feature an on-site lab that creates prescription lenses. According to the company, customers receive their glasses from start to finish in approximately 30 minutes.