Developers understand that customers crave places to escape to, inspired by cultural references from movies and media that leave lasting impressions. The fusion of nostalgic America and European romance, as seen in developments like Astalgic America, provides the much-needed sense of escape for humans. Communal places portrayed in shows like Friends and Seinfeld cater to the innate need to interact and stay sharp. Escapism, a vital aspect of human life, prompts the need to exercise senses, socialize, and engage in make-believe, especially during times of excessive work or home time.
Younger generations want more experiences and less stuff. That’s a problem for retailers.
Deidre Woollard caught up with Kevin Ervin Kelley, architect, experience designer, and the author of “Irreplaceable: How to Create Extraordinary Places that Bring People Together.” They discuss:
- The evolution of grocery stores, and how regional players can compete.
- Why direct-to-consumer brands have a scaling problem.
- How Harley Davidson stores became a social destination.
Company discussed: HOG
Host: Deidre Woollard
Guest: Kevin Ervin Kelley
Producer: Ricky Mulvey
Engineers: Rick Engdahl, Desireé Jones
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