Several years ago, the department stores that we know today were a thing of the past. Now, they are making a comeback with the likes of TJ Maxx, Amazon and Home Goods. But what has changed about the department store and why is it that we are seeing a revival?
Le Bon Marche Rive Gauche
One of the oldest department stores in Paris, Bon Marche Rive Gauche is situated in the Saint-Germain-des-Pres area. The building was designed by Louis-Charles Boileau and constructed in 1887. It has a glass and iron roof, large canvases lined along the corridors, and price tags that don’t appear on the merchandise.
Le Bon Marche Rive Gauche was acquired by the LVMH Group in 1984. Today, it has transformed into a very Parisian high-end department store. This establishment offers international customers an impeccable service. They can also opt for the Personal Shopper service, which can provide them with a shopping guide.
The store is open every day from 10 AM to 8 PM. In addition to offering international visitors an unforgettable experience, the store also hosts a variety of cultural and art events. For example, during the holidays, the Rive Gauche window displays reflect the festivities of the season. There are also cooking classes and demonstrations.
As part of the Christmas celebrations, artists are invited to take over the store’s spaces. Joana Vasconcelos, a Portuguese artist, is one of the artists who participated in this year’s festivities. She produced an installation exclusively for the store. Among the pieces she created, she designed a race of cumulus clouds that can be seen in the store windows.
Another piece is a breast-shaped target, a bow, and an arrow. These are all part of a larger installation that explores gender identity and the female body. Throughout the installation, the artist is interested in questions of science, anthropology, and gender selection.
Since its inauguration, the Bon Marche has expanded and evolved to satisfy changing customer preferences. A wide variety of materials are used in the construction of the store’s windows. Each has a special meaning.
TJ Maxx
TJ Maxx is a unique retailer that focuses on the brick-and-mortar experience. This approach gives the company an advantage over online retailers. It also allows TJ to adapt its supply chain to changing market trends.
Photo by John Schnobrich on Unsplash
TJ’s “treasure hunt” model appeals to shoppers. They can enter a store, browse around, and purchase items at up to 60 percent off. Then, they can leave with as many items as they like.
To make this experience work, TJ needs to improve its website. TJ’s online presence is not nearly as big as other e-commerce players. However, TJ has been slowly expanding its online presence. And the company is testing some digital technologies, such as its Charge-It-Spot kiosks, which allow customers to pay for items on the go.
TJ Maxx has also rolled out a number of social media campaigns. These include the #Maxx50challenge. In this campaign, TJ invited influencers to scour the stores for bargains.
TJ’s success will depend on its ability to offer shoppers the best deals. TJ’s supply chain is robust, which enables it to maintain a high inventory turnover rate. A higher turnover rate means fewer write-downs and better cash flow.
In addition to a slew of off-price merchandise, TJ offers a treasure hunt-style shopping experience. Shoppers can receive recommendations on the items they might be interested in. Customers can also receive free Wi-Fi, which is a novel idea.
While TJ’s e-commerce site has yet to catch on, the company has a solid base of operations. The company has upwards of 2,400 US outposts.
The company has a strong balance sheet and can weather financial storms better than its competitors. At the same time, TJ has an opportunity to differentiate itself from traditional off-price retailers.
Home Goods
Home Goods is a department store that specializes in home goods. Their merchandise has been growing in popularity for years, and the company has been expanding its brick-and-mortar stores.
The HomeGoods store chain is one of the few discount furniture and decor retailers to remain a fixture in the industry. With an impressive 860 locations in the U.S., the store has become a favorite among shoppers for its assortment of name brand home goods at great prices.
HomeGoods’ website is well-designed and easy to navigate, and its app makes it easy to find nearby stores and check out what they have in stock. It also features decorating tips and inspirational photos.
HomeGoods has been an innovator when it comes to a number of features, including its e-commerce site and apps. For example, the company’s apps have been lauded for their ability to save users’ most sought-after items and track the latest in-store arrivals.
They also have a handy 30-day return policy for most items, even those that are not used. Whether you are shopping for an office re-decorating project, a new Christmas decoration, or simply a new sofa, HomeGoods will be able to help you find what you need.
Another good reason to shop at HomeGoods is its extensive selection of wall decor. There are several aisles filled with discounted portraits of animals, as well as inspirational quotes.
When it comes to buying home goods, you might need to do some research. You can check out what’s in store or order online, but it’s always a good idea to take a look around before you decide. This will help you avoid spending your money on products that don’t match your style.
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Amazon
Amazon is opening its first brick and mortar department stores in California and Ohio. The stores will be about 30,000 square feet and feature top-quality brands. They will also incorporate technology to enhance the shopping experience.
Customers will have a one-click shopping experience, where they can select their items and have them delivered within a day. They will also have the ability to keep the product for free. These are just a few of the innovative services that Amazon offers.
With this move, Amazon is hoping to expand its household goods business and electronics industry. In addition, the company plans to open a clothing store later this year.
The new store, called Amazon Style, will be located in an upscale shopping center in Los Angeles. It will feature hundreds of clothing brands. It will also be significantly larger than a typical mall-based specialty retailer.
Some customers believe that Amazon will negatively affect their shopping experience. However, others say that Amazon is the best place to shop. This could be due to the convenience of the company’s services.
While the company may be a problem for some people, it is definitely changing the retail industry. And with increased competition, stores will have to do more to offer consumers better experiences.
If you are an established department store, you should re-evaluate your customer experience. You need to understand the needs of shoppers, and you need to focus on making sure that you are meeting those needs.
Amazon has proven that it can find anything at any time. And that has a positive impact on customers. Those who enjoy shopping online may not even bother looking elsewhere.
But the increase in competition has only encouraged retailers to do better. So far, they have responded by spiffing up their stores and offering stellar customer service.
Resurgence of department stores
Despite their mediocre performance over the past decade or so, department stores are making their comeback. A combination of improved merchandising and increased consumer engagement, along with the ubiquity of social media and mobile devices, has given them a fighting chance. However, the future of retail is far from over. To put it bluntly, department stores need to get innovative and bold if they are to survive.
The best way to achieve this is to make sure to engage customers on a personal level. While a website may be the domain of the digital native, brick and mortar stores have a unique opportunity to provide a face to face experience. For example, Nordstrom has an app that lets customers place an order online and pick up the goods in the store of their choosing.
A well-executed digital marketing campaign can go a long way to a successful customer journey. It’s also important to measure and analyze results, and understand what the heck is working and what’s not. Some examples include co-locating with specialty retailers, or partnering with a local coffee shop to offer a well-curated selection of wares. There’s no reason not to try a hybrid approach if your budget and resources allow.
In particular, make sure to do the following: a) make a list of your customers, b) learn their likes and dislikes, c) measure their reaction to your new offerings, and d) nudge them to your door with a nudge in the right direction. This can be achieved by taking advantage of the power of suggestion in a well-planned campaign. Ultimately, a great customer experience is the best way to keep shoppers coming back for more.
