Transactional Story-Telling

The retail industry is ever-changing and recently there have been some emerging stores and retail concepts that are really pushing the boundaries and making shopping that little bit more exciting. HOORAH! Shoppers these days want an experience, something innovative and inspiring to stand out to them when they hit the high-street and encourage them to part with their hard-earned pennies. So it's great to see a fresh, new take on shopping with the 'start-up store' idea that is sweeping the streets of New York City.
Retail consultant, Rachel Shechtman discreetly set up a start-up store on 1 December 2011 because she wanted to create transactional story-telling. The store is like a gallery showcasing brands yet like a store selling these products. The store will be completely re-invented every four to six weeks with a different theme at the center. The theme behind the first one was 'Beta' and featured a selection of fabulous products from five NYC start-ups:
1) Birchbox- a subscription retailer of beauty products

2) Quirky- an online community that selects products to invent based on user votes

3) BaubleBar- a jewelery range of original neckwear

4) Joor- an online professional matchmaker for designers and retailers

5) Artspace- an online marketplace for affordable pieces from contemporary artists.

Due to the huge success, Shechtman now plans to give the store a permanent name and logo, alongside launching a complimentary online shop so there will be a permanent identity for the start-up store. The store will next launch in February as a "Love" story and the story-telling will continue. Check it out at http://astartupstore.com/
I have to admit, I think this is a pretty great idea to put it simply. Making shopping more exciting as well as promoting and supporting independent brands is what the high-street needs in this gloomy economic climate. Lets see if the start-up store concept sweeps the UK.