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INSIDE
by Ryan Gager
As more and more retail and res-
taurants attempt to be as close to
residential areas as possible through
mixed-use developments, there is
still a desire for shoppers to get out,
explore and visit different areas and
neighborhoods. These developments
are creating a type of destination
outing.
“Consumers want an experience
whether they are shopping or din-
ing,” said Molly Bayer, associate
broker with Zall Co. “Often these
customers will travel to shop or dine
at a unique place.”
These destinations offer several
experiences without having to drive
to multiple locations. Trying to
decide between going shopping and
working out? Stores like Athleta,
which recently opened another loca-
tion in Park Meadows Mall, allow
customers to do both by offering
free fitness classes right in the store.
Other retail stores have also jumped
on this trend of offering an expe-
rience while you shop. Common
Threads is a consignment clothing
shop that contains a creative lab
where the customer can take sewing
and knitting classes. Large retailers
like H&M attempt to keep shoppers
repeatedly coming back to the store
by moving goods quickly and rapidly
addressing the latest trends and
styles.
Major brand-name stores can
sometimes even move into an area
and become part of the community,
making it a destination that attracts
people from other neighborhoods.
For example, Lululemon, a yoga-
focused athletic apparel retailer,
offers free yoga classes in the Cherry
Creek North and Park Meadows Mall
stores.
However, there are specific areas
where the small shops are still thriv-
ing. “Millennials have spurred
February 2015
Matthew Morris Salon recently opened its second location at 27th and Walnut streets.