What if the future of retail is something you can’t put in a shopping bag?

A few years ago, when malls were struggling and major retailers were closing locations, I remember saying that I didn’t think physical retail was going away.

I thought the reason we use those spaces would change.

Less about simply going somewhere to buy something.

More about giving people a reason to actually go somewhere.

Experiences. Connection. Discovery. Play.

And we’re starting to see that shift happen.

Toys “R” Us just announced a major U.S. expansion with 120 new standalone stores. What caught my attention wasn’t just the number of stores.

Select locations are being designed with Creator Studios where brands and creators can host events, product launches and experiences. Toys “R” Us in the U.S.A. has also been experimenting with in-store Play Days built around games, activities, DJs and themed play.

Maybe someone at Toys “R” Us got wind of what we’re doing at Pop CoLab and thought, “That’s what we need.”

Probably not. 😂

Because this is the shift I’ve been excited about for years.

Physical spaces don’t just have to be places where we consume things.

They can become places where we experience things together.

We’re seeing it in retail.

We’re seeing it in entertainment.

And we’re seeing it in the workplace.

That’s a big part of what we’re building at Pop CoLab: creating reasons for people to get out from behind their screens, come together, play, connect and actually experience something with each other.

The big guys are investing in experiences.

We’ve been building around that idea from the beginning.

Want to chat more about how Pop CoLab can help your team connect? Email us at discover@popcolab.ca or visit us at popcolab.ca