How retailers can create spaces to appeal to Millennial shoppers

Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos once said “All businesses need to be young forever. If your customer base ages with you, you’re Woolworth’s.” That sentiment is particularly true when it comes to retail brick-and-mortars, which are experiencing slumping profits as high-tech online retailers increasingly appeal to younger customers.

As we’ve mentioned in our previous “The New Student” blog posts, today’s college students are financially better off than earlier generations. In fact, it’s reported that the average university student has around $15,000 in annual spending power. To succeed, retailers must capture some of that tremendous market, which means optimizing location, technology and store design to attract the attention – and dollars – of savvy Millennial shoppers. Here are some key factors in creating those spaces.

Ease of access

Because Millennials value convenience – and because an increasing number are forgoing cars – shopping destinations should be close to campus or easily accessed by alternative transportation and public transit. This ties into the importance of walkable neighborhoods. Many universities are designed for walking, but you still need a car once you’re past the edge of campus. When college students go grocery shopping, clothes shopping – or any type of shopping, for that matter – it should be quick, simple and highly accessible; not a hassle. Mixed-use spaces are helpful because shoppers can grab pantry staples, a new shirt and dinner, for instance, all in one convenient spot. A RetailingToday article emphasized the significance of creating a “living community” around millennials, where retailers are part of a larger mixed-use ecosystem that provides a variety of spaces for the “live, work, play” of everyday life.

Apple retail stores are known for creating engaging, interactive and relaxed experiences for customers, which is appealing to millennials - and other generations.

Technology integration

Millennials may have a lot of spending power, but they don’t have a lot of patience for wasted time. That’s a major incentive for the conveniently located stores I discussed above, and it’s an important reason for retailers to integrate technology into the shopping experience whenever possible. These days, it’s difficult for brick-and-mortar stores to compete with the lightning-fast purchases offered by websites like Amazon, where free and fast shipping is the norm. Millennials are also known for researching the products they buy, placing a great deal of value on other shoppers’ reviews. The Urban Land Institute reported in 2013 that 45% of Millennials spend at least one hour browsing online stores and reading product reviews every day. Brick-and-mortars simply don’t offer that level of speed or connectivity, so they have to find new, creative ways to draw foot traffic like “in-store pick-up,” special discounts or demonstrations. Think Apple, where brick-and-mortar stores are staffed by knowledgeable, approachable employees, the latest gadgets are on-hand for testing, and cool classes are offered for free.

Experiential excitement and diversity

Mixed-use developments and retail centers should also aim to be well-rounded when it comes to the types of tenants they contain and the quality of experiences they offer. Millennials enjoy a lot of different retail styles, from sleek and high-tech to vintage; it’s most important to create an authentic, intimate sense of place and avoid feeling generic. Branded environments and fresh signage can help achieve this goal, elevating Millennials’ in-store experience and creating that essential brand connection and brand loyalty. Millennial-friendly amenities life free WiFi, self check-out kiosks and even flattering lighting make the retail interior a more inviting place.

There’s an art and a strategy behind creating Millennial-friendly retail spaces. Companies should recognize the importance of integrating with the surrounding community, with public transportation and with technology to create a meaningful shopping experience. Millennials are discriminating with where and how they spend money, but once they’re committed to a retailer, they tend to stick around.

This is Part III of GS&P's The New Student blog series, which discusses higher-ed design trends and best practices for supporting the millennial generation. Stay tuned next month for the fourth installment, “Where Millennials Dine,” a look at the highly convenient and stylized campus cafeterias and dining spaces that appeal to Millennials. Don’t miss previous installments, “Where Millennials Live” and “Where Millennials Learn.”

About the Author: Brandon Bell is a senior designer in the firm’s Nashville Design Studio. His more than fifteen years of architectural experience supports the continued expansion of mixed-use and multi-family design services offered by GS&P’s Corporate market. Bell has helped lead the design, documentation and construction of more than 10,000 housing units in locations covering 14 states from Colorado to Rhode Island.