Secret Retail

A line in Jean Snow’s recent report for Gridskipper made us think about this ‘secret’ trend we’ve been monitoring. In his report on the Center for Cosmic Wonder in Tokyo, not only is the store hard to find but once you get there, all the clothes are in separate closets. Jean says:

All the clothes are hidden behind panels that you have to open yourself, sort of like checking out a friend’s closet.

The story caused us to remember the men’s store of the boutique chain L’Elaireur in Paris. The majority of the store is obscured by a glazed glass door that only moves open when its sensors detect you walking towards it. Meanwhile though – the staff were very friendly and we were told that they were briefed to find out as much about the customers as they possibly can – for the next time they came in.

Gridskipper
Img Ref: Jean Snow