As the retail landscape continues to evolve, those that remain in the game must be willing to try new things to stay relevant. Abercrombie & Fitch has demonstrated that it’s willing to do just that, as the company debuted a new A&F prototype store in Columbus, Ohio earlier this year. The new concept aims to improve customer engagement and productivity on a smaller footprint. We can safely assume it’s hitting the mark, as the company has announced that it’s going back to the well and opening up another one.
As Retail Dive shares, this one is located at Tysons Corner Center, a sprawling development outside of the nation’s capital that features more than 300 specialty stores and restaurants spread out over more than two million square feet, and attracts more than 25 million visitors annually.
“The A&F brand experience has been updated to provide the customer with a new vision of the retailer and is one of seven new concept stores that will be opening by the end of 2017. The evolved experience is designed to be an inviting space that facilitates brand engagement and encourages product trial,” A&F announced in a release. “The Abercrombie & Fitch store in Tysons Corner will be in a new location at the mall, and with a significantly smaller store footprint.”
This isn’t just a familiar Abercrombie & Fitch location on a smaller scale, but rather a concept that shows that the team behind the scenes spent a lot of time focusing on the store of the future.
“The modernized space was imagined with the best customer experience in mind, encouraging the discovery of A&F’s new collections and brand positioning. Looking to provide a unique and personal shopping experience, the layout includes accommodating features such as innovative fitting rooms, and omni-channel capabilities,” the release adds. “Each fitting room has thoughtful amenities designed to enhance the customer’s mood, including separate controls for light and music, as well as a phone charging dock. Select fitting rooms comprise of two individual capsules within a larger, private suite, allowing for sharing new looks with a friend or family member, while also enjoying privacy.”
Beyond the fitting rooms, making things more convenient for consumers is clearly a huge priority for A&F.
“With a focus on customer engagement and service, associates will be on hand to help customers place and pick up online orders in store,” the release continues. “Furthermore, cash wraps will be placed throughout the space, enabling a quicker and more accessible checkout experience.”
In addition to the new store concept, the company has announced it will be updating select existing stores with a new, refreshed in-store design. Sounds like there’s a lot to get excited about at A&F, and other retailers should perk up and take notice.
