Top brands are conjuring up new ways to tempt back shoppers

samsung

WHERE Coal Drops Yard, London WHAT While the traditional high-street model has largely been built on a buy-now, try-at-home-later mentality, Samsung is flipping the very concept of how we shop on its head. Its Samsung KX space swaps the humble four-wall shop (both figuratively and literally given it’s housed under Heatherwick Studio’s strikingly curved ‘kissing’ roofs) in favour of ‘experience spaces’ and ‘inspiration hubs’, offering visitors the chance to sample the brand’s technology by way of film nights, gaming tournaments, cocktail masterclasses and a state-of-the-art ‘connected kitchen’ (make purchases at home later if impressed). Samsung is calling it ‘retail therapy of the future’; we’re calling it a pretty fun day out.

habitat

WHERE Tottenham Court Road, London WHAT The paradox of modern tech is that we’re better connected yet living more solitary lives, so Habitat’s MO is to inject sociability into the brand experience. Part of its current Home Detox campaign, a series of workshops hosted by designers and tastemakers, including Topology (above) and Conservatory Archives, promises expert advice on topics such as small-space living alongside the chance to mingle with other home enthusiasts. And because a load of lovely objects chucked together do not necessarily a beautiful home make, each designer will be creating an installation at its Tottenham Court Road flagship complete with tips for replicating the look at home.

toast

WHERE Edinburgh; Bath; Westbourne Grove and Dering Street, London; York; Oxford and Brighton stores

WHAT If it seems futile to muse over the future of the high street when our very planet is in jeopardy, Toast – everyone’s favourite for rustic-luxe – is addressing the sustainability issue by rolling out its Circle clothes swap initiative to new stores this year. Take your pre-loved Toast item in store, attach a tag detailing its life and wear, receive a token denoting its value (under £199 or over £200) and then redeem it on a piece from the curated rails of donated clothes. With the added bonus of customer connectivity, it’s a brave step in the right direction for mindful shopping and the circular economy.