RETAILERS CODDLE CUSTOMERS WITH TLC AND FOOD

The latest retail trend is to offer consumers food while they shop. This appetizing way of combining life’s two greatest pleasures (for women that is) is on the upswing. Burberry recently invited some of their choice customers to an afternoon of shopping and salmon in their New York City store.

The results were spectacular, but these were not ordinary shoppers, as evidenced by their preference of merchandise. “They were drawn to a $4,435 pearl-colored antique lace trench with jersey lining, a $2,130 wool, cashmere and silk tuxedo with silk satin shawl collar and pant, a $3,095 trench with natural fox cuffs and trim and a $1,880 trench quilted leather Manor bag.”

I happened to be at the Boca Raton Neiman Marcus store a few weeks ago and a luncheon was taking place at the jewelry counter on the main floor. The invited guests were obviously good customers, hence the reason for this afternoon fete.

But it is worth taking a look at this trend. For retailers, it is something to contemplate. Food is a big draw with consumers… and a great way to say, “we love you and want to take care of you.” What woman doesn’t want that?