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Making the Case for Small Stores

Such spaces can offer lower building costs, visual appeal and conscientious design.

Published

8 months ago

August 22, 2023

INSTORE Staff

Aveda is among the brands exploring smaller store spaces. PHOTOGRAPHY: Roman Tiraspolsky-iStock.com

A growing number of forward-thinking retailers are making the environmental case for keeping their store spaces small, Women’s Wear Daily reports. Because buildings are a key component of creating a low-carbon future, the case for tiny stores is making major inroads.

Among those brands following the smaller-can-be-better ethos are such beauty brands as Aveda and The Ordinary, department store Bloomingdale’s Bloomie’s concept and jeweler Bario Neal’s store in Philadelphia.

“It’s pretty straightforward,” Greg Hale, cofounder and principal at The Catskill Project, a carbon-neutral living community in upstate New York told WWD. “You need fewer materials [and] you have less space to heat and cool.”

Click here for the start of the WWD story; the full version is behind a pay wall.

This Third-Generation Jeweler Was Ready for Retirement. He Called Wilkerson

Retirement is never easy, especially when it means the end to a business that was founded in 1884. But for Laura and Sam Sipe, it was time to put their own needs first. They decided to close J.C. Sipe Jewelers, one of Indianapolis’ most trusted names in fine jewelry, and call Wilkerson. “Laura and I decided the conditions were right,” says Sam. Wilkerson handled every detail in their going-out-of-business sale, from marketing to manning the sales floor. “The main goal was to sell our existing inventory that’s all paid for and turn that into cash for our retirement,” says Sam. “It’s been very, very productive.” Would they recommend Wilkerson to other jewelers who want to enjoy their golden years? Absolutely! “Call Wilkerson,” says Laura. “They can help you achieve your goals so you’ll be able to move into retirement comfortably.”