King of Prussia Town Center does ‘experiential’ shopping right
Going to a department store, looking at things you either need or don’t need, or kind of just want, no longer satisfies today’s busy shopper. Today’s busy shopper needs more. Today’s busy shopper needs to have an experience while picking out a pair of slacks.
While waiting for a coworker, (Julia) Monaghan, 27, popped into Nordstrom Rack and bought two pairs of earrings and a dress. Then she and her friend walked by an outdoor area with water fountains, where yoga classes are held, to drinks at City Works. They later planned to cross the street for a painting class, with drinks, at Muse Paintbar, writes Ellie Silverman for philly.com.
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As some brick-and-mortar retailers struggle, there are indications that the center, which opened in booming Upper Merion Township in 2016, is thriving. Property manager Joseph Mancuso, said the 1,164 parking spaces are often at or near capacity and local owners say their restaurants are some of their best performing stores.
The center’s diverse selection of shopping, dining, and outdoor space is what one real estate executive called a “perfect example” of how developers are manufacturing an urban-like downtown in the suburbs and offering shoppers experiences they can’t get online. Meanwhile, traditional suburban malls across the country are either closing or pivoting away from apparel and toward entertainment and restaurant retail — some even dropping the word “mall” from their names.
While older “lifestyle centers,” such as the Providence Town Center in Collegeville, are similar to open-air malls, the King of Prussia Town Center has created a downtown-like setting with events, such as outdoor yoga, movie nights, and concerts, echoing activities on Race Street Pier or the Schuylkill Banks in Philadelphia.
To read the complete story click here.
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