Retail Shops Are Community Spaces

In the age of the internet, we can buy nearly everything online. So what role do brick and mortar stores play? 

I recently visited a new store near my apartment called Savant Studios. One of the employees described it as more of a community space than a traditional retail store. Savant Studios hosts weekly Sunday sessions and other events for the local neighborhood.

The owner of the vintage shop called Grand Street Local, located near my house, told me that he started the store to connect with people who share his passion for vintage items.

The other day, a local skate shop hosted a meetup. Afterward, I noticed kids skateboarding throughout my neighborhood.

Whether art, vintage fashion, or skateboarding, these stores are magnets for those interested in the subculture. These retail shops build community.

Today, after work, I checked out the collections at a few independent fashion stores in Chicago. But more than anything, I love learning about new brands, meeting others with similar interests, and learning from them. Any city I go to, I can easily immerse myself in the local fashion community by finding the best retail stores.