Gen Z Loves This Old-School Way of Shopping — But With a Twist: ‘Lines Out the Door’

Key Takeaways Gen Zers are embracing in-person experiences — and the way they shop is no exception.

Experiential retail pairs memorable, engaging in-store interaction with Instagrammable design.

Businesses that seize the opportunity, such as Marine Layer and Abbode, have a lot to gain.

The endless scroll might be losing its luster — especially among younger generations.

Gen Zers are more likely than older generations to designate screen-free time in their day, according to new research from Talker. They’re also embracing “granny core” hobbies, like knitting, to unwind from their devices, NPR reported.

What’s more, in an era where every product imaginable is just a swipe or click away, young consumers have adopted some old-school shopping habits and preferences, too.

Over seventy percent of 18 to 27 year-olds reported shopping in-store at least once a week compared to 65% of Baby Boomers, according to recent research from financial technology platform Adyen. Additionally, 57% of Gen Z considers in-person shopping an experience, compared to just 35% of Baby Boomers, per the survey.

So, after more than a decade chasing digital growth, savvy businesses are leaning into the old-fashioned consumption mode. But some of the most successful ones are adding a contemporary twist on the classic in-person shopping experience.

The power of experiential retail

Enter experiential retail, which typically strives to put a memorable — and Instagrammable — spin on in-person shopping.

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