Dating in the Toilet Paper Aisle?!

The other day while inspecting an avocado at my local grocery store, a shockingly handsome man sauntered by. I set the avocado down to take a closer look, and for a moment considered approaching him. But, ultimately I chickened out--I mean what would I say?

"Hey, you're kind of cute, why don't we get to know one another better over in the toilet paper aisle?"

How totally unromantic!

But then, I read about the upcoming remodel of a Washington, D.C., Safeway store, in an effort to make the store more conducive to socialization. Rewind the above mentioned scenario with the cute stranger, and suddenly I have a decent pick-up line.

"Hey, you caught my eye--would you like to grab a coffee on the terrace?"

Sounds a lot more appealing than the toilet paper aisle, right?

The Wisconsin Avenue Safeway store in Georgetown will undergo an extensive remodel, making the location 45 percent larger, including a two-level building with an outdoor terrace, and two parking areas. The lower level would be leased out to other businesses, while the grocery store would be featured on the top floor. According to The Hoya, the remodel will include hardwood floors, subdued lighting, updated produce, deli, bakery and floral departments, as well as an indoor/outdoor cafe.

And I'm not the only one making the connection between socially structured retail space and love, or at least new interactions. A quote in The Hoya article reiterated my thoughts, "I definitely think it will make the shopping experience more enjoyable, and it will definitely be a way for more people to meet," said local resident and Safeway customer Elizabeth Williams.

Apparently, Elizabeth and I are operating from the same mental space (or we're both single sisters!).

I would love to see more retailers design their stores to encourage community and/or dating for their customers. We'd all be apt to stay a lot longer, and therefore buy a whole lot more.

What do you think about store design that's meant to increase social interaction? Know of any existing stores that have already utilized this concept with their design? Leave your comments here.

--Heather Strang

 

Comments

[Greg M. Gorman]

As a married guy, not single, I am certain that I am not the target audience for grocery store romance and find a date. However, I am of the understanding based on news stories and some reports (whether you believe all you hear and read or not)that the produce department is where it's happening. That being said, I don't feel that retail is the place, unlike a bar or cafe. It would however make a shopping experience more fun to be able to hang out and meet new people. But again, is that really the right place? Seems there are plenty of other on-line venues today that work better.