Grandma Needs Retail Love Too

My poor grandma just can't seem to get any retail love. With a quadruple bypass, hip replacements and an excessive paranoia that salespeople in general are trying to take advantage of her--she's pretty much at odds with the retail industry. The aisles aren't wide enough for her walker, the music is too loud, the floors are slick and the lighting is overpowering. And these are just some of her many complaints.

I recently suggested that grandma consider the very real possibility of moving overseas to Europe. After all, they do have free healthcare as well as senior-designed grocery stores. What an amazing concept, right? Well, they had to come up with something, as the elderly population is exploding. According to the Daily Mail, in 20 years half the population in Europe will be over 50 years of age.

Ever-progressive Tesco is currently planning to cater to this growing market, with plans to open a senior-focused store in Newcastle, England. The 60,000-sq.-ft. store would be located next to Newcastle University's Institute for Aging and Health (well, they won't have to worry about advertising, will they?!) and would include magnifying glasses, softer lighting, wider aisles and more senior-friendly shelving.

Is it just me or is this a really good idea for the United States as well?

With the baby boomer generation getting older and older, demand for senior-friendly retail stores will only increase. I hate to say it, but once again, the Europeans have beat us to it. This demographic absolutely needs our attention, and designing retail spaces that accommodate their preferences is a smart business idea.

Those uber intelligent Europeans, they're always showing us up, aren't they?!

In all seriousness though, do you know of any U.S retailers that are catering to this demographic in terms of store design? What do you think about the necessity of this? Leave your comments here.

--Heather Strang

 

Comments

[Clem Muck]

I don't know about specific retailers that are doing a good job or providing friendly environments for seniors, but, if I had to find somebody to make retail stores senior-friendly, I would, without a doubt, jump right to Southwest Airlines. They have an uncanny knack for knowing just what to do to keep themselves in the forefront of the airline industry with regard to customer service. Look at what they have been doing in their gate areas with inviting seating, internet connections, great atmospheres, and more. If they were redoing retail stores to accommodate seniors, things would look a whole lot different.