The Example of Eataly

The idea of a community space where people can gather to eat and shop, might just be enough to appeal to the modern consumer.

Mario Battali’s “Eataly” opened recently in Chicago. First and foremost it’s a home for foodies but is it also an example of the future of grocery retailing?

As with its sister store in New York (the chains only other US location) it’s packed full of eateries, fishmongers, butchers. Customers come to eat, drink, socialise and then of course, they can buy groceries and kitchen supplies to take home. As Battali himself says, “Eataly’s mission is to provide shoppers with the knowledge and components to recreate Eataly’s restaurant food at home.”

As we look to the future of brick and mortar stores, this concept might be a solution. As we’ve discussed on this show, supermarkets need to offer something more, and something unique to give customers incentive to come in. The idea of a community space where people can gather to eat and shop, might just be enough to appeal to the modern consumer.