Yesterday after work I accidentally wandered into a boutique
fashion store, Lavish & Squalor, in Toronto. Without any prior knowledge or
anticipation (I did not pay attention to any signs outside), I was surprised
when I walked upstairs to discover a cafe. Yes, a cafe in the middle of a
fashion store, with bar seating and a few tables with black tablecloths. On the
way out, I checked their signage. Subtle, but clear: espresso bar upstairs.
Pretty cool. And then I started thinking about the kind of
shopper are they trying to lure in. Do they want shoppers who will later tell their friends “I stopped
by for a coffee, oh and by the way I got this $300 blazer, too”? Is it for the
companions of actual shoppers? Either way, it was a pleasant surprise, a very
comfy environment, and I might go back soon. Maybe just to chat with the bar
staff, but I might happen to buy something along the way. Just “buy the way!”
