What: Ripley introduces cafes and beauty salons in its flagship Lima stores as part of a strategic initiative to transform its retail spaces into comprehensive lifestyle destinations, following the closure of two locations in Peru.

Why it is important: The initiative represents a strategic pivot in retail space utilisation, where department stores evolve beyond traditional shopping to create immersive destinations that meet modern consumers' lifestyle needs. This development highlights the retail industry's shift toward experiential offerings, as department stores seek to maximise profitability by integrating services that encourage longer store visits and increased customer engagement.

Ripley's transformation of its stores in Lima's Miraflores and San Isidro districts introduces new experiential elements through strategic partnerships. The Gourmet Xperience café, operated by Soanpro group, combines dining with a curated gift shop offering premium wines and accessories. The Shoppe beauty salon provides hair and nail services, particularly popular during high-traffic periods like the Christmas season. These additions follow the closure of locations in Jirón de la Unión and Plaza del Sol Piura, demonstrating Ripley's focus on enhancing remaining stores rather than maintaining wider coverage. The company plans to expand these concepts to other locations, including Plaza San Miguel, while also incorporating themed activations like 'Santa's House' to create memorable family experiences.

IADS Notes: While some retailers focus on enhancing omnichannel capabilities, Ripley's approach emphasises creating multifunctional spaces that complement traditional retail. This strategy aligns with successful experiential retail initiatives and responds to evolving consumer preferences, demonstrating how department stores can maximise space utilisation while enhancing customer engagement.

Ripley reinvents its stores with new experiences