PROVIDING A UNIQUE EXPERIENCE IS RETAILERS’ HOLIDAY STRATEGY

As Amy Witt prepared for the grand opening of her Dallas clothing store, she read up on the demise of thousands of chain stores this past year so she wouldn’t repeat their mistakes.

“Big box retailers are selling 20,000 square feet of, what? Stuff. There’s no connection, no experience, no service,” says Witt, who opened A Velvet Window earlier this month. “That model no longer works.” So Witt has created a store that aims to feel like a home. She serves food and snacks, and helps shoppers put outfits together. She’s invited other local businesses