Referencing the current retail decline in Plymouth, the role of the department store in today’s high street has undergone significant change. With the original model of the department store offering a distinct shopping experience either through use of space, retail display or product engagement, our consumer relationship has shifted, instigating a conversation about the future of the retail space at a time when physical spaces are transitioning to an online platform.
Mass produced goods populate the modern day department store removing our physical connection with products. Items are often viewed remotely; documented and presented as if an artwork within the context of the gallery space. Online shopping has removed the experience aspect of our consumer relationship, presenting a user experience that is more time and cost effective.
Loosing sight of the original values that saw the department store as a destination and shopping as a leisure activity, today’s retail experiences are all facing the same problem. How to respond to a fundamental change in our consumer behaviour, and compete with an online platform?
Over the past decade Plymouth has lost long term stores such as Woolworths, British Home Stores and Derrys Department Store. 2018 sees the added closure of House of Fraser as well as a potential loss of Marks and Spencer in the city centre.
Inside the former building of Derrys department store, currently undergoing redevelopment to be transformed into student accommodation and an accompanying hotel. Images Penny Cross 2017.
