Are you a business owner looking to learn how you can create a family-friendly retail store?

Look no further. 

From engaging experiences to a thoughtfully designed space, Mark Kwiatowski, owner of Neon Gardens, uses a unique approach that attracts families and keeps them coming back.

Read about his journey and learn six strategies to succeed in family-friendly retail. 

1. Host Family Friendly Events 

Hosting family-friendly events is a great way to engage customers of all ages. At Neon Gardens, events like team banquets, school meetings, and trivia nights draw in families, some of whom might not have stopped in otherwise. 

Ready to give hosting a try? Start by offering your space for school socials, parties, and workshops. If you’re a more niche retailer, consider events tied to what you sell. 

• A balloon store could host balloon-making classes for families.  
• A creative scent studio could offer sessions where kids can create and mix their own lotions and perfumes. 

These events will positively change how your community views your business, create a memorable customer experience, and provide value to the neighborhood.

2. Create an Atmosphere That’s Age Inclusive

Kwiatkowski has struck the perfect balance, making families, young adults, and grandparents feel at home. He did this by starting with a thoughtful restaurant layout. 

Neon Gardens has a fully equipped bar, a relaxing outside patio, a vintage game room, a New York-style pizza restaurant, and a huge indoor dining room. While these elements might appear to conflict, they unite effortlessly, making the space inviting for everyone.

Consider your layout and design as a way to attract a diverse customer base. Do you have comfy seating where adults can relax while kids explore? Are there interactive elements that keep children engaged? A thoughtfully designed space can turn valued visitors into life-long customers.

3. Hire Staff Who Understand the Mission

A store’s atmosphere can only go so far. Customer service plays a huge role in creating a family-friendly retail experience. At Neon Gardens, the staff is trained to make sure every visitor feels welcome.

If you’re wondering where to start when hiring, consider these tips:

• Hire high school and college students: This will give younger customers a relatable and friendly experience. 
• Seek out approachable employees: Approachable, helpful, and enthusiastic workers will make parents feel comfortable bringing their children.
• Ensure your employees understand the value of hospitality: Look for workers who exhibit emphatic and attentive qualities. 

After hiring, it’s important to offer the proper training. Teaching your employees how to handle kids, assist parents, and maintain a positive environment will make for a friendlier and more knowledgeable staff. 

4. Have Experiences That Bring Families Back

Just like any other retail store, as a family-friendly retailer, getting your customers to return is key. One of Neon Gardens’ biggest draws is its immersive pop-ups. They incorporate popular themes like Ninja Turtles and Harry Potter to transform their space into something new every few months. These pop-ups create demand while allowing families to enjoy a fresh experience every time they visit, keeping the space exciting and relevant.

If you’re not ready to change your store completely, try making small changes. Add color to your displays to grab customers’ attention or create themed weekends catered for families that fit with your brand. This can make repeat visits feel fresh and give parents a reason to come back, not just for what you sell but for how successful you are in creating a family-friendly retail experience. 

5. Adapt the Space for Different Crowds

Adaptability in your space is necessary as a family-friendly retailer. Neon Gardens excels at changing its space to suit different groups at different times. Kwiatkowski explains, “We’re all ages until nine o’clock, after nine o’clock, the lights come down a little bit, the music gets a little louder and we try to cater to the 21 to 41 year olds.” 

These changes enhance the customer experience and effectively address varying customer needs.

To shift your atmosphere with your audience, try Neon Gardens’ approach and utilize different music. Soft background music creates a calming space for elders and families, while a louder and more energetic playlist can signal a shift toward 21+ events. By catering to different demographics, you can maximize your reach and revenue.

6. Have a Menu That Appeals to All Ages

If you run a restaurant and are ready to cater to an age-inclusive clientele, it’s time to update your menu. At Neon Gardens, the menu is carefully curated to appeal to both kids and adults without feeling like an afterthought for either.

So, what can you add? 

• Pizza: Children love the classic cheese and pepperoni slices, while adults enjoy more elevated options like veggie or Hawaiian. 
• Chicken Tenders: These served with a side of honey mustard or ranch will keep kids happy, while spicy aioli and garlic parmesan sauce could appeal to adults.
• Fries: Fries are easy to dress up or down. For adults, there are topping options like jalapenos and bacon, and for kids, there is melted cheese. 

If you’re a retailer outside the restaurant industry, you can apply this concept by offering products for every age group. A well-balanced product selection encourages family shopping trips where everyone can find something they love.

Conclusion

Neon Gardens offers a perfect example for businesses looking to understand how to create a family-friendly retail store. Through thoughtful design, a diverse menu, and exciting experiences, Mark Kwiatowski has built a retail environment that appeals to everyone.

By implementing these strategies, retailers can create a family-friendly space that attracts loyal customers. When customers feel appreciated, they’ll make your business a part of their lives.

We Are Retail focuses on highlighting Illinois’ great and diverse array of retailers. If you loved learning about Neon Gardens’ story and know a retailer who deserves recognition, Nominate A Retailer!