Exceptional retail is all about how people feel when they walk through the door. In today’s fast-paced retail landscape, creating an emotionally engaging space offers something customers can’t find online: a moment of comfort, connection, and calm.

That’s exactly what Barbara Burdick has done with Cuddle Bunny, a comforting shop in Chicago where visitors can spend time with bunnies in a space designed for emotional connection.

Her approach seamlessly blends hospitality, therapeutic thinking, and thoughtful design into a one-of-a-kind experience that customers remember and cherish.

Whether you’re opening a boutique, café, or a niche experience like Barbara’s, click the button below to learn seven ways to create a store atmosphere that touches hearts and builds genuine customer connections.