DESIGN:RETAIL JAN/FEB 2020 Neighborhood Goods By Jenny S. Rebholz Serving as an ecosystem that allows brands to test and explore their brick-andmortar strategy, Neighborhood Goods experiments with the art and science of retail to evolve the department store concept-think shopper data and analytics-while providing a relevant and thoughtful customer experience ➞ A SENSE OF community, a commitment to quality and deepened consumer relationships are at the essence of Neighborhood Goods, a retail concept that founders Matt Alexander and Mark Masinter consider to be the modern alternative to-and evolution of-the department store. Neighborhood Goods is a retail destination that allows brands to test and explore their brickand-mortar strategy while reigniting a sense of discovery with consumers through an elevated shopping experience. "The goal was to create an ecosystem that offers a real service for brands while providing a relevant and thoughtful experience for the consumer," Alexander says. 24 That ecosystem provides brands with a welldesigned, cohesive shopping environment that positions their products within the space in a thoughtful and individualized manner. Brands receive shopper data in the form of weekly reports (soon to be real-time data and analytics). Additional support services include marketing and advertising, as well as a distinct food and beverage offering and regular planned events. Neighborhood Goods also employs staff to support the business model success. The employees are trained on all brands and are focused on hospitality. They are compensated well with an above-average wage and good benefits, so they are not influenced by commission-based sales.