My wife (we’re old enough to have a teen, touhgh we don’t) still buys some stuff at Aeropostale and we both occasionally shop at what would be considered teen and youth retailers. Following the philosophy that servicing mom is beneficial could be a double edged sword for some. For instance, Hot Topic or Zumiez create a clearly youth-defining atmosphere that would be subverted by any capitulation to adult comfort; they are an ersatz club house for the kids. Mom needs to wait outside, or the atmosphere is shot.Macy’s, however, always understood the shopping subject’s companion and has installed flat panel TVs near the couches outside their dressing rooms (I am proud to have had FOX news switched off the set during one visit to the Simi store!).The very narrow line that must be walked is between the retailers keeping mom happy and keeping their cool.
My wife (we’re old enough to have a teen, touhgh we don’t) still buys some stuff at Aeropostale and we both occasionally shop at what would be considered teen and youth retailers. Following the philosophy that servicing mom is beneficial could be a double edged sword for some. For instance, Hot Topic or Zumiez create a clearly youth-defining atmosphere that would be subverted by any capitulation to adult comfort; they are an ersatz club house for the kids. Mom needs to wait outside, or the atmosphere is shot.Macy’s, however, always understood the shopping subject’s companion and has installed flat panel TVs near the couches outside their dressing rooms (I am proud to have had FOX news switched off the set during one visit to the Simi store!).The very narrow line that must be walked is between the retailers keeping mom happy and keeping their cool.