Steal Abbot Kinney Retailers’ Strategies for Delighting Customers

Nestled in the heart of Venice, California, Abbot Kinney Boulevard is more than just a shopping street; it’s a curated experience. With its mix of trend-forward boutiques, cult-followed brands, and effortlessly cool storefronts, it has become one of the most iconic and competitive retail destinations on the West Coast.

But this street isn’t thriving by accident. The brands that succeed here understand how to create retail environments that connect with their customers through thoughtful design, community-driven storytelling, and an experience that feels authentic from the sidewalk to the fitting room.

In this article, we’ll break down what makes Abbot Kinney retailers stand out, and more importantly, how you can apply these takeaways to your own retail space, no matter where you’re located.

On Running Abbot Kinney (December 2024).

Abbot Kinney Boulevard’s Story

Once a quiet, artsy stretch in Venice, Abbot Kinney has evolved into one of LA’s most sought-after shopping and lifestyle destinations. Named after the visionary developer who dreamed of creating the “Venice of America,” the street has maintained its creative roots while attracting a mix of indie brands, elevated retail concepts, and cult-favorite labels. Today, it’s known for its effortlessly cool aesthetic, strong sense of place, and the kind of retail that feels more like discovery than shopping.

How Abbot Kinney Retailers Delight Their Customers and Outshine Their Competitors.

While having a location in Abbot Kinney guarantees outside foot traffic, there is no promise of actual customers. Retailers in Abbot Kinney are competing with hundreds of others to gain attention, spark curiosity, and, hopefully, make a sale. The following strategies are how Abbot Kinney retailers delight their customers and successfully stand out amongst their many competitors.

Aviator Nation Abbot Kinney (December 2024). Aviator’s vibrant exterior color palette and understated branding aligns with their aesthetic.

Farm Rio Abbot Kinney (December 2024). Farm Rios thatched walls and custom-tiled stairs make for a memorable entry experience.

Bold and Playful Storefronts

To gain any attention on Abbot Kinney Blvd, your storefront can’t be an afterthought; it needs to be a statement. Retailers here understand that your exterior is your first impression, and they lean into bold color palettes, unexpected materials, and playful signage to capture attention from the sidewalk. Whether it’s a hand-painted mural, a sculptural installation, or just an unconventional use of branding, these storefronts invite passersby to stop, snap a photo, and step inside. The goal is to spark curiosity and communicate their personality before a customer even walks through the door.

Goodr Abbot Kinney (December 2024). Goodr uses bold colors and hilariously oversized sunglasses as a way to create FOMO around the good time that is promised inside.

Warby Parker Abbot Kinney (December 2024). Warby Parker leans into the modern architecture of its shop with a minimalistic mural.

Displays Designed for Pedestrian Traffic

Since Abbot Kinney is designed for walking, the most effective retailers create their spaces accordingly. Storefront windows are scaled thoughtfully for eye-level engagement, using layered visuals and curated product displays that speak directly to passersby and tell quick, compelling stories that can be absorbed at a glance. Many shops use open storefront concepts that create a seamless flow between the street and the interior. This architectural openness draws people in, blurring the line between public and retail space and making the entire shopping experience feel more inviting.

Away Abbot Kinney (December 2024) uses window displays that are well-scaled for pedestrian traffic.

Marine Layer Abbot Kinney (December 2024) uses garage doors that effortlessly draw in pedestrians.

Humanized, Lived in Spaces

To humanize their products and brand, retailers design their shops to feel more like you’re being welcomed into someone’s home than a store. Think lounge-like fitting rooms, curated bookshelves, cozy seating areas, and even record players spinning in the background.

These lived-in touches create a sense of comfort and authenticity that invites customers to linger, explore, and connect with the brand on a personal level. It's not just about selling a product; it’s about creating a space that feels warm, familiar, and worth spending time in.

Buck Mason Abbot Kinney (December 2024) makes you feel like you are stepping into someone’s home.

Unexpected experiences

Retailers on Abbot Kinney know that creating a memorable space means going beyond beautiful fixtures and well-placed products. What keeps customers engaged and coming back is the element of surprise. Whether it’s a unique use of materials, an unexpected layout, or playful design details, these moments of discovery transform the store from a place to shop into an experience to enjoy. Bold statements, interactive elements, and imaginative storytelling create a lasting impression, inviting people to explore, linger, and share their visit. These unexpected touches not only differentiate each space but also deepen the emotional connection between the brand and the customer.

Circular Library Abbot Kinney (December 2024). Reclaimed fabrics are used to display product and add interest and texture in the Circular Library.

Aesop Abbot Kinney (December 2024). For an unexpected experience, visit Aesop and check out their shower (yes, it's usable!)

Goodr Abbot Kinney (December 2024). Goodr resonates with their customer base through bold statements and quirky design elements.

Pleasing Abbot Kinney (December 2024). Pleasing is all about the details with this retro store design.

Community Spaces and Workshop Areas

Abbot Kinney retailers know the hero isn’t their brand or products, it’s their customers. Many stores incorporate dedicated community spaces for workshops, events, and casual gatherings, blurring the line between retail and user experience. Whether it’s a table set up for weekend DIY classes, a cozy nook for sipping coffee, or a small courtyard that hosts local creatives, these areas encourage people to linger longer and engage more deeply. Retailers' spaces need to be about more than just selling if they want to thrive, they need to create a space where people want to spend time, return often, and feel part of something bigger than the transaction.

Goodr Abbot Kinney (December 2024) designed a fun and playful patio vibe that invites users to take a seat and chill for a while.

Circular Library Abbot Kinney (December 2024) holds workshops for their customers. Workshops get users involved in the mission and vision of the brand.

Localized Elements

If you’ve read our article, What You Can Learn From Newbury Street Retailers, you know how powerful localized elements can be for retailers. This strategy, of course, is seen on Abbot Kinney Blvd as well. Thoughtful, localized details make retail spaces feel relevant and authentic, giving both locals and visitors a reason to connect with the space on a deeper level. Everything from store-exclusive products to artwork that reflects Venice culture and California’s coastal lifestyle helps brands root their spaces in the community. 

Faherty Abbot Kinney (December 2024) uses a welcome moment to explain to the user that they are part of the community.

Flagship Stores

Flagship stores are popping up everywhere, and for good reason; they create excitement, draw attention, and give brands the space to fully express themselves. These stores often feature exclusive collections, interactive elements, and elevated design moments that you won’t find anywhere else. For many, visiting a brand’s flagship becomes a destination in itself, and an opportunity to step into the brand’s world, experience its values firsthand, and walk away feeling like part of the story.

Our Place Abbot Kinney (December 2024) flagship store has many aspects with just one of them focused on retail sales. These include a cafe and patio area, event space, and scheduled workshops and events.

PopUps

In almost complete contrast to a Flagship Store, some retailers choose to take advantage of PopUps. PopUps create buzz by being short-term spaces that offer brands a chance to experiment, launch something new, or build hype in a low-risk, high-impact way. Whether it’s a seasonal campaign, a brand collaboration, or a test for a potential future permanent location, PopUps bring fresh energy and create a sense of urgency that drives foot traffic.

The Good Shop Abbot Kinney (December 2024). The Good Shop offers a well-deserved break from shopping with free massages, mini samples, and much more.

How to Use These Strategies in Your Retail Space

Now that you understand the strategies of Abbot Kinney retailers, it’s time to integrate these practices into your retail space. With over 15 years of architecture, in-house brand, and design agency experience for influential brands including HOKA, Arc’teryx, Nike, Adidas, and Garmin, Feels on Brand is the go-to retail experience design studio for creating unforgettable retail spaces. Together, we'll help navigate designing and implementing your next retail brand experience.

Learn more about how our team will bring your vision to life through our key services and how to get started reserving your project timeline on our planning page.