The information age has bred a new kind of consumer who seeks variety and adventure. From its drinks to its décor, cellar bar Whistling Shop immerses visitors in Old-London heritage while offering a familiar entry point.

Providing employment for older women while offering simple, wholesome food for locals, comfort-food café NANA is part of a growing trend of social enterprises that are reclaiming the feel-good collaborative ethic of past generations.

Union Market is a “uniquely British” Fulham retailer whose visual merchandising and community focus echo back to the heyday of food shopping on the local high street.

Abe’s Market, a Chicago-area start-up, sells natural products online. As a local co-op, this innovative business is a thriving example of the power of True Stories, and shows the benefits of bringing the personal touch to online retail.

As shoppers move online, real-world stores are finding themselves with floor space to fill. Following the example of major players like Tesco, retailers are providing services to complement their existing offerings and enhance their core business.

Once seen as merely a place to catch trains, UK stations are now taking advantage of their heavy footfall, offering quality food and leisure facilities that have begun to attract even non-travellers to these travel hubs.

As experiences – 'memorable events that engage people in inherently personal ways' – become the predominant economic offering, what are the implications for businesses and organisations?

In the UK, many shops look the same – but the most successful retailers understand that inspiration doesn't always come from within their immediate sector. Retail expert John Ryan explains why.