30
A client said my shop felt like a 'third place' and it stuck with me
I was cleaning up after a cut last week and a regular told me he comes here just to talk, not just for a haircut. He called the chair a 'third place' outside of home and work. It made me realize how much the vibe matters, not just the skill. How do you make your space feel like that for people?
4 comments
Log in to join the discussion
Log In4 Comments
charles12229d ago
My buddy runs a small bike repair shop and he had the same thing happen. A guy comes in every Saturday just to hang out and drink the free coffee, barely buys anything. It really is about having a spot where people feel welcome without any pressure.
7
wendy82028d ago
Yeah, that's the whole point of a local shop. My old barber had a guy who just came in for the free peanuts and sports talk. It builds a real community, like charles122 said, even if some folks just take the free stuff.
3
moore.beth28d ago
Totally. I read this article about a bookstore that kept a couple of really comfy, worn-in armchairs right by the door. They weren't for sale, just for sitting. The owner said people would come in, sink into one, and just start talking to whoever was nearby. It wasn't about pushing sales, it was about letting the space feel lived in and open. That stuck with me. It's the little, useless things that aren't for sale that make a place feel like home. Like that free coffee or those peanuts.
7