← Walk with us: Milan Retail Insight Report
RETAIL INSIGHT
Eataly’s flagship store in Milan is more than just a food market, it’s a multi-sensory culinary journey that deeply connects with shoppers.
Housed in a beautifully repurposed former theatre, the three-story space offers an immersive experience that blends food, culture and community. The moment you step inside, the store’s thoughtfully designed layout immediately stands out. Clear category signage and impeccably curated displays create an atmosphere where every product is presented as a true work of art.
This isn’t just shopping, it’s a feast for the eyes.
The top floor houses the Food and Pizza Theatre, where live cooking and pizza-making demonstrations bring a dynamic, interactive element to the space. Meanwhile, the Lavazza Café by the entrance serves as a welcoming spot where visitors can meet, work, or simply enjoy their purchases, adding a social dimension to the retail experience.
We think there is a big opportunity for home appliances to be brought into the retail space, complimenting the demonstration zones and cooking classes that are offered by the store, allowing visitors the chance to trial new product innovations whilst creating their dish. During our visit, the store buzzed with energy, filled with locals and tourists alike. Community events, such as jazz nights, provide even more reasons to return, fostering loyalty and engagement.
Why it works?
Eataly masterfully elevates everyday products — even a humble sandwich is displayed under a cloche, turning it into a desirable object. Each category has its own distinct aesthetic, making navigation intuitive and exploration enjoyable. Eataly isn’t just a store; it’s a celebration of Italian food culture.
Save the duck
Founded in 2012, Save The Duck is a pioneering Italian B Corp fashion brand with a mission to create clothing free-from animal-derived materials. Instead, the brand champions innovation, using cutting-edge products like RECYCLED PLUMTECH, a thermal insulation that mimics the warmth of real down while remaining 100% cruelty-free.
What sets the Save The Duck store apart is its ability to communicate these values in a fun, approachable way. The bold RESPECT branding is prominently displayed across products and behind the checkout area, making the brand’s ethos crystal clear — even if you’ve never heard of them before.
This is a store where sustainability isn’t just a buzzword, it’s the heart of the experience.
Why it works?
The concept feels relevant, fresh, and scalable, with an balanced mix of fun, sustainability and style. Despite being an Italian brand, the store’s communication is entirely in English and does a great job of explaining how the materials have been created, in this case from recycled bottles.
And who could miss the huge rotating duck perched above the entrance? Visible from the street, it’s a playful, eye-catching feature that sparks curiosity and drives foot traffic. We’re confident this concept has got legs — so next time you’re in Milan, be sure to give them a flying visit… you’d be quackers to miss it.
