In the 1900s, many department stores provided restaurants at their retail locations. Some of the stores that belong to Macy’s, Nordstrom and Neiman Marcus carry these restaurants even to date. Wal-Mart and Target runs fast food restaurants inside many of its locations.
Big name clothing stores such as Tommy Bahama are now adding a concept known as Island, a restaurant and bar combination to their retail outlets to provide convenience for their customers and to attract more. The Atlanta-based Oxford Industries who owns Tommy Bahama, 13 of the 97 worldwide retail locations now have combination restaurant and bars inside. Their restaurants are generating 12 percent of its $452 million of annual revenue. Urban Outfitters run two restaurant locations in Pennsylvania offering farm-fresh menu. When retail sales are moving to online, the new concept is generating additional customers and more money for the chain.
More and more retail stores are adding food and beverage for special occasions. Banana Republic owned by Gap, offers cocktails at new clothing line introductions. The Loft owned and operated by Ann’s, holds occasional Friday happy hours. J.C. Penney is planning to add juice bars to its locations over the next few years.