Gaining inspiration from experiential retail in Asia

Asia is known for its strengths in experiential stores, which help to draw in footfall to stores. South Korea, Thailand and Singapore are markets that stand out in the region when it comes to experiential retail. We examine an example from each of these markets, which the retailers globally can take inspiration from.

Dining over ramen cup-shaped tables

In South Korea, convenience giant CU has several “Ramen Library” concept stores that offer a unique ramen dining experience in store.

Shoppers can choose from hundreds of varieties of ramen from South Korea, or instant noodle brands from across Asia. Some stores have best seller recommendations to help shoppers pick the most popular brands.

After making payment at the counter, shoppers can cook the ramen themselves at cooking stations, before dining on ramen cup-shaped standing tables. This appeals to both tourist and Gen Z shoppers, who are open to trying new tastes and experiences.

Sensory-driven experience

In Thailand, Tops Food Halls’s Central Park store opened in late 2025 with an experience-focused store concept.

A concept that featured in the store’s planning was an immersive shopping experience engaging all five senses: sight, sound, taste, touch and smell.

For instance, the bakery was positioned near the front of store to allow aroma from its freshly baked goods to draw in shoppers to the store. At the beauty and personal care section, a unique fragrance wafts through the zone too.

Cocktail tasting and food pairing

At Singapore’s FairPrice Finest Punggol Coast supermarket, the store is designed to have multiple experiential elements on its second floor.

A highlight is the wine and cocktail tasting stations, which gives shoppers the opportunity to taste cocktail for small sample sizes of 25ml at SGD2 (US$1.55), allowing them to pick a favourite flavour before purchasing the full drink separately.

Tables at the adjacent dining areas have QR codes that allow shoppers to scan for suggested food and wine or other alcohol pairings. This helps shoppers in their choices, and also drives upsell for the store.

What can we learn from these Asian examples

The above examples have succeeded in creating experiential stores and formats, as shopper experience and needs were put at the heart of planning the store concept.

Some themes we can draw inspiration from include incorporating the five senses into the store experience, having best seller recommendations to aid shoppers in their purchases decisions, and utilizing technology to enhance the shopper experience.

Check out our Asia page on Retail Analysis to gain more inspiration on retail trends and insight in Asia.