After years of Gen Z and Millennials living in a cycle of doomscrolling and constant connectivity, a cultural shift is taking hold: a return to analog hobbies and screen-free, in-person experiences that are intentionally offline. From vinyl records and photography, to bookstores, fitness studios, board game cafés and craft-based hobbies, consumers are looking to disconnect from screens and re-engage with the physical world.
Why Consumers Are Turning to Analog Activities
- Digital fatigue: Consumers are increasingly aware of the mental health toll associated with constant screen exposure.
- Post-pandemic behavior: After years of isolation, people are prioritizing shared, real-world experiences.
- Authenticity and craftsmanship: Hands-on activities provide a sense of originality and a tangible experience.
- Community and connection: Like-minded people with shared interests crave a sense of belonging.
How Analog Hobbies Are Driving Retail Real Estate Demand
Retailers focused on analog experiences are active across urban corridors, lifestyle centers, and local downtowns. Key categories seeing momentum include:
- Books, Music & Vintage: Independent bookstores, record stores, curated vintage and resale retailers that emphasize discovery, nostalgia, and physical browsing.
- Fitness & Wellness: Boutique fitness studios and martial arts concepts that build routine, community, and in-person accountability.
- Hobby-Driven Retail: Painting, pottery, knitting, crafts and needlepointing (The “Grandma” Trend), allowing consumers to create handmade, personalized items.
- Experiential Food & Beverage: Cafés, bakeries, and tasting rooms designed for lingering and gathering, rather than just quick-service stops.
- Games & Recreation: Board game cafés, chess clubs, indoor golf simulators, and pickleball concepts that blend entertainment, competition, and group activity.
Implications for Landlords and Property Owners in 2026
The rise of analog experiences is reinforcing several long-term retail real estate themes:
- Experiential retail: Spaces that support classes, events, and community engagement command strong interest.
- Flexible layouts: Open floor plans, higher ceilings, and adaptable infrastructure are increasingly valuable.
- Local and regional operators: Independent brands and emerging concepts are playing a larger role in tenant mixes.
- Dwell time and frequency: Retail that encourages repeat visits, rather than one-time transactions, is outperforming.
For landlords, curating tenants that foster human interaction can enhance dwell time, strengthen the overall merchandising mix, and increase long-term asset value.
RIPCO Analog Retail Transactions:
The RIPCO team has been active in the analog activity retail trend, closing several transactions as experiential, screen-free concepts gain traction. Some of these include:
A Durable Trend, Not a Passing Phase
While technology will remain central to modern life, consumers want spaces that allow them to unplug. Retail environments that offer tactile, social, and experiential value are uniquely positioned to capture this demand.
For both retailers and landlords, this shift presents a clear advantage: the ability to offer what e-commerce cannot – physical presence, active participation, and a meaningful sense of place.
