Why ‘Instagrammable’ businesses are thriving in Edmonton

The new Barbie movie is generating hype and nostalgia at a time when a new bar has opened their doors in Edmonton. When you walk into Dolly’s Cocktail Bar, you’ll notice everything is pink and photo-worthy.

In the age of social media, businesses are learning that being Instagrammable could help them get customers through the door.

“Instagrammable, that word in quotation marks was actually in our business plan,” explained Brian Curry, Owner of Phatbar Bakery and Cafe.

Phatbar Bakery and Cafe is a 90’s retro themed bakery and cafe. The owner says customers are really ‘feeding’ into that nostalgia.

“People come back for taste, but people come first on looking at the space, and if its Instagrammable or not. What’s on their feed?”

The bakery even has their own take on classic foods like Poptarts and Dunkaroos.

“And when they eat them and enjoy them they are like ‘yeah it makes me feel like my childhood again’ and I think nostalgia is definitely a trend in the restaurant industry,” said Curry.

A retail business expert says consumers are looking for an amazing experience. And says aesthetics plays into that- both online and in-person.

“I think we were looking at what the consumer is looking for, it’s really about an amazing experience first and foremost. I think because we can get a lot of products and services online, if we’re not going to have great experiences, we’re just not going to participate. And the element of aesthetics is a huge part of that experience. So we need to make sure as businesses that we’re providing that nice environment and having something unique to go with it is just a perfect bonus that consumers are looking for,” explained Heather Thomson, Executive Director of the Alberta School of Business.

“That’s what consumers are looking for, they’re looking for a nice space, they’re looking for a nice atmosphere and that’s what businesses should be paying attention to.

“I think ultimately, the business will have to have an element of quality in the core of who they are. Whether it’s food or service or selling different products, that quality and integrity of a business is so important,” Thomson added.

If you have a photo-worthy business. It could even score you some free advertising.

“The biggest win for the ‘Instagrammable’ sort of term is that people would do the marketing for you. Social media marketing is so important right now and if you can have people, paying customers even, that are doing that marketing for you well that’s just a win-win,” said Thomson.

“Right now as consumers we are interacting with businesses whether it’s online or in person and it’s a tall order for a business, but the ask is there that we need to have a seamless experience as consumers, whether its with the business in-person or online, but are extremely important.”

Leaving small business to get people through the door with social media, but keep them coming back through great tastes and experiences.