If a Lincoln Lawyer coffee mug or a Stranger Things t-shirt isn’t enough to express your fandom, you may soon be able to take your Netflix obsession to the next level. The streaming platform is reportedly set to open brick-and-mortar retail stores called Netflix House, where fans can shop for merchandise, eat themed food, and engage in activities based on their favorite movies and shows. The first two sites are slated to open in 2025 in the US before the chain expands globally.
The immersive Netflix House experience will include a mix of retail, dining, and live experiences influenced by popular TV shows like Bridgerton, Stranger Things, and Squid Game. The goal of the new locations is to provide a place for viewers to immerse themselves in the fictional worlds of their favorite series and build a community of dedicated fans. The company has dabbled in pop-up fan experience events, including a Bridgerton ball and Stranger Things-themed pop-ups. Still, Netflix House is the company’s most significant move into physical fan experiences.
According to Bloomberg, the first two sites will feature rotating installations, including ticketed shows and restaurants with food ranging from fast casual to high-end cuisine. The menu will also offer drinks and desserts inspired by unscripted shows (like cooking shows) and popular series.
Fans can purchase merchandise from various brands, including Netflix’s own, which will be exclusive to the sites. The themed food will be curated by chefs featured on the platform’s cooking shows. The live experiences will be based on popular Netflix shows and movies, including an obstacle course reminiscent of Squid Game, which will no doubt miss the point of the show’s scathing satire of modern capitalism.
Ultimately, Netflix House is expected to become a retail destination for Netflix fans and a new revenue stream for the company. While the idea might seem a little gimmicky, it’s clear that the company is committed to staying relevant in the evolving entertainment industry.
The retail destination will be a welcome addition to the already-vibrant Netflix universe and an innovative way for fans to interact with the brand. The company will surely attract casual viewers and die-hards alike, and the immersive approach will surely captivate audiences and build passion for its titles. We can’t wait to see the first Netflix House sites open and how they will shape the future of streaming entertainment.