Toolkit - Idea 3
Connection Space
Return to ToolkitHave a bench or a couple of chairs in the store encouraging strangers to sit and have a chat.
Name the area as "The Connection Space" or similar explaining that is OK to sit and wait for someone to join the conversation.
To help the conversations flow, you could leave some cards with questions on them nearby that might help some people.
Examples of these questions are:
What is your favourite memory of this town?
Why did you come into this shop today?
What was the 1st piece of music you bought?
What did you have for dinner last night?
Who is the person who has influenced you most in your life?
Get creative with the questions to make them open and relevant to your shop.
We have added some instructions to leave above the seats and also some 'rules'!
Feel free to develop your own ...
Please let us have your feedback on this idea and don't forget to send us any great ideas you have.
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21 September 2026
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