From Feast to Fashion: What Urban Outfitters' Dining Foray Could Mean, in 3 Courses

At Urban Outfitters, the latest testing ground is the kitchen, and it could get heated.

The funky-trendy specialty chain, in one of the latest manifestations of the “experience retail” movement, is partnering with acclaimed chefs to operate chic restaurants within some of its locations. Such efforts, which combine retail with lifestyle, are designed to compete with online retailers. They also underscore retail’s need to continuously move in pace with customers and explore new concepts – even when they are not that new.