Sunday Safari Ft. Nik Sharma

SUNDAY SAFARI

Widely known as “The DTC Guy” on the internet, a Forbes 30 Under 30 member, and a resource brands and investors turn to for growth, Nik Sharma is a 23-year old DTC operator who has both assisted and led revenue growth at multiple organizations, including hint water, VaynerMedia, and Cha Cha Matcha. Today, Nik works alongside brands and publishers to execute ROI campaigns through creative digital strategies using paid, earned, and owned media properties. He shares with us his five favorite stores in New York and LA!

When you think back to what you had accomplished by age 23, it probably doesn't include being Director of DTC at a major start-up beverage company (Hint) and Head of DTC for a full-service global agency (VaynerMedia). Well, for Nik Sharma it does (among many other accomplishments.) He is now using his expertise in all things DTC to advise brands on how to best build out and grow their DTC channels. Not bad for a 23 year old.

We were excited to get his take on the retail landscape and hear about of his five favorite stores from around NYC and LA. Nik has a special soft spot for the beverage space so if you have been meaning to try some of the latest liquid trends, use his picks for inspiration as to the best places to indulge (and by indulge we mean drink something good for you) in everything from charcoal activated lemonade to the most fashionable matcha on Instagram. Check our his picks below!

1. CHA CHA MATCHA  

New York, NY | Website

"Cha Cha's NYC stores (the only ones I've been to so far) all encompass a relaxed, yet eclectic vibe. On the occasional visit you can run into Tyler the Creator or Kendall Jenner, but most time you go, it's a great place to take a quick break from the real world. We all need those from time to time."

2. HINT

San Francisco, CA | Website

"Hint's SF store in the Marina District of San Francisco is what I like to call an all-in-one pop-up shop. You can sample the drinks (and sunscreen), buy a bottle or two, take Instagram-ready photos on the colorful steps or the swing, and even bring your laptop, plug in, and get some work done on their tables. Your stay, however long it may be, is bound to be powered by some funky tunes. And, if you're lucky, you might get to meet hint's founder and CEO, Kara Goldin!" 

3. DIRTY LEMON 

New York, NY | Website

"The best part about Dirty Lemon is, no one works there (at least in the store)! The store is powered by SMS, meaning that you take the beautifully colored one-of-a-kind bottles from their fridge, text Dirty Lemon what you took, and that's all. The entire process takes about 20 seconds to get in and out of the store, and everyone will turn heads when they see the brightly-colored bottle in your hands." 

4. MACK WELDON

New York, NY | Website

"This is a store you CANNOT get bored in. Aside from having endless amounts of the most comfy clothing, you might find yourself lost playing Pac Man trying to beat Brian's high score (Brian is the founder). And, like hint's store, you might be lucky to run into Brian, himself!" 

5. HUDSON YARDS MALL

New York, NY | Website

"Built as a part of the largest real estate development in New York City, led by Stephen Ross, Hudson Yards mall is what I like to call the "pop-up shop" version to the old-school retailers. Brands such as Neiman Marcus, COACH, Dior, and FENDI go the extra mile to showcase an exclusive retail setup only available to Hudson Yards mall-goers. If you're still not impressed, you can always climb the newly-unveiled Vessel." 

If you don't already, follow us on Instagram @theretailsafari as we highlight some of our favorite brands and concepts and take you with us on our retail safaris in NYC and beyond.