I had an interesting retail experience last week when I went to find Washington, DC’s Lululemon Store, to buy a piece of workout clothing (healthy for life…).

I had a tough time finding it (hint, don’t rely on Google maps, the address on the Web site is the right one), which seemed odd for a store in a rapidly growing national chain. When I finally found the nondescript signage, I noted a decor that was definitely staff inspired, along with a community feel – free yoga classes on site? This was not what I had encountered in either the Vancouver, BC or just-opened Seattle, Washington store. I asked, what was this all about?

Here’s what I learned (and please forgive me, official Lululemon representatives, if I am not 100% accurate, I was impressed): This is not a store, it’s a “showroom,” designed to build experience operating the business in the community. With success, the showroom will be replaced with a store. However, the showroom is a store also – products can be purchased and staff are available to provide a full level of service. On certain nights of the week, they invite local yoga instructors in, clear the floor, and have a class right in the space, at no additional charge.

As I tried on and purchased my garment, I thought about how this could work in health care. What if an organization set up a health care showroom, where practitioners could work in a lower-overhead space to get to know their community, in anticipation of a full service operation? Just like with this showroom, there would be minimum functionality, such as functioning information technology, appropriate licensing, etc. However, prior to making a big investment, an organization could understand the distinct needs of the community, and maybe involve them in creating a functioning medical center.

I like the concept, especially if we believe that 80 % of all the health care delivered in the United States is done by patients themselves. A health care showroom might introduce the community to itself, in terms of self-management resources or even physical activities. Maybe doctors new to a community could go for walks with patients to talk physical fitness, nutrition, and healthy living where they live and work prior to settling in for a new practice. Why not?

I took the liberty to copy the job description of a Lululemon Showroom Manager and am posting it below. What would the Showroom Manager of a new health care center be responsible for?

» Read more: The “Showroom” Concept in Yogawear – applicable in health care?