A RIVIAN dealership has found a unique way to keep customers inside its showroom for hours.
Rather than pushing customers to buy electric trucks, Rivian’s Hayes Valley showroom in San Francisco has transformed its space into a welcoming and comfortable environment where people can work, relax, or simply hang out.
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The area is designed with comfortable seating, free Wi-Fi, and a cosy atmosphere, offering a refreshing alternative to the traditional high-pressure car buying experience.
Rivian CEO RJ Scaringe has emphasised that the goal is to create a space where visitors feel at ease, not like they’re caught in the middle of a sales pitch.
For those who need a place to work, the showroom provides an ideal setting.
With large windows allowing natural light to flood the space, the exposed brick walls and lush plants create an inviting and calming environment.
The seating is arranged in a way that allows people to spread out and focus on their work, whether they’re there for a couple of hours or a full day.
Rivian’s Hayes Valley showroom has been particularly popular with people looking for a change of scenery from their usual office or local coffee shop.
The showroom doesn’t just cater to potential car buyers – it’s open to anyone who needs a place to work remotely.
The space operates as a kind of coworking hub, where people can enjoy a quiet place to focus without worrying about a sales pitch.
The company doesn’t offer free coffee or snacks, but it encourages visitors to support local businesses, with a Blue Bottle coffee shop just around the corner.
Some regulars, like Seanan Fong, who works in the local community, appreciate the low-pressure atmosphere.
Fong described it as one of the “best-kept secrets” in the area, and he hopes it stays that way.
What’s interesting about the showroom is how little pressure visitors feel to purchase anything.
The Rivian team doesn’t push the cars on visitors.
They will offer a tour of the features of the Rivian R1, but even that feels more like a casual invitation than a sales pitch.
For those who aren’t interested in cars, there are also other products on display, such as Aether jackets and Rumpl blankets. Still, these aren’t forced on anyone.
Rivian wants its showroom to be a third space – a place where people can spend time outside of work or home.
In fact, Rivian welcomes groups, and the space is available for special events after hours, such as book clubs or casual cocktail hours.
To ensure a good experience, the company asks that groups of 10 or more call ahead to reserve space.
However, not everyone is enamored with the idea.
Local artists Justice and Ray Sumser, who passed by the showroom after a workout, were less impressed with the concept.
Ray explained, “I wouldn’t work there, but then, I wouldn’t go work from the Apple store either.”
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