Some people consider New York City to be the center of the world and whether or not you agree, you'll have to admit than Manhattan social innovations often offer some of the most up-to-the-minute entrepreneurship trends that you'll see out there. While Silicon Valley is certainly a source and space of technological change, sometimes product-driven (that is, retail and shopping oriented) offerings take off in NYC, where money is king. All the same, however, it's not easy to make a business work here, which makes these Manhattan social innovations all the more interesting in both the short and long run.
From shops that have social change as a theme to trial-sized beauty deliveries, this SocialBusiness.org top list will have you churning up your next big social entrepreneurship idea.
17 Manhattan Social Innovations
From Change-Themed Shops to Trial-Sized Beauty Deliveries:
Social Business Editor — May 21, 2014 — Social Good
17
Social Good Themed Shops
Story in New York City is Currently Focusing on Socially Conscious Retail
16
Easy E-Waste Pick-Ups
'4th Bin' is a New York-Based Recycling Collection Service
15
Community Hot Desks
Hub Vilnius Lets Social Innovators Come Together in Lithuania
14
Trial-Sized Beauty Deliveries
Goodebox is a Members-Only Website Offering Eco Cosmetics
13
Local Grocery Deliveries
Farm2Me lets You Browse Online and Get Goodies to Your Doorstep
12
One-Hour Condom Deliveries
Talia Frenkel's One-for-One Innovations are Constantly Changing
11
Retro-Style Eco Furs
Tracker Fashions That Channel the Pioneer Days in an Ethical Way
10
Local Eating Guides
Edible Manhattan Offers Critical Analysis on Food Sustainability
9
Debt-Countering Start-up Apprenticeships
Enstitute Matches Young Entrepreneurs with Founders
8
Multimedia Social Business Campaigns
The Catrinka Project Works Alongside the 'Girl Rising' Film
7
Socially Aware MFAs
Design for Social Innovation at SVA is the First of Its Kind
6
Invite-Only Change Conferences
The Social Innovation Summit Attempts to Create Large-Scale Impact
5
Local Fashion Production Films
‘Make it in Manhattan’ Values New York Manufacturing
4
Youth Tech Bootcamps
Girls Who Code Teaches Programming Skills to Young Women in NYC
3
Seasonal Local Pickles
Rick's Picks is Based on the Lower East Side in Manhattan
2
Coin-Operated Public Art
The Laundromat Project is a Non-Profit Arts Organization in Harlem
1
Mentor-Induced Education Programs
Practice Makes Perfect Inc. Pays up Students for Success
Related Ideas
Luxury Bag Pop Ups
Hermès Debuted a Designer Bag Installation Pop Up in Manhattan
Canvas Tote NYC Pop-Ups
Lands' End Launched a Personalization Concept Pop-Up Shop in New York
Branded Interactive Parks
Birkenstock's Birkenfields Invited New Yorkers to Slow Down
Technology-Driven Retail Spaces
ARK Visual Unveils Future Stores as an Immersive Retail Identity
Grocer-Inspired Beauty Retail Pop-Ups
The Benefit Benemart Holiday Concept Shop is at Selfridges
Experiential Intimates Spaces
Knix Opens Immersive Retail Location at Premium Shopping Centre
Viral Social Shopping Apps
The Claim App Helps Gen Z and Brands Authentically Discover One Another
Retail Store Revamps
H&M Updates Shopping Experience with Luxe, Tech-Savvy Store in London
Meticulous Apparel Stores
The Elder Statesman Unveils a Stunning New York Flagship
5g-Enabled Retail Showcases
Singtel is Surpassing Consumer Expectations with 5G Retail
Emerging Technology Publications
New Society Has Launched Its Inaugural Book About Technology
Sculptural Luxury Fashion Stores
Burberry's New Store in Milan is Situated at Via Sant' Andrea 2
Chic Ballroom Interiors
The Ballroom Bowl Has Made Its Mark in Toronto's Entertainment Landscape
Beautified Community Spaces
Sephora Canada's Beauty at The Bentway Revitalizes Outdoor Space
Exaggerated Holiday Displays
Nordstrom NYC's 'Wonder All the Way' Campaign is Larger-Than-Life
Pink-Themed Summer Pop-Ups
The LANEIGE Bounce Around the City Pop-Up Launches in Five U.S. Cities
Revitalized Shopping Destinations
Foot Locker's Home Court is a Basketball-Inspired Retail Space
Hair Care Retail Expansions
Function of Beauty Opens a Storefront With Amazon
Gen Z-Centric Campaigns
Urban Outfitters' Shift Happens Campaign Has Three Phases
Luxe Pop-Up Experiences
Victoria Beckham Beauty Hosts an 8-Day Pop-Up for New Fragrance Launch
Beauty Brand Community Initiatives
Thrive Causemetics and Beauty 2 The Streetz Partnered in LA
Tranquil Retail Environments
NEOM Wellbeing Has Launched Its First U.S. Storefront in New York
Tech-Driven Sexual Wellness
Experience the Future of Intimacy
Open-Air Medi-Spa Services
The Scene Medical Beauty Bar Rides the Wave of the Beauty Market
Kid-Envisioned Urban Environments
The Little Big Playmat Takes a Creative Path to Design Problems
Ice Cream Sandwich Pop-Ups
Chips Ahoy! Pop-Up to Serve Free Ice Cream in NYC
Collaborative Streetwear Retailers
Better Gift Shop in Toronto is a Bustling Hub for Hip Fashion
Beauty Innovation Contests
Estée Lauder Launches The Catalysts Program
AR Shopping Malls
American Express' Door to Shop Small Highlights 10 Small Businesses
Digital Travel Retail Experiences
Clarins Debuted an Initiative at the Airport in Hainan, China
Retail-Based Pop-Star Takeovers
H&M and Charli xcx Host a Surprise Event at Times Square
Vibrant Pop-Up Galleries
Elizabeth Sutton Launches a Pop-Up Gallery and Studio in New York City
Social Commerce Platforms
21 Buttons is a Social Fashion Shopping Network
Live Shopping Flagships
Outlandish's Santa Monica Location Supports Live Social Media Shopping
Creativity-Centered Workshops
Gap's Workshop Initiative Empowers Local Makers in San Francisco
Immersive Textile Boutiques
100% Silk Shop in Toronto's Downtown Core is Sustainable
Cozy Fashion Flagship Stores
The Ba&Sh Flagship Store Opened in New York City's SoHo Neighborhood
Global Fashion Promotions
E-Commerce Giant SHEIN Launches Extended Holiday Shopping Event
Social Commerce Apps
GIST is an App-Based Social Platform for Sharing Purchases with Friends
Luxury Nail Salon Expansions
Townhouse Beverly Hills is Set to Open Later This Month
Retail Rage Rooms
Miista's Rage Room Invites NYC Customers to Destroy and Express Emotions
Summer Skincare Pop-Ups
The Sol De Janeiro Sol-Cial Club is a Free NYC Event
Interactive Cosmetics Retail Stores
Watsons Upgrades its Stores for Gen Z and Gen Alpha Consumers
Lifestyle Insight-Inspired Furniture
Formway Sets Up its Own Furniture Brand Noho with New Range
Secret Salon Campaigns
Salon X Lets Consumers Experience a Secret Product Line
Soft-Pink Wellness Bars
Yorkville Village’s BetterBar Offers Healthy Dining in Toronto
Luxury Fabric Pop-Ups
The Extreme Cashmere Pop-Up Brings Luxe Sustainability to NYC
Futuristic Interactive Retail Designs
Telefónica Reopens the Espacio Movistar in a Skysraper
Mix-and-Match Aroma Installations
The H&M Nolita Pop-Up Lets Guests Create NYC-Inspired Scents
Hyper-Targeted Shoppable Posters
Glossier and Shop Launched Posters with Geo-Gated Location Tech
Anthropomorphic Store Campaigns
IKEA's Short Social Films Promote Its Click-and-Collect Service
Dating-App Holiday Campaigns
Bumble Holiday Campaign Sparks Real-Life Connections This Season
Contemporary Fashion Collaborations
Dinner Service NY Partners with the Canary Club
Tech-Driven In-Store Events
Dyson Launches an Interactive Event at Harrods Department Store
Climate-Based Skincare Pop-Ups
AXIS-Y and Senti Senti will Celebrate the Brand's Latest Launch
Holiday Activewear Pop-Ups
Gymshark Pop-Up Brings Fitness Energy to SoHo
Collaborative Cosmetic Concept Shops
Hourglass and Barneys New York Partnered for a Concept Store
Mid-20th-Century Holiday Campaigns
Saks Fifth Avenue Unveiled its 'Gifts of Delight' Campaign
Whimsical Store Expansions
MINISO Jakarta Presents a Retail Space Inspired by an Amusement Park
Stylish Soda Pop-Ups
Poppi World Enticed Health-Conscious, Fashionable Visitors During NYFW
Visual Museum Campaigns
MoMA’s New Museum Campaign Transforms NYC into an Art Lover’s Paradise
Avant-Garde Coffee Table Books
New Society Hosts 'Decentralization, Please Save Culture' Event
Townhouse Transformed Retail Spaces
Schemata Architects Designs the Le Labo Kyoto Flagship
Premium Retail Destinations
Noa Santos Ovevrhauled the Banana Republic Flagship in Soho
Social Shopping Apps
Locker Helps Users Organize, Share, and Earn from Online Wishlists.
In-Store Audience Engagement Solutions
Social Shelf® Has a Novel Approach to Customer Engagement
Luxury Beauty Houses
Chanel Unveils First House of Beauty Destination in Paris
Jewelry Boutique Redesigns
Tiffany & Co. Reimagines Luxury with a Redesigned Yorkdale Flagship
Integrated Influencer Marketing Platforms
SocialTalk Helps Users Discover, Track, and Connect
Beauty Tech Initiatives
L’Oréal Brings Big Bang Beauty Teach Innovation Program to Northern Asia
Modern Fashion Retail Expansions
Simons Expands with Two New Urban Stores in Toronto
Refned Retail Boutiques
242 Mulberry in Soho Offers an An Eclectic Mix of Products
Human Connection-Centric Campaigns
Etsy's New Ad Campaign Wants to Keep Commerce Human
Social Shopping Networks
Stage TEN Empowers Creators to Build Their Own Live Shopping Channel
Inclusive Eco Salons
Chatters’ New Location Actively Diverts Salon-Generated Beauty Waste
Women-Themed Fashion Campaigns
Donna Karan New York Launches the Reflections on Women Campaign
Business Founder Newsletters
The Solo Founder Newsletter Compiles the Top News and Inspiration
Digital City-Inspired Art Works
New Digital Art is on Display in Grand Central Station
Inspiring Daily Bodycare
method's Unleash Your Inner Shower Celebrates Personal Transformations
Counter-Loneliness Social Spaces
Flash Pack Launches the 'Friendship Corner' in New York
Sculptural Art-Detailed Store Designs
Halleroed Designs the Flagship Toteme Store in Mayfield
Beauty Brand Contributions
Ivy Beauty contributed $20,000 to Build NYC for Juneteenth
Local Craftsmanship-Filled Member's Club
The New Soho House São Paulo is Filled with Local Art
Vibrant Fashion Boutique Restorations
Gucci Renovated Its Boutique at 63 Wooster Street
Sustainable NYC Flagship Stores
Rothy's Features NYC's First Streetside Water Refill Station
Cold Plunge Experiences
Othership is a Hot Sauna and Cold Plunge Experience in New York City
Communal Social Health Clubs
STUDIO K Designs the BIÂN to Celebrate Third Anniversary
Purposeful Gifting Pop-Ups
The Body Shop's Advent of Change Pop-Up Shares Gifts That Give Back
NYC-Inspired Dynamic Running Shoes
Brooks Introduces a New Ghost 16 Technical Running Shoe
Small-Format Retailers
Nordstrom’s Small-Format Strategy 'Closer to You' is Expanding Until 2025
Cosmically Inspired Haircare
Super Nova Hair Care Shares Stellar Treatments and Styling Essentials
Drop-In Wellness Solutions
Beyond Yoga Launches a New Wellness Pop-Up in New York City
Exploratory Art Exhibits
The Saga of the Department Stores Exhibit Explores Shopping’s Evolution
Community-Made Skincare Products
Consumers Can Help Make Kiki World's Skin Development Kit
Sustainable Funding Summits
Emerald Summit Connects Climate Innovators with Impact Investors
Whimsical Bright Creative Workspaces
Publicis Groupe's New Workspace is in New York's SoHo
Beauty-Incentive Programs
Sephora's Beauty at the Bentway Will Offer Free Beauty Samples
Art-Focused Hair Salons
John Steinberg and Associates Recently Launched a New Gallery Space
Social Justice Desert Campaigns
Ben & Jerry's 'Make Some Motherchunkin' Change' Campaign Debuted
Self-Guided Cannabis Retail Experiences
BLAZE ECOM Revolutionizes In-Store Cannabis Retail
Holiday Sports Fashion Pop-Ups
Siegelman Stable Opens Exclusive Holiday Pop-Up in Soho
Natural Product-Focused Holiday Bazaars
Naturally New York Plans a Special Event on December 11
Production Workshop Laboratories
Neri Oxman Presents a New Studio in Midtown Manhattan
New York Structural Designs
Quarters is Unveiled as the Latest New York Symbol Building
NYC-Hotel Holiday Programs
Thompson Central Park Announced a Lineup of Festive Offerings
Lively Reinterpreted Apparel
Thom Browne Pays Homage to California in a Saks Fifth Avenue Capsule
Affordable Lifestyle Directories
'I Have This Friend' Makes Aspirational Living More Accessible
Calming Aesthetic Menswear Stores
Stòffa Gets a New Retail Design in New York Flagship
Eco-Friendly Timepiece Stores
Heinemann Oceania Unveils Two Sustainable Concept Stores
Skate-Inspired Retail Stores
The Nahmias Retail Store is A Tribute to Skate Culture in Venice
Legendary Stylist Salons
John Steinberg and Associates Opens a New Salon on Dundas West in Toronto
Park-Inspired Outdoor Fashion Capsules
Parks Project Sets out to Preserve National Parks
Seasonal Thanksgiving Dining Experiences
Sunday Dreamin’ in NYC's East Village is Holiday-Ready
Local Retail-Championing Initiatives
The 'Reps are Local Too' Initiative is a Nationwide Movement
Fashion-Forward Hotel Transformations
SO/Paris Gets a New Design with Annual Lobby Activations
Broken Bike Lock Furniture
Design Students Showcase the People and Places Exhibition
Personalized Fashion Advice Tools
Urban Stylers Offers Personalized Virtual Styling and Advice
Hyper-Fast Charging Stations
New York City's Latest EV Charging Supercenter is Powered by Gravity
Designer Residency Art Studios
Colony Presents Four New Studios from Residency Program
Niche Community Builders
Socially is the Community Builder Platform for Niche Creators Everywhere
Beauty Retailing Expansions
Revolution Beauty Joins Amazon Distribution
Online Tuxedo Showrooms
Generation Tux Launches a New Physical Showroom in Ohio
Supportive Entrepreneurial Communities
The Zenpreneur Community Provides Resources and Support
Fashion-Centric Co-Working Spaces
L.A. Fashion Weekend Partners with Hollywood Production Center
City Exploration Apps
Concrete is a Social Exploration App Inviting Users to Discover Their City
Social Isolation-Combating Platforms
TimeBank by Healthfirst Foundation Has Debuted a New Platform
Inventive Charity Initiatives
Spark Financial's Annual Charity Initiative is for Autism Awareness
Hotel-Led Vintage Markets
The MOB Hôtel Hosted a Vintage Market, an Eco Conference and Workshops
Explorative Entrepreneur Ideas
Hustle Momumtum Invites You to Discover and Launch Side Hustles
Manhattan-Honoring New York Residences
The McGovern Project Honors Manhattan's Artful Lofts
Enriching Senior Initiatives
Ogilvy Shanghai Debuts a Seniors Initiative Called 'Morning Shanghai'
Circular Garment Repair Services
Nanushka Launches a Garment Repair Service with Sojo
Intellectually Stimulating Social Media
Maven Goes Back to Basics with Traditional Algorithms
Contemporary Design Fair Expansions
The Fair COLLECTIBLE is Expanding to New York City
City-Wide Food Drive Events
VGTNYC Supports City Harvest Through a Food Drive Event
Location-Based Photo Sharing
Harbor Creates Personalized Picture Albums Through location Sharing
Mental Health Community Engagement
OOt Social Health Recently Launched Its Application
Iconically Located Wedding Pop-Ups
Couples Can Wed in Times Square This Valentine's Day
Knitted New York Subways
The Straphangers Lounge Recreates the New York Subway with Crochet
Salon-Honoring Joint Exhibitions
Signe Hytte Curates the Enter the Salon Exhibition in Copenhagen