Because of our genetic need for community, novelty, and connection, the markets for third places, communities, and experiences are massive. The experience economy is growing four times faster than the consumption economy, Starbucks is worth $103 billion, Country Clubs alone are a $24.5 billion industry in the United State, and the amount we spend o... See more

As anything scales too effectively - from fashion to restaurants to music - the market opens for more non-scalable alternatives. Once Starbucks opens on every block, many of us crave the artisanal coffee shop. Once our favorite Italian restaurant becomes a chain of three, we grow tired of it. Why? First, so much of what we buy and do is tied up in ... See more