Guesst Brings Sharing Economy to Retailers, Brands

Jay Norris, a former retail real estate broker, got the idea for Guesst, a store-sharing technology platform, when he realized his clients weren’t looking to open more units, but rather, shrink existing ones. Norris said Guesst’s pop-shares allow brands to sell their products at fully staffed and merchandised retail locations for a fraction of the cost of a pop-up shop. Retailers can benefit from a new revenue stream without the risk and expense of holding inventory since brands provide products on consignment. “I have a lot of tenants, but none of them can afford to expand,” Norris said. “I did a bunch of pop-share deals. It helps retailers meet the needs of their fixed costs. I decided it had to be automated and a marketplace, where retailers can find complementary brands.” Retail roommates is another way to describe Guesst’s matchmaking technology, which supports clients such as Steven Alan and John Hardy on the retail side, and brands such as Public School. “We can help you curate in a different way,” Norris said. “Why don’t you uncover emerging brands. We can almost give spaces new life with this model and new fresh brands.” Alan, who is an investor and adviser to Guesst, at one time

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