Half a croissant, on a plate, with a sign in front of it saying '50c'
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RestStore

Upmarket area for resting in business districts
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You take over a store and completely sound-proof it. You charge people to come in. The store becomes a quiet enclave with lights and comfortable seating and loungers in which one can relax from the stress of business or shopping. Of course there would be a no talking policy. This would work best in large shopping malls or places like Oxford Street in London. One in central business districts would work too. It would be like an alternative lunch-break fad.

In response to those who ask about cellphones - I suppose you could do what they do in cinemas and ask people politely to turn them off. I am guessing that people using the store will not want to hear other peoples', so will happily do it.

kanes, Mar 10 2004

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       All right, who's cel phone is that?
GET HIM !
  

       No kids. What's the penalty for talking?
yabba do yabba dabba, Mar 10 2004
  

       You could have an age limit to stop kids - 15 or something. Simple. It would bring more adults in, knowing that there are none.
kanes, Mar 10 2004
  

       Isn't this essentially a classic English gentleman's club?   

       These places have/used to have all these features and some would also have staff trained for silent service of members. However they were members only so this helped to keep the noise down and make these places more tranquil than a more open version.
Aristotle, Mar 10 2004
  

       I was thinking more along the lines of new age. Light shows within. Designed for relaxation. Minimalist. In gentlemens' clubs I would have thought the major role was to meet and have conversations rather than completely relax. This would be like a silent Starbucks without the cofee.
kanes, Mar 10 2004
  

       So...not like Starbucks at all.
yabba do yabba dabba, Mar 10 2004
  

       Aren't these normally called chapels? They've been putting them in airports, lately.
DrCurry, Mar 10 2004
  

       Sounds like a library without the books. I'd rather have the books.
waugsqueke, Mar 10 2004
  

       It's all about image and profit though. Which high-flying businessperson is going to spend their lunch hour in a chapel or library?
kanes, Mar 11 2004
  

       Someone in Berkeley CA has had a hot tub in their backyard for years. Also a shower so things don't get grungy. Open to all, on condition that males never outnumber females and no speaking is permitted. It works and it is marvelous.
Mungo, Mar 11 2004
  

       Nice one. (WTAGIPBAN)
krelnik, Mar 16 2004
  

       That'd be nice, but I can see people relaxing to the extent of going to sleep, and not being on time for work.
Relaxing to a lot of people means sleep, and that may mean a lot of late workers. But I suppose an attendant could be asked to give you a quiet tap on the shoulder when you wanted to leave.
Or you could simply not sleep.
theflyingdutchmen, Mar 16 2004
  

       Not sure people would pay for this... it's just as easy to find a nice quiet corner in a furniture store. (obviously not with a no-talking policy)
Lacus Trasumenus, Mar 16 2004
  

       You can get a special device/sheilding that stop mobile phones. They are illegal in most countries that put phone access to emergency services above the need for quiet, but they have been used in Cinemas with some success until "The Authorities" were called.   

       Shhh..... here's a bun for you!
not_only_but_also, Mar 16 2004
  

       Urban Lounging, hmm, I like it so you got my vote.   

       In fact I have done a bit of this while travelling, I carry my hammock with me and find a park where I use suitable trees to hang up my hammock. Sometimes lightpoles will do. 15 minutes feet up rejuvenates me pretty well.
Pellepeloton, Oct 31 2006
  
      
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