NEW YORK, June 19, 2024 (BSS/AFP) - Netflix will open giant entertainment

venues in American cities where fans will be able to immerse themselves in
their favorite shows and experience themed restaurants and gift shops, the
company said Tuesday.

The streaming giant plans to build the "experiential" venues, called Netflix
Houses, by repurposing empty retail space in shopping malls, it said.

The first two locations are set to open in 2025 in Dallas, Texas and a suburb
of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

"At Netflix House, you can enjoy regularly updated immersive experiences,
indulge in retail therapy, and get a taste -- literally -- of your favorite
Netflix series and films through unique food and drink offerings," Marian
Lee, Netflix's chief marketing officer, said in a statement.

In recent years Netflix has opened more than 50 pop-up spaces in 25 cities,
showcasing some of its successful films and series such as "Squid Game."

This time, the venues will be permanent and Netflix plans to open more in the
future.

The project comes as several US department store chains seek to adapt to
changing consumer behavior and the rise of online commerce.

At the end of February, Macy's announced the closure of 150 branches across
the United States.

In recent years, Neiman Marcus, Lord & Taylor and Barneys New York have all
filed for bankruptcy.