Concerns about theft in retail have been mounting since the pandemic. What’s behind the shifting dynamics of shrink and how can brands address it? Design is only one element of loss prevention, but it’s a key component. Before we get into how design can help, let’s take a look at how theft in retail stores […]
How Can Design Help Retailers Reduce Theft? Read More »
The Decline of Customer Service According to Forrester’s CI Index, customer service is the worst it’s been since they first started collecting data in 2016. Other reports from Cavell, Customer Contact Week Digital and the National Rage Survey confirm the findings: around half of consumers feel service has gotten worse in the past few years.
How To Turn Around Poor Customer Service In Retail Read More »
Unexpected collaborations break conventions often combining seemingly unrelated brands or industries. The purpose is to create hype, expand audiences, and enhance brand value by delivering something fresh and surprising. Packaging is where these partnerships come to life, where design sensibilities merge with compelling stories to emotionally engage consumers. In this blog, we introduce three examples
Unexpected Collaborations Read More »
In Canada, the new front-of-pack labels for foods high in sugar, salt, and saturated fats are the latest in a wave of packaging regulations attempting to help consumers make healthy food choices. In today’s blog, we’ll ask some of the SLD team to weigh in on how they’re working to address the new FOP regulations,
How to Deal with FOP Warning Labels and What to Expect Read More »
Inclusion has become part of the vocabulary of almost every retailer. While some have introduced inclusive aspects into their retail designs, many still have not met consumer expectations. Gen Z has consistently called for more inclusive environments, with 66% of respondents from our Inclusivity in Retail study indicating that inclusive retail elements enhanced their shopping
Creating an Inclusive Environment that Appeals to Gen Z Read More »
Before launching a new package, store design, logo, or brand design, it’s important to gain consumer insights and feedback. It’s never been easier to research design concepts: platforms like SurveyMonkey, Qualtrics, and Pollfish provide sophisticated testing tools and access to consumer panels across the continent. However, not all research is created equal. To get the
The WBR Future Branches Conference in Boston on June 24-25 brought together banking industry leaders to discuss innovative strategies for branch evolution, customer engagement, and leveraging technology. Prominent speakers from national and regional banks and credit unions, as well as industry experts and bank executives at various levels, shared insights on transforming branch networks and
Creating accessible environments is crucial. Retailers invest billions of dollars annually to optimize their retail spaces for customer appeal. However, many do not prioritize inclusive design. Our comprehensive white paper on inclusivity in retail highlights that an accessible store is not just a legal obligation but a strategic asset that enhances customer satisfaction and loyalty
Why Prioritizing Physical Accessibility In Retail Will Create Brand Loyalty Read More »
Since the launch of ChatGPT in late 2022, generative AI has been a popular topic of conversation. Microsoft’s Copilot, Google’s Gemini, and Claude followed, as ChatGPT ignited an AI race. What was once science fiction is now a reality, with AI assistants that can respond to almost any question. Since their introduction over a year
Is Retail Banking Ready For AI-Driven Advice? Read More »
Bank branches are often perceived as transactional spaces, lacking in human touch. However, when thoughtfully designed, they possess the power to attract foot traffic and constitute a major part of a bank’s brand identity. In this blog, we’ll showcase five exceptional examples of thoughtful branch design, from Asia to Europe and North America. Each highlights
5 Great Examples of Bank Branch Design Read More »
Loyalty programs have long been a key part of many companies’ retention strategies. Most revolve around a similar idea: spend money with the company and earn points that can be used to save money or get a free item. Due to inflation, customers are turning to any method they can to save money, including loyalty
The Future of Loyalty Programs Read More »
Shikatani Lacroix Design (SLD) was invited to speak at the ebankIT Summit in Portugal on the future of seamless advice and its impact on customer loyalty in the banking sector. The presentation was based on a consumer study with a detailed comparison of the banking industry in North America and the EU/UK. It revealed nuanced
The Future of Seamless Banking and Financial Advice: EU/UK vs. North America Read More »
The financial industry is transforming rapidly. From multi-channel approaches to omnichannel experiences and the rise of AI-driven seamless banking, institutions are embracing changes at various stages. This transformation is being accelerated by Europe’s enthusiastic embrace of open banking, which will shortly be followed by open finance. Together, they offer customers greater control over their financial
Unlocking a World of Seamless Banking: Empower Customers at Every Step Read More »
Digital signage, when used effectively, can be a powerful weapon for capturing the hearts and minds of consumers during their shopping experience. Many merchants now use digital signage to promote bargains, content, and other offerings throughout their networks. The misuse of digital signage, on the other hand, can irritate customers, leading to complaints about obtrusive
What’s Annoying Customers With Digital Signage and How To Fix It Read More »
In the world of brand strategy, there are norms in each category that are considered to be the wisdom of the day. These rules are in flux, responding to changing market dynamics and consumer expectations, but it is uncommon for brands to deviate from norms. Occasionally, however, someone decides to go against the flow. In
Breaking Category Norms: 6 Brands That Went Against The Flow Read More »
The rapid evolution of artificial intelligence is weighing on the minds of professionals who may be affected, and this includes the design industry. Technology has helped advance the design industry considerably, by providing a wider range of design solutions and visualization tools for clients. Companies like Adobe and Apple have redefined the industry by providing
The Role of AI In The Design Industry Read More »
Printing has never been more important in the design world than it is today. As packaging and marketing become more colorful and complex, it is up to production teams to ensure that the proper procedures are followed for a project’s successful printing. In this blog, we’ll go over all of the important terms, aspects, and
The Importance of Printing in Design: A Guide to Print Production Read More »
The integration of robotics and AI is one of the most exciting advancements in the healthcare industry in recent years. From pharmacies to medical spas, healthcare experiences are increasingly incorporating robotics technology to improve patient care and efficiency. In this blog post, we’ll look at the future of robotics in healthcare through the lens of
Revolutionizing Healthcare: Exploring the Promising Future of Robots and AI in Medicine Read More »
With the introduction of digital displays and, more importantly, the limitless possibilities of digital signage content designs, signage has entered the technological era. Any screen that a company can use to display any type of content, such as public information, internal content for employees, product and service offerings to customers, and promotions driving brand awareness,
Why Digital Signage Content Design Is The Best Way To Connect Locally Read More »
The QR code is a valuable commodity in Asian countries, yet its presence in North American retail continues to be slow and inconvenient. The good news is that North America has recognized the platform’s power and is catching up to its international competitors. As a globally accepted medium, QR codes have enabled retailers to increase
Why The QR Code Is Making A Comeback Read More »
