Many of the attitudes and behaviours that have driven decision making for retail brands have been called into question by the pandemic, but there are other forces disrupting the consumer-brand relationship. At SLD, one that we think is critical is the rise of fake news and misinformation, especially on social platforms. We wanted to determine […]
DeepReal: Strategies for Retailers in the Age of Misinformation Read More »
The rising concern about misinformation and fake news is a top concern of people around the world, whether we’re talking about Russian interference with foreign elections or an organic seal on a carton of milk. Skepticism is high and consumers expect it to become even harder to figure out what’s true in the future. Today,
Discussing SLD’s DeepReal Study With Jean-Pierre Lacroix Read More »
In a world where distribution channels are becoming more and more tailored to specific locations, consumers and products, technology is enabling innovation that would have been impossible only a few years ago. Today we’re speaking to Corey Yantha, CEO of Dispension Inc. about a very unique way to sell a specific kind of product and
The Future of Distributing Regulated Products is Already Here Read More »
Here is a little trivia for you: what is the oldest and longest-surviving company in North America? Think the fur trade, striped, colourful blankets, and a coat of arms that features one fox, two elk and four beavers. Give up? It’s Hudson’s Bay, of course! Founded in 1670 with their first department store opening in
Lessons in How to Modernize Your Legacy Brand Read More »
From Fake News to Deepfakes, it is no surprise that consumers have become wary of the information they receive – whether it comes from the news, social media, or a brand. To help understand how current market trends are impacting a consumers ability to make confident decisions, and what they expect from brands in an age
The inability to tell fact from fiction is being driven by a number of factors and is challenging the way that consumers perceive and engage with brands. To help gain a better understanding of how consumers discern information and make their purchase decisions, SLD conducted a study among 2000 respondents in January, 2021. As part
DeepReal Part 2: The Blurring Line Between Fact and Fiction Read More »
So, you have a great brand, exciting product, and are eager to share it with the world. You run advertisements and in-store campaigns, partner with influencers, and make sure that your product is available to be purchased online. However, without one crucial component, finding success may prove to be a challenge. Whether online or in-store,
The Art and Science Behind Good Packaging Design Read More »
At SLD, part of what we do is trends analysis. And since clients are always asking for our perspective on various emerging innovations and ideas, we thought we would make this part of what we share with you on the podcast. Today I’m joined by podcast producer and Digital Marketing Strategist, Sebastian Maynard – you may recognize his
Trends in Online Social Engagement Read More »
The wellness industry is booming. From yoga-mats and home gyms to the ever-growing organic aisle of the supermarket, consumers are seeking out products that encourage and nurture their wellbeing. As the industry grows, so does the need for a cohesive brand image that promotes wellness values. As always, product packaging speaks volumes- and for brands
The Importance of Sustainability for CPG Brands Read More »
CREATING EMPOWERMENT FROM WITHIN In an ever-busy world, the need to create internal harmony has never been greater. CLIENT Infinitus PROJECT Infinitus Experience Centre RELATED SERVICE Retail Design Innovation Brand Strategy Digital Experiences Digital Signage Service Design THINK The Infinitus Service Centre was a large-scale, multi-disciplinary project, requiring the utmost precision in retail design and
People are what make your company culture. Who are your people? This is the question I’m exploring today with retail HR specialist, Suzanne Sears. From emerging job descriptions and COVID shortages, to service excellence at the frontlines, we’re going to talk about how retail brands can become more future-focused by finding the right people for
How to Make Retail Jobs Fun Again Read More »
Generation Z is poised to overtake Millennials as the main demographic brands want to target and understand. However, it’s problematic to lump an entire generation together simply based on their birth date. There is a tendency for media and marketers to make sweeping statements that often don’t go very deep. While trends can help point
Micro Markets and How to Engage Gen Z Consumers Read More »
There are many lessons to be taken from COVID-19 and how consumers have changed their shopping habits. From online versus in-store to big box versus mom and pops, some shifts may have longer-term ramifications than others. One interesting (if not surprising) result of the current pandemic is that brand loyalty is often replaced in favor
The Four Characteristics that Define Indie Brands Read More »
It has been quite telling over the years working with retail brands, whenever you bring up the subject of employee engagement, it’s usually not a top priority. Everybody is so focused on e-commerce and social media that employees are often treated as an afterthought. And while digital is, of course, critical for any brand in
Training Your Staff to Become Better Leaders Read More »
Even before COVID-19, the shopping mall was under siege. As more consumers turned to online shopping and local, independent bricks and mortar retailers, it was not uncommon to see spaces for lease within malls and empty parking lots outside. In some cities, malls were being turned into mixed-use spaces, condos or distribution warehouses. Then the
The Future Of The Mall – A Design Exploration Read More »
After a tumultuous 2020, the banking industry is transforming itself from being the root of the issue in the last financial crisis (2008) to being part of the solution in this one. Not surprisingly though, different banks are at different stages of transformation. In this article, we look at some of the best practices from
What Does Smart Banking Look Like in 2021? Read More »
It is no secret that COVID-19 has led to the reallocation of resources into pandemic-related operations/causes, with corporate giants like PepsiCo, Facebook and many others putting millions into their COVID-19 response. In the latest news, Budweiser announced that for the first time in 37 years, it will not be running an in-game Super Bowl ad.
Philanthropic Marketing and How to Stay Authentic Read More »
2020 was a tough year for many, and although 2021 is looking a little more hopeful, the fact remains that our way of life will be very different moving forward. As a result, brands should consider how to best support their customers. A year marked by a global pandemic, widespread social protests, and man-made environmental
Show Me You Care: Building a Social Brand in 2021 Read More »
How to get more people into your store is a question that retailers both big and small have been asking since the dawn of e-commerce. Add Amazon, a pandemic, direct to consumer online brands and a smartphone in the hand of nearly every consumer in North America, and the answer seems less clear still. Mark
How to Get Customers to Fall in Love With Your Store Read More »
The distribution of COVID-19 vaccines has begun, and with them come a welcome light at the end of the tunnel for retailers who faced unprecedented challenges in 2020. Even those that did well, such as grocery stores and big boxes, have faced unforeseen challenges – who would ever have imagined that policing hand sanitization or
What Retailers Need to Know About COVID Vaccines Read More »
