The road to 2025 is marked by shifting priorities and expectations. As consumers redefine their values in response to economic pressures and cultural changes, brands will need to prove their relevance by delivering meaningful, personalized experiences that go beyond traditional offerings. Our 2025 Trends Report explores four pivotal themes shaping the upcoming year: the increasing […]
2025 SLD Trends Report Read More »
SLD is delighted to announce our honorable win at the 2024 GDUSA American Package Design Awards, for our design work for Krema Yogourt. The annual competition celebrates creative excellence in packaging, highlighting designs that connect with consumers at the “moment of truth”, with a focus on premium elegance and refined simplicity. “This award is a reflection
Brand strategy and positioning are like a compass and a spotlight for your business. A compass guides decision-making and operational actions, keeping you on track toward your goals. A spotlight highlights your unique strengths and values, helping you clearly stand out in a crowded market. This blog explores the top trends shaping brand strategy in
The Top Trends in Brand Strategy and Positioning Read More »
Trends in novelty retail experiences are redefining how brands connect with consumers. These immersive and unexpected spaces offer a sense of discovery, tapping into customers’ desires and behaviors. In this blog, we introduce some of the latest trends in novelty retail experiences and explore how they may be shaping the future of retail. Multi-sensory Retail
Novelty Retail Experiences: Trends and Predictions Read More »
The Cash in the USA conference, held on October 22nd in Nashville, explored cash’s current and future role in retail banking. The conference was well attended, and presenters reflected the diversity of the industry sectors that manage cash within the banking industry. SLD shared insights on how cash and its management are no longer a
Future Of Cash in Retail Banking: Notes From Cash in USA Conference October 2024 Read More »
Technology as part of the customer experience is everywhere. That isn’t always a good thing. Although there are many ways in which automation and digital experiences have enhanced, expanded, and sped up service, not every touch point is ideally served through tech. In this blog we’ll explore key aspects of the customer experience where a
What Not To Automate: A retailer’s guide to smarter service experiences Read More »
The wellness industry has been growing rapidly, with technology solutions such as wearables, personalized products such as 3D printed vitamins, and in-home gym and workout equipment. In the retail sector, hot trends in healthy lifestyles are changing certain categories and creating new ones. In today’s blog, we’ll explore how trends in wellness are reshaping health-focussed
How the Huberman Podcast is Influencing Retail Read More »
Exterior signage is your brand’s calling card to the world. It’s a simple element with a massive impact, a visual cue that tells people who you are, what you stand for, and what they can expect inside. In this blog, we dive into why exterior signage matters and how it works. A-Pillar of Brand Identity
The Impact of Exterior Signage on Customer Connection Read More »
At the 2024 Networld Media Group Banking Customer Experience Summit in Charlotte, experts gathered to discuss how AI, sustainability, and evolving consumer behaviors are reshaping the customer journey across industries. From retail banking to tech-driven customer experiences, the summit highlighted the importance of aligning business strategies with customer needs in today’s digital age. Sustainability and
Elevating The Banking Customer Experience: Notes from the 2024 ICX/BCX Summit Read More »
Dentistry is one of the most aesthetic of the medical professions, so it’s no surprise they lead the way when it comes to clinic design. Modern dental practices have moved away from the sterile, often tired-looking office spaces towards bolder and brighter settings that merge function, hospitality, and style. Ultimately, dentists have proven that interior
How Dentists Are Leading The Way in Healthcare Clinic Design Read More »
SLD was among the three winners honored at the Bank Customer Experience (BCX) Awards ceremony during the 2024 Bank Customer Experience Summit in Charlotte, North Carolina. The BCX Awards honour financial institutions and technology providers that are transforming the retail banking industry through innovative solutions. This year’s winners delivered innovative experiences that transformed the branch experience
SLD Wins Best Branch Design at The 2024 BCX Awards Read More »
Online retail has provided a new channel for growth, but it has also revealed a significant challenge. With return rates averaging 30-40% and soaring to 50% in the fashion industry, the industry is facing a pressing issue. Consumers return products worth a staggering $743 billion annually, constituting about 14.5% of total retail sales. Most of
Tackling The Billion-Dollar Returns Waste Crisis Read More »
No topic has been more buzzy over the last year than advanced AI such as ChatGPT and Dall-E. Apple’s recent announcement of the launch of Apple Intelligence adds another opportunity for marketers to explore how AI could support better customer experiences. Apple’s devices and user experience have always accelerated shifts in customer behaviors – will
Apple AI, Let’s Get Personal Read More »
We are excited to announce that SLD has been recognized at the GRANDS DU PRIX DESIGN Awards for our design works on the Chongquing Rural Commercial Bank (CQRC), the Child Development Institute (CDI), Clover Leaf Seafoods, and Merryberrybublé. “Awards are a testament to the strength of our partnerships and the hard work and innovation SLD brings
THINK Digital signage in bank branches has become essential in transforming customer experiences and communication methods. However, there remains a debate in many institutions on the value of investing in digital platforms within the branch. This report confirms the significant impact of digital signage from consumer and banker perspectives, identifying opportunities to improve digital signage
Digital Signage Study: Impact And Insights 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
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 »
Many of the world’s largest banks are investing in redesigning their physical networks to better serve their customers. As financial institutions realize the impact that branches have on customer loyalty, it has become increasingly important to prioritize the physical experience. How can mid-size or regional banks keep up? Our webinar, “Navigate And Win The Branch Transformation
Navigate And Win The Branch Transformation Race Read More »
https://www.sld.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/HH_HEADER_WOOD.mp4 Aisle Adventures — Here’s How A modern re-design for Home Hardware’s in-store wayfinding system. CLIENT Home Hardware PROJECT Wayfinding design RELATED SERVICE WayfindingEnvironmental Graphic DesignResearch & Insights https://www.sld.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/HH_THINK_WOOD.webmhttps://www.sld.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/THINK_WOOD_24.mov Home Hardware’s competitive advantage lies in the service experience provided by franchise owners, who take great pride in their business. Local owners know their region well
