Every new year brings the promise of new, magical, game-changing digital innovation. But what we expect from technology doesn’t always deliver quite the way we want it to. As retailers consider the expansion of 5G, AR, VR, and artificial intelligence, there are a lot of promises. But what will they actually deliver? In this episode […]
The Future of Interactive Customer Experiences Read More »
We’ve all been there: excited and passionate to do something and then…we don’t do it. Often this can be seen with forgotten New Year’s Resolutions, unopened books, and abandoned gym memberships. This phenomenon, defined by behavioral psychologists as the “intention-action gap,” has been a challenge for marketers, who know all-too-well that enthusiastic consumers in surveys and
What The Intention-Action Gap Means for Brands Read More »
In our 2030 predictions blog we included two of many likely scenarios. One of these we called the “Fortress Society,” which would see the increased rise of isolationist movements, a move away from global trade and a growing division between an Asian versus North America centric economy. This scenario was driven by the rise of buying locally,
The Evolving Definition of “Local” Read More »
The new year ushers in a need to confirm and reassess an organization’s business plan to determine how to reach their overall goals. While these key success factors in business are commonplace, business leaders often take for granted some of the basic things found within them, such as the difference between strategies and their supporting tactics. We
The Differences Between Strategies and Tactics Read More »
The following is an excerpt from Jean-Pierre Lacroix’s Desire by Design. To learn more about the book, click here. Brand loyalty is the ability to build sustainable relationships between brands and consumers by providing both a functional and emotional benefit that meet the meaningful needs of the consumer. Certain circumstances or triggers have to exist
The Key Triggers That Drive Brand Loyalty Read More »
If you’ve ever managed a brand transformation, you know that it can often be a juggling act. With potentially hundreds of balls In the air at once, it’s hard to shake the nagging feeling that you’ve forgotten something. We’ve put together this handy checklist to help calm your concerns. Fill out the form below to
Check Off Every Step of Your Brand Transformation Read More »
Is your delivery process enhancing feelings of excitement or is it making customers feel worried, frustrated and/or upset? How and when products are received has a strong impact on the overall experience a customer has with your brand. An order that arrives late or damaged, is incorrect, goes missing or stolen, or is handled by
The Future of Shipping and Delivery Read More »
For years now, Millennials have been the most researched and targeted demographic group in the history of brand marketing. Today, Millennials are approaching middle age, and as their needs shift, Generation Z is stepping into the spotlight. Born in the late 1990s and early 2000s, they’re now coming of age and represent 25 percent of
Designing for Generation Z Read More »
We are nearing the end of 2019 with the milestone year 2020 arriving in just couple of days. The ushering in of a new year brings an abundance of predictions of what to expect and solutions to consider. These predictions will most likely include the continued growth of Fintech, the ongoing omni-channel shift, the further
Using Strategic Foresight to Look Ahead to 2030 Read More »
The 69th annual GOOD DESIGN Award winners have been announced, and SLD is proud to have been recognized in the Environments category for the Nu Skin flagship store. Located in Shenzhen, China, the state-of-the–art experience center incorporates Nu Skin’s history and high-quality products. “Winning a GOOD DESIGN Award is a great way to cap off
SLD Wins 2019 GOOD DESIGN Award Read More »
As we approach 2020 and a new decade, there are arguably more questions than there are answers for what the future of retail design will look like. Every year it seems we have a new “most interesting store in the world” that boasts the latest technology and design trends, but what has staying power still remains to
What Will Retail Design Look Like in 2020? Read More »
With the surge in consumer demand for things that are better, faster and more convenient, the past decade has had a wealth of challenges and opportunities for CPG brands. As we put this eventful decade behind us, it’s time for businesses to prepare for a strong sprint into 2020. Here are some top packaging trends
Packaging Trends to Keep an Eye On Read More »
Men’s apparel has undergone major shifts as workwear becomes more casual and at the same time more men are interested, or at least curious about being fashionable. So how then do you take a classic menswear brand into the future? Today we’re talking to Lance Itkoff, CEO of the iconic men’s wear brand Tip Top.
Lessons in Updating Your Retail Store Experience Read More »
Agency Spotter has released its latest Top 50 Branding Agencies Report, and SLD is proud to have ranked #9 on a list in which almost 2,000 branding agencies were evaluated. Based on credentials, expertise, client feedback and project work, Agency Spotter’s quarterly report highlights the top branding agencies from around the globe. SLD is just
SLD Makes “Top 50 Branding Agencies” List Read More »
In 2019, the retail landscape experienced a significant transformation, shifting from traditional stores to innovative concepts that embraced the idea of “retail PLUS.” These forward-thinking retail spaces redefined the shopping experience, emphasizing more than just the act of purchasing. Instead, they became places for experimentation, entertainment, learning, and play. One such trendsetter in this evolving
Inspiring Retail Concepts from 2019 Read More »
Consumers have made a significant shift to shopping and banking online and through their mobile devices. Despite this, the promised benefits of utilizing mobile to make the bricks-and-mortar experience more convenient and engaging have not yet come to fruition. Mobile devices have evolved significantly, but the bandwidth that serves as their backbone has not, leaving
5 Insights for a 5G World Read More »
The majority of companies today are going through varying degrees of transformation to remain competitive. The changes range from improving efficiencies through new technologies and processes to rethinking supply chain in order to gain greater value. Irrespective of the degree or area of change, the biggest challenge in ensuring organizational change is executed quickly is
5 Ways To Ensure Your Employees Embrace Change Read More »
As the applications for Artificial Intelligence (AI) become broader, we are told to expect a brave new world. In spite of the hype around smart machines, the truth is that we don’t know how an onslaught of robot workers will change the planet, and for retailers, how that will directly affect their business. What we
How Retail Brands Can Leverage AI Read More »
By now, most organizations have completed their annual planning process, and the board is giving its final blessing. As companies prepare their plans, there is much concern about what next year will bring, from a possible recession and increased trade wars to the rise of environmental and socially driven issues. To add to the planning
Three Keys to a Strategic Foresight Initiative Read More »
As retailers look to provide a credible response to the online-only threat of companies such as Amazon and eBay, the option for buying online and picking-up in store (BOPIS) is gaining traction. The initiative is part of a larger focus on providing customers with greater convenience, from speeding up delivery and reducing inefficiencies, to better leveraging
How to Deliver the Best BOPIS Experience Read More »
