Private labels used to be synonymous with “no name” brands. Also known as “store brands,” the benefit to consumers was a lower cost on everyday items. However, the world of the private label is evolving to include everything from shoes to furniture, and companies from Amazon to high-end fashion retailers are rolling out their own […]
Private Label Is Taking Over Retail Read More »
Once upon a time a retailer could offer products with a generalist, one-size-fits-all approach. Foodservice operators could present the same menu across their entire network. Banks could offer the same products and services at every branch. Apparel stores could stock whatever fit into their store. And people would buy. As anyone in the retail industry
Retail Storytelling Through Curation Read More »
An RFP, or Request for Proposal, is an official document that notifies potential suppliers of a new project and asks for a detailed response of their proposed fees, team members, and process. This method aims for fairness and clarity in competition for the work. A clear and concise RFP will make searching for a supplier
Checklist for an Effective RFP Read More »
While pop-up stores have been around for decades, their popularity seems to be at an all time high. They are a great way to connect with consumers and build awareness around a brand or new product launches, not to mention the opportunity to create the “wow factor” and the possibility to leverage consumer’s sense of
Our Favorite Retail Pop-Ups of 2018 Read More »
Another year has come and gone, and that means it is time to do some reflecting. 2018 saw a lot of companies (including ours) undergo a rebrand, and as with every year, some turned out better than others. While there are many reasons that a company may opt for a rebrand, one thing is certain:
Our Favorite Rebrands of 2018 Read More »
The increasing amount of waste production is not exactly a new environmental concern, but it is still an issue that is far from being resolved. According to a disputable yet shocking report released recently by the World Economic Forum, it is estimated that by 2050, the oceans will contain more plastic than fish in terms of
Retail Trends: The Packaging-Free Movement Read More »
On November 23, 2018, Nu Skin officially unveiled their new experience center, Nu Xtore, in Shenzhen, China. Designed by Shikatani Lacroix Design (SLD), the state-of-the-art Nu Xtore features an increased focus on the customer experience and incorporates the latest in design and technology. Jean-Pierre Lacroix, SLD’s president, and Teddy Ma, Managing Director, Pacific Rim, were
SLD Designs New Experience Center for Nu Skin Read More »
As customer needs change and emerging technology enables new possibilities, retail channels need to adapt in order to stay relevant. This pattern has been demonstrated throughout history. For example, before the 1900s, personal cars and home refrigerators were not widely used, so people would visit markets and convenience stores fairly often. After sub-urbanization began and these
Design Considerations for Different Retail Formats Read More »
Brainstorming is a common technique used by many organizations to create new concepts and products. In a typical brainstorming session, a small group of people discuss potential ideas and solutions. The goal is to generate and record as many thoughts as possible by postponing judgement and analysis, and encouraging unusual or far-fetched contributions. In theory,
How to Run a Better Brainstorming Session Read More »
The term “cult brand” describes any brand that sparks obsessive, fanatical loyalty in their customers. But how much do cult brands really resemble actual cults? Is there something in human behavior that drives this kind of fanatical response? In this white paper you will learn: What brands can learn from cult and tribe psychology What
Cult Brands and How to Build One Read More »
In “Key Considerations When Vetting Your Strategic Partner,” we determined how you should vet your strategic design agency by exploring the three tiers of strategic requirements. Design Thinking Strategy, focused primarily on how to link the package design to underlying, unrealized opportunities in the marketplace. Brand Strategy includes a wide range of strategic tools, from positioning,
Questions to Ask When Hiring a Package Design Firm Read More »
There are more than 21,000 creative professionals in the top three largest cities in North America alone. When you factor in all mid to large cities in North America, it’s daunting for any company to select a strategic design agency to tackle their packaging brand transformation. A key factor in selecting the right firm is
Key Considerations When Vetting Your Strategic Partner Read More »
No one doubts that artificial intelligence and automation will change the role of staff in retail environments. The question is, how? A new theory is starting to play out in some industries and may come as a surprise: the reaction to an automated experience is a yearning for more human interaction. In a way, though,
What Automation Means for Staffing in Retail Read More »
Digital technology has changed retail. You can now buy an item from your phone and have it shipped to you without ever visiting a store. If shoppers actually visit a retailer, they often encounter digital technology such as screens, mobile app integration, augmented and virtual reality, and mobile payments. These digital experiences can help attract,
The Influence of Digital Technology in the Shopper Journey Read More »
Great retail brands such as Starbucks, Apple, Harley Davidson and Zappos have prospered by effectively aligning their internal corporate culture with the needs of their most loyal customers. A strong culture ensures that every brand representative the customer interacts with, over the phone, in person or online, is consistently delivering cultural values that are aligned
How to Foster a Strong Retail Brand Culture Read More »
Will AI and big data live up to the hype? Will they become another fad? In this white paper we explore the usefulness of these new technologies for marketing and retail, and discuss how they must feed a fundamental human need for emotional connection. Using Hotspex, a research firm that taps into the core feelings
What Is Your Retail Brand’s Emotional Equity? Read More »
Comfort can have different meanings. It can mean physically comfortable, with soft seating and moderate temperature. Or, a person can be mentally comfortable, where a space is calm, safe, and welcoming. In a retail context, store design can play a large role in making customers feel more at ease. Have you ever walked into a
Designing More Comfortable Retail Spaces Read More »
On Thursday, September 20, Shikatani Lacroix hosted a book launch in celebration of the release of Jean-Pierre Lacroix’s newest book, Desire by Design: What Data-Driven Marketers Should Know About Driving Desire for their Brands. Taking place at The Broadview Hotel in Toronto, the event consisted of a keynote presentation, panel discussion, and book signing. Jean-Pierre’s
Shikatani Lacroix Celebrates Release of Desire by Design Read More »
Conventional thinking has brands constantly scrambling to give customers what they want. But what if wanting is no longer enough? A customer may want a great mobile phone, for example, but a huge majority will choose the now iconic iPhone, regardless of what other phones are available. This is not simply about wanting. It’s about
Is your brand ethical? Does it have a cause or purpose that its people truly believe in and are committed to? Or are its initiatives primarily marketing techniques? In recent years, many brands have had to assess their ethics and impacts on society as customers demand more transparency, and become increasingly concerned about environmental, political,
Creating an Ethical Branding Strategy that Matters to Consumers Read More »
