At the end of the year, we like to regroup and look back at the big brand stories that caught our attention throughout the year. And this year was a particularly strange one. The pandemic experience has become regionalized and our appetite for doom scrolling has kind of disappeared. Political intrigues have been flying under […]
Best Brand Stories of 2021 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 »
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 »
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 »
The Self-Service Innovation Summit took place between December 8-9, and examined the many technological advances that are changing the retail landscape. With a focus on self-service, kiosk and vending solutions that can be applied everywhere from airports to hospitals, the virtual event covered topics such as ATMs, endless aisles, micro markets and way finding. SLD’s Jean-Pierre
Self-Service Innovation Virtual Summit Read More »
#LIVEWILD Cineplex Entertainment is rolling out the new Playdium design across Canada to offer exciting, afforable fun for the whole family. CLIENT Cineplex PROJECT Playdium Experience Design RELATED SERVICE Brand Strategy Retail Design Environmental Graphic Design Service Design THINK Our research revealed that Gen Z and Alpha are united in one key factor: a desire
Any business that relies on bringing people together has been forced to pivot quickly in 2020. In some cases, innovation and resilience has shone through. In other cases, a lack of preparedness had meant closures and bankruptcies. At SLD, we have decided to take a longer view of how current trends and events have altered
Using Strategic Foresight to Understand the Future of Large Gatherings Read More »
Any branded environment tells a story and a big part of that story is visual. Today, we’re talking to Cybelle Jones, CEO of SEGD, a not-for-profit professional organization for designers from all over the world who focus on shaping content-rich experiential spaces. Trained as an architect, she’s worked on many projects that involve historical and
How Experiential Design Can Help Tell Your Brand Story Read More »
What is around the next corner? Another pandemic? A trade war? Fully autonomous vehicles? While the possibilities may seem overwhelming, the brands that properly prepare for the unknowns of the future will be better equipped to withstand any unexpected occurrences. All one has to do is look at the numerous bankruptcies and closures due to COVID-19
SLD’s Guide To Future-Proofing Your Organization Read More »
For sports teams, like those which fans can bet on by learning details such as Coral Opening Times, the brand is everything, it’s massive. Fan behavior in which individuals feel their own self-identity is intertwined with a team, even to the extent that the team’s performance is felt on a deeply personal level, has been
How Sports Teams Create a Sense of Belonging 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 »
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 »
The companies that truly succeed are those that get off the “follow the leader tread mill” and focus on what truly is relevant to their customers. It’s not about omni-channel or what you think you know. It’s about the insights your customers are not telling you. Those deep emotional needs that current companies are not
Does Your Brand Have A Lasting Legacy? Read More »
How well do you know your competition? You know your own business inside out, but when it comes to your competitors, chances are your knowledge is limited to a reactionary perspective. That is, you know your competition about your brand. What if we told you that studying your competition as well as, brands that are
Worksheet: How Brands Can Learn From Their Competitors 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 »
Retail banks are facing challenges from every direction, from the stealth erosion of accounts to competing banks; from online only financial institutions to non-traditional banking platforms. On top of that, banks are reckoning with how they can gain greater value from their retail network. The challenge would be less daunting if it weren’t for the
VR and Neuroscience Enabled Agile Design Read More »
Of the successful projects you’ve worked on, which is your favorite, and what steps led to making it a success?” One of my favorite projects that I have worked on was designing an immersive retail experience flagship store for Major League Baseball’s Toronto Blue Jays. My agency, Shikatani Lacroix, has intimate knowledge of the Blue
Ask the Board with Marcos Terenzio Read More »
Boston Pizza is unveiling a new restaurant bar concept, designed by Shikatani Lacroix, on March 31 that highlights Boston Pizza’s unique family dining and sports bar experiences under one roof. The newly renovated space is located in Toronto’s downtown core at the corner of Front and John Streets. “With this new design concept, Boston Pizza
Boston Pizza Reveals New Urban Concept Read More »
Once you’ve gotten the board of directors, C-Suite and everyone on the management team on board with the decision to rebrand, there’s one more hurdle that publicly traded companies need to clear: their investors. Ensuring that investors don’t lose faith in management requires that you justify every major decision your company makes and a rebrand can
Get Investors Excited About Your Corporate Rebranding Read More »
What is Digital Experience and Why It Matters When: Tuesday, March 21st, 5-7:30pm What: Centre for Digital Experience (CDX) Where: Marriott Hotel, Toronto The Centre for Digital Experience (CDX) is a non-profit program for digital media use development. The event attracts members of the brand, retail, end users and supply communities. Join Richard Dirstein, Shikatani Lacroix’s Principal and EVP Design and
Centre for Digital Experience Read More »
