While COVID-19 has been the primary concern for brands around the world over the past few months, the recent killing of George Floyd and subsequent protests in both America and abroad have changed the focus for many brands. Over the weekend it became common to see companies voice their support for racial equality and the […]
How Retailers Can Help Reduce Consumer Anxiety Read More »
Amidst COVID-19, many retail industry experts’ response to the pandemic has been to question the future relevance of the bricks and mortar retail channel. They argue the pandemic has accelerated the current damage created by trade wars, the consumer shift to online retailers and the fact that North America is over stored, leading to the
Strategies For Retail Brands During and After COVID-19 Read More »
As cannabis legalization sweeps through North America there’s been a corresponding race for brands entering the market in what has amounted to a gold rush turn green. And Organigram is one such brand, they’ve been in the market from the time that medical cannabis became legal in Canada in 2013 and they now offer a
The Highs and Lows of the Legal Cannabis Industry Read More »
The past few months have been a whirlwind of ups and downs for CPG brands as the COVID-19 crisis presents new challenges and opportunities. From manufacturing and processing plant contagion to panic buying and empty shelves, CPG brands are under pressure and as part of the food supply chain, that pressure isn’t going to let
Short-Term Strategies for CPG Brands Amidst COVID-19 Read More »
https://www.sld.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/TipTop_banner2.mp4 Fitted Confidence Tip Top leverages an updated brand and store design to revitalize their brand for a new generation. CLIENT Grafton Apparel Ltd. PROJECT Tip Top Store Experience RELATED SERVICE Brand Strategy Visual Identity Design Digital Experiences Retail Design THINK Tip Top wanted to appeal to a younger demographic – but without alienating their
Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, BXP and VMSD Magazine partnered to host a webinar focused on the current customer landscape and how it might change in post-COVID-19 reality. Titled “A Look Ahead: Insights for Retailers & CPG Brands in a Post-COVID-19 World,” the webinar featured guests from The Kroger Co., Walgreens, Soapbox and Westwin, as well as
Insights for Retailers & CPG Brands in the Post-COVID-19 World Read More »
Not since the second world war has the entire planet been so focused on a singular event. Stories about economic impact, charts of the curve… it’s all consuming and can feel exhausting. But in the midst of the anxiety and very real impact, there are also stories of inspiration – people doing what they can
The Best Brand Responses to COVID-19 Read More »
Following the recession in the late 2000’s, consumers tightened their proverbial belts and ushered in an era that was dubbed the New Frugality. At the time, economists predicted that consumers would be more conscious about what they were spending their money on and a renewed focus would collectively be placed on making the most of every
Why Retailers Should Embrace “Little Luxuries” Read More »
https://www.sld.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/ReceptionMeshWall_FINAL_1280.mp4 THE FOUNTAIN OF YOU More than just a place to buy products, Nu Xtore blurs the line between gallery, science center, community hub, and event space. CLIENT Nu Skin PROJECT Nu Xtore RELATED SERVICE Brand EngagementDigital ExperienceEnvironmental Design THINK The Nu Xtore had to achieve a variety of goals: to promote Nu Skin’s innovation
A field of study that previously was seen as something of an academic niche is now emerging as a key tool that can help brands not only stay relevant, but if leveraged to its full extent, can even help them leapfrog ahead and become leaders. That field is strategic foresight and future studies. Today, we’re
Strategic Foresight and How It Can Help Brands Read More »
In this episode, Jean-Pierre Lacroix, President of SLD speaks with Manpreet Juneja, a Design Strategist at SLD about a study we recently conducted on the subject of future readiness and strategic foresight. The study asked brands to consider the subject of the future and how well prepared they think their organization is to cope with change. Transcript Melinda:
Discussing SLD’s Future Readiness Report Read More »
SLD is proud to have made Agency Spotter’s Top 30 Design Agencies Report, placing third in a selection process that evaluated over 3,000 design agencies from around the world. With a focus on credentials, expertise in design, client feedback and project work, Agency Spotter’s report looked at all types of design agencies, including those that
SLD Named Top Design Agency Read More »
With economies in a fragile state due to COVID-19, many are wondering what Q2 and Q3 will look like, or if they’re even going to have a job. Retail brands that have incorporated AI are faring better. Today we speak with Max Peiro, CEO of Re-Hub about how Chinese companies have used innovation to get
How AI Can Help Retailers Navigate Through COVID-19 Read More »
COVID-19 has accelerated what was starting off to be a shaky start to the new year with trade conflicts leading to fuel wars, as one example. Our “new normal” means social distancing, washing our hands more in one week than we did through all of 2019, working remotely, worried about whether it’s safe to buy
2020: The Lost Year Read More »
As retail brands are forced to close their doors in an attempt to slow the spread of COVID-19, many are understandably concerned about the impact this is going to have on their business. In times like this, it’s still important, or maybe more important than ever, to keep the lines of communication open with customers.
Communicating With Customers During COVID-19 Read More »
As Europe and North America hunkers down amidst the peak of COVID-19’s assault on our part of the world, in Asia people are emerging from their extended quarantine to a new world. SLD’s Managing Director of Asia Pacific, Teddy Ma, who lives in Shanghai, shared his experiences with us about how consumers are responding in China. What was the quarantine experience like in
What Brands Can Learn From China’s Handling of COVID-19 Read More »
Almost every retail category has been transformed by technology, social media, and the mainstreaming of progressive social attitudes. But for the luxury beauty industry, the change has been more long coming than for others and it’s been revolutionary. Up until the past few years, luxury beauty focused on the narrow idea that affluent white women
The Evolving Definitions of Beauty and Luxury Read More »
Purchase behaviors are often recurring in nature and performed in specific places. Over time repetitive buying behaviors are less driven by goals and intentions leading us to develop purchase habits. When habits have been formed, environmental cues can activate practiced responses in the absence of conscious decision-making. Purchase decisions can also be influenced by elements better
How to Strategically Design Purchase Drivers Read More »
For the majority of indie start-up brands, design seems like something of a luxury. Indie operators end up doing a lot of the work on their own, relying on an ad hoc internet education to patch together something that feels like an image. Once they grow and have a bit of money, then investing in
Why Design Deserves a Seat at the Table Read More »
Held in partnership with Digital Signage Expo 2020, SEGD Branded Environments is set to take place in Las Vegas for the fourth year in a row. An event focused on “the design of brand-centric customer experiences,” SEGD Branded Environments promises a great lineup of speakers, tour offerings, and opportunities to network. As part of the
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