Blog · Retail

How to Choose a Retail Store Design Agency for Multi-Location Rollouts

How to Choose a Retail Store Design Agency for Multi-Location Rollouts

Uncover essential insights on Retail Rollout strategies, including the importance of choosing a dedicated agency partner for success…

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How ZAKU Knives Elevates Experience Using the Blink Factor

How ZAKU Knives Elevates Experience Using the Blink Factor

How do you elevate an everyday product? Explore how ZAKU Knives in Tokyo turns ordinary kitchen tools into a memorable retail experiences…

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5 Activations Elevating The FIFA Fan Experience

5 Activations Elevating The FIFA Fan Experience

Explore 5 immersive brand activations taking over the 2026 World Cup host cities and elevating the fan experience outside the stadiums…

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An image of a female character from the game "Overwatch". She has pink hair, is wearing a purple outfit, and is holding a sword. The background…

Top Blink Factor Design Moments of 2025: The Year’s Standout

Explore the biggest Blink Factor moments of 2025, from pop culture and fashion to ritual and spectacle, and see how visual impact…

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A logo for Pepsi, featuring the brand's name in stylized lettering against a white background.

What were SLD’s favorite brand redesigns of 2025?

SLD designers share their favorite brand design stories of 2025, revealing how logos, color, and simplicity build trust and connection…

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A road sign that reads "2016 ahead" on a highway, indicating the year ahead in 2016.

Think Ahead for 2026: What Undercurrents Beyond Trends Brands Need to Know

Learn the key shifts redefining consumer behaviour in 2026 and how brands can adapt with AI collaboration, micro-communities, cultural insight, and emotional…

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An image of a store interior featuring a large mural on the wall, a display case with various items, and a counter with a sign that reads "SERIA".

How Community-Driven Retail Design Is Redefining Brand Differentiation

Today’s consumers want to feel aligned with the brands they buy from. They want to see brands celebrate creativity and build experiences…

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The image displays a colorful collection of circular icons, each containing a different colored silhouette of a person's head. These icons are…

Designing for Diversity: Why Inclusive Branding Is More Than Just Representation

In this blog we explore the concept of inclusive branding, the pros and cons of adopting it, and some examples of brands…

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A box of beauty mystery items, including skincare products, displayed on a pink background.

What the Blind Box Craze Reveals: How Consumers Make Decisions

Blind boxes spark nostalgia, deliver surprise, and leverage the Blink Factor by prompting quick, emotional decisions, proving how a single, well-designed moment…

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Six boxes of Crave frozen pizza, with flavors including "CRAVE" and "CRUMPLE".

Why Established Brands Are Losing to Messier Competitors

We see the anti-brand strategy commonly adopted among smaller, indie brands. These niche, often digital-first companies are carving out loyal followings and…

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A well-lit storefront with a blue and white color scheme, featuring a large sign that reads "WHOLE HEALTH" on the front wall.

How to Successfully Offer Health Services at Retail Pharmacies

Healthcare systems around the world are struggling to meet the need of patients. In this blog, we explore how pharmacies can successfully…

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Woman standing in clothing store, holding red garment.

How Can Design Help Retailers Reduce Theft?

In this blog we discuss how design is a key component of loss prevention…

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A white speech bubble containing five yellow stars, each representing a positive rating or review.

How To Turn Around Poor Customer Service In Retail

In this blog we’ll explore why service is declining, and what retail brands can do to get back on track…

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The Best New Retail Stores of 2024

The Best New Retail Stores of 2024

There were many notable retail experiences launched around the globe, ranging from high-end luxury to highly accessible. Here are a selection of…

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A sunset over a road with the year "2025" prominently displayed on it, suggesting a future time frame.

Think Ahead for 2025: What Undercurrents Beyond Trends Brands Need to Know

For 2025 we’ve identified five new signals of change marketers should heed…

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Website Design and The Blink Factor

Website Design and The Blink Factor

In this blog, we'll explore the science behind first impressions and their effect on consumer behavior, how this applies to website design…

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A display of Moosehead Ale beer cans and bottles, featuring a can of pale ale and two bottles of moosehead ale, set against a wooden background.

Decoding Nostalgia: Why Brands Are Looking Backward

In this blog, we'll explore why nostalgia resonates so deeply with consumers, how it can be leveraged through strategic design…

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The Top Trends in Brand Strategy and Positioning

The Top Trends in Brand Strategy and Positioning

This blog will explore the top trends shaping brand strategy in 2024 and how they can direct your business toward new success…

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nu skin interior room with round table

Stores Don’t Just Sell Anymore. The Best Ones Make You Feel Something.

In this blog, we introduce some of the latest trends in novelty retail experiences and explore how they may be shaping the…

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Self checkout kiosk in a grocery store.

What Not To Automate: A retailer’s guide to smarter service experiences

In this blog we’ll explore key aspects of the customer experience where a human touch is needed…

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A living room setting with exercise equipment, including dumbbells, a yoga mat, and a water bottle, on a wooden floor next to a window.

How the Huberman Podcast is Influencing Retail

In the retail sector, hot trends in healthy lifestyles are changing certain categories and creating new ones. In today’s blog, we’ll explore…

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A storefront with a sign that says "coffee shop" on the sidewalk.

The Impact of Exterior Signage on Customer Connection

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…

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Apple Ai logo on navy background

Apple AI, Let’s Get Personal

we explore how Apple Intelligence can offer brands innovative ways to engage with their consumers…

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A collection of six colorful bags of snacks, each labeled with the name of the product and ingredients, displayed on a table.

How Private Labels Can Capitalize on Value-Based Grocery Shopping

In an uncertain economy, grocery stores have a unique opportunity to win over customers through pricing as food costs continue to increase…

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A young woman smiling, holding a book, walking down the street with other people.

Creating an Inclusive Environment that Appeals to Gen Z

Exploring what aspects of retail design matter the most to Gen Z and how retailers can capitalize on the opportunity, creating brand…

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An illustration that features two hands holding a pie chart, which has five colored segments representing different percentages: red, yellow,…

Unlocking Consumer Insights: Best Practices and Tips for Effective Design Concept Research

In this blog, we’ll explore effective best practices and tips for successful design concept research…

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An illustration of a man in a wheelchair shopping at a grocery store, surrounded by various items on shelves.

Why Inclusive Store Design Is Becoming a Competitive Advantage

Creating accessible environments is crucial for success in retail. Read our latest blog for current perceptions towards accessible retail and strategies for…

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Supermarket

How Supermarket Brands Can Make Grocery Shopping Fun

Grocery retailers fared better than most through the past five years: despite the pandemic, supply chain disruptions, global conflicts, and inflation, supermarkets…

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Exterior (re)branding

Retail Design: The Power of Exterior (Re)branding

Elevate your retail exterior with impactful design tips to boost brand presence and foot traffic. Explore strategies for attracting customers day and…

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An illustration of a man in a wheelchair shopping at a grocery store, surrounded by various items on shelves.

How Legacy Brands Can Become Relevant Again

Discover and learn from how legacy brands like Levi's, Old Spice, and Adidas regained relevance through perception shift and heritage leverage…

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A hand holding a wooden block with the words "loyalty program" on it, surrounded by various icons related to loyalty programs.

The Future of Loyalty Programs

Unlock the future of loyalty programs: personalized rewards, finance partnerships, generosity, and premium tiers. Stay ahead with innovative strategies…

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AI Regulations

How will AI be Regulated? What Brands Need to Know

Learn about the latest AI regulations by the EU. Explore the implications for retail and CPG brands in North America and how…

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Brand Love

The Best and Worst Brand Stories of 2023

It’s always fun to wrap up a year with a retrospective on the most interesting brand stories. However, 2023 was not exactly…

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From 2023 to 2024

Think Ahead for 2024: What Brands Need to Know

Discover the key challenges brands will face as they explore the need to transform their identity and CX. Learn how to remain…

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Grocery

5 Great Examples of Private Label Design in Grocery Retail

In times of inflation, private labels become a popular choice for many grocery shoppers. Discover how visual identity designs help private labels…

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AI-Driven Advice

What’s Annoying Customers With Digital Signage and How To Fix It

Discover the Dos and Don'ts of digital signage. Learn how to avoid annoying customers with irrelevant content and create inspiring digital experiences…

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Grocery Cost

Value-based Grocery Shopping: The Opportunities for CPG Brands

Explore opportunities for CPG brands in the rising trend of value-based grocery shopping to enhance visibility and capture cost-conscious consumers…

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Inclusivity

Inclusivity in Retail: What Brands Are Doing Well?

Discover how leading brands like Tesco, Sephora, Nordstrom, and Tip Top Tailors are excelling in inclusivity within the retail landscape…

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Three wooden blocks with the letters "UIL" on top, "BRAND" in the middle, and "D" at the bottom, arranged to spell out "UI L B D.

Indie Brand Launch Kit: How to Set Your Brand Up for Success

Embarking on the journey of your indie brand launch? Our Indie Brand Launch Kit is your ultimate guide to building a thriving…

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Store

The Power of Concept Stores with Little or No Inventory

Concept stores are an innovative departure from conventional brick-and-mortar stores, offering carefully curated, immersive encounters with a brand. Investing in a store…

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Trust

Building Brand Trust in an Age of Deep Fakes, Bot Factories & Angry AI

Explore how brands navigate trust amid misinformation, declining media credibility, and AI concerns. Learn strategies for building lasting consumer trust…

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Think outside the box

Breaking Category Norms: 6 Brands That Went Against The Flow

Explore how some iconic brands thrive by defying norms. Learn from Chanel, Trader Joe's, Lush, and more in this blog on innovative…

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A person standing at a checkout counter in a grocery store, scanning items on the conveyor belt.

Theft versus Experience: A Behavioral Approach to Self-Checkouts

Explore the phenomenon of theft at self-checkouts with a behavioral point of view. Improve customer experience and deter shoplifting…

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Automation and human interaction

How can AI shape customer experience design?

Discover the transformative power of AI in shaping customer experience design. Learn how businesses can leverage AI for personalization and efficiency…

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Electric car charging at night under neon lights.

Revolutionizing the Customer Journey: Lessons from Tesla for Retailers in Creating a Seamless Experience

Learn how Tesla's mobile app integration, dedicated support, and digital tools eliminate friction in the buying process. Discover the key takeaways for…

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An illustration depicting a futuristic scene where two people are standing in front of a large screen displaying various floating icons, possibly…

Leveraging Extended Reality (XR) in Retail Spaces

In the age of technology, industries are rapidly changing to incorporate new and exciting technological developments. Retail is no exception, with the…

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Polarization

How can retailers navigate political and ESG polarization?

Discover strategies for retailers to navigate political and ESG polarization successfully. Learn how to balance brand values while appealing to customers…

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An illustration of a futuristic scene where people are interacting with a virtual assistant on a smartphone. The assistant appears as a 3D…

The Role of AI In The Design Industry

Discover the transformative role of AI in the design industry. Explore how artificial intelligence is shaping digital experiences…

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An image of a digital transformation concept, featuring a person standing at the end of a pathway that leads to a silhouette of a city skyline.

The Three Emerging States of Digital Transformation

Digital, of all types, transformed how we live, work and shop. The next phase of the digital transformation will witness a shift…

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Customer Segmentation Strategies: Emerging Trends and Best Practices

Discover the latest customer segmentation strategies in retail. Our blog post explores emerging trends and best practices to help you optimize your…

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AI-Driven Advice

Attracting Gen Z to the Retail Industry: The Changing Needs of Younger Talent

Discover how retailers can improve employee motivation and attract younger talent in this blog. Learn what Gen Z looks for in work…

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An illustration of a man in a wheelchair shopping at a grocery store, surrounded by various items on shelves.

Reducing Inflation Anxiety in Retail: Strategies for Creating a Positive Shopping Experience

Retailers must prioritize strategies to ease consumer anxiety about rising prices. Explore in-store design elements to improve customer shopping experiences…

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A digital illustration depicts a group of five people standing in front of a large, abstract arrow pointing upwards. The scene suggests a concept…

Future-Proof Your Company: Top Metrics to Measure for Resilience and Innovation

Learn how to future-proof your company with top metrics for resilience and innovation. Read our expert guide to stay ahead of the…

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An illustration of a hand holding an idea lightbulb over a gear, symbolizing innovation and mechanics.

Brand Implementation: What it is, Why it’s Important, and How to Succeed

Learn about brand implementation and how consistent and authentic implementation can create a clear, powerful presence for your brand…

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A woman holding a white tote bag with the words "more plastic" on it, giving a thumbs up.

No More Plastic Bags: What’s Next For Sustainable Packaging?

Discover the most recent trends in sustainable packaging. Reduce waste and increase brand loyalty by using minimalist designs and sustainable materials…

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A group of people holding up thumbs, celebrating a positive event or achievement.

Unlocking the Power of Customer Experience Assessment: Best Practices for Evaluating Your CX Program

Discover the best practices for evaluating your customer experience program and realizing its full potential. Read now to learn more…

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A white tote bag with a green recycling symbol on it, placed next to a pile of laundry on a bed.

Why Customer Convenience Is Critical To Circular Economy Participation

Research has shown that convenience is one of the biggest barriers to customer participation. Our latest blog focuses on how retailers can…

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value proposition words surrounded by upwards arrow with icons around, Hand drawn

How To Define Your Company’s Value Proposition (With Free Guide)

Value Propositions are one of the first steps to creating a successful branding strategy. Download our free guide to help get you…

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phone with influencer leading a pack of followers

How To Develop An Influencer Marketing Strategy For Your Brand

Influencer Marketing is becoming increasingly popular with 74% of marketers saying they're currently using it. Learn our 5 tips for a successful…

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Illustration of a bustling store scene with customers shopping, display shelves with items, and a sign that says "SALE".

How Brands Are Delivering High-Touch Service Experiences In 2022

As 2023 approaches, more consumers will be looking for high-touch retail experiences. Learn more about how brands are using high-touch service to…

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