Articles

Winning Hearts in Foodservice: Why Visibility and Basic Service Are No Longer Enough

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In the fast-moving foodservice industry, you can win or lose customer loyalty in a heartbeat, and just being a recognizable brand isn’t enough to keep it. Most fast-food spots are highly visible, but there is a disconnect between being seen and being loved. Our second edition of the 2026 ThinkBlink Studies explores how foodservice brands show up […]

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Teclos are Measuring the Wrong Things: Why Return on Experience Matter More Than Ever

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For most telecom leaders, the dashboard still focuses on churn, ARPU, cost-to-serve, call resolution, and network performance. These measures matter, but they do not show whether customers trust the brand, feel supported, or believe the experience is worth staying. That is the real issue. SLD’s research highlights a common challenge in business strategy: organizations often

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​Navigating the New “Local”: Nationalism in a Global Community

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In our 2026 SLD Trends Report, we identify how nationalism is influencing the way people trust and choose brands. Shoppers are looking closer to home to find more meaning in their purchases.  A recent poll reveals that 53% of Canadian shoppers are intentionally choosing local options, even if it means paying a bit more. For

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Flow

The New Telco Growth Bundle: Emotional Connections, AI, and Seamless Experience

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Current headlines are fixated on the hype surrounding AI’s potential to transform business. Most experts believe the technology can dramatically enhance telecom operations, and many companies are already leveraging it to improve back-of-house operational efficiency. However, a singular focus on cost savings often overlooks the power of AI for customer engagement. Researching the AI-Ready Customer

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Friday Night Light Outs: How Restaurants, Performance Venues, and Nightclubs Can Get Gen Z to Enjoy a Night on the Town

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​Ask anyone who works in hospitality, and they’ll tell you the party feels a little tame these days. Not since Generation X has nightlife seen raucous, regular partying, and the night economy is taking a hit. Millennials came out but ate more and drank less, increasing emphasis on foodie experiences. But Gen Z? They’re not

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

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Looking ahead isn’t just about following trends; it’s about understanding the deeper shifts that shape consumer thinking and behaviour. As we enter 2026, the brands that stand out won’t simply adopt new tools or aesthetics they will leverage these shifts strategically. This year, we’ve identified five emerging signals of change that marketers should watch closely

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Winning the Moment: How Brands Use Seasonal Occasions to Spark Connection

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Seasonal moments can be emotional touchpoints that invite consumers into a shared celebration. Whether it’s a limited-edition drop or festive packaging design, brands that master well-timed storytelling often find themselves at the center of cultural conversation. Already this year, Starbucks has once again taken the seasonal spotlight with the release of its limited-edition “Bearista Cup”.

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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 Retail Design Can Create Community, Connection, and Cultural Relevance

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Walk into any store today and you’ll quickly sense whether a brand understands its customers, or if it’s just selling to them. From the lighting and layout to the artwork and materials, every design detail tells a story about the brand’s culture and how it values its customers and communities. Today’s consumers want to feel

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Maxwell House

Trust by Design: How CPG Can Effectively Communicate Sustainability in an Era of Skepticism

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These days, going green is a must for CPG brands, but while environmental consciousness is at an all-time high, so is consumer skepticism. Years of exaggerated claims and vague buzzwords have led to the rise of eco-cynicism, where even genuinely sustainable brands now face distrust. The heightening awareness of greenwashing poses a new challenge for

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

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Diversity has become a contentious topic across North America, as companies navigate shifting political pressures while developing their strategies. These pressures have created differing perspectives on the value of diversity, leaving many brands uncertain about the right path for their organization. Some have fully embraced and reinforced diversity initiatives, while others have scaled back or

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