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 […]
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
Designing for Diversity: Why Inclusive Branding Is More Than Just Representation Read More »
The Better-for-You (BFY) movement isn’t just a trend, it’s a complete shift in how people eat, shop, and think. Today’s consumers want it all: health, transparency, and convenience, without sacrificing taste. As the demand for feel-good, do-good snacks grows, BFY has become a driving force in reshaping the global food landscape. In response, brands are
In recent years, branding has been all about polished storytelling, aspirational lifestyles, and curated perfection. But somewhere between the perfectly aligned flat lays and hyper-curated copy, something got lost: realness (a.k.a “authenticity”). Some brands are trading polish for personality, control for chaos, and perfection for raw, messy humanity. We see the anti-brand strategy commonly adopted
Perfect Is Boring: What Big Brands Can Learn from the Rise of the Anti-Brand Read More »
Healthcare systems around the world are struggling to meet the needs of patients. Governments hope pharmacies can fill the gap by allowing them to offer a wider range of services. In many countries, patients are accustomed to seeking out a pharmacist’s advice, often in place of going to a doctor. North American consumers, however, see
How to Successfully Offer Health Services at Retail Pharmacies Read More »
Color and shape not only catch the eye, but they also guide our perception and emotions. Together, these elements transform a logo into an icon, a package into a feeling, and a brand into a relationship. Studies show we process images 60,000 times faster than text, as the majority of information we absorb is visual,
A Quick Guide on How to Use Shape and Color Choices to Influence Buying Decisions Read More »
“Predicting the future” is not as daunting as it might sound. If you’re paying attention, the future is already here. For the past ten years, we’ve shared potential future scenarios brands and marketers should note as they consider new initiatives. Many of these potential futures have become reality: for example, in 2018 we explored a
Think Ahead for 2025: What Undercurrents Beyond Trends Brands Need to Know Read More »
In the digital world, you have less time to form a lasting brand impression on a potential customer than it takes to blink. On average, a customer will form an impression about your brand in about 50 milliseconds. This makes having a good website design more than just a nice to have but an imperative.
Website Design and The Blink Factor Read More »
Emotional connection is critical for a brand because it creates a deeper connection with consumers, influencing loyalty, purchase behavior, and overall brand perception. By evoking fond associations with a particular era, product, or cultural moment, brands can establish a bond with consumers, through a sense of comfort and trust. Human decision-making is greatly driven by
The Power of Nostalgia: Designing for Instant Emotional Impact Read More »
Brand strategy and positioning are like a compass and a spotlight for your business. A compass guides decision-making and operational actions, keeping you on track toward your goals. A spotlight highlights your unique strengths and values, helping you clearly stand out in a crowded market. This blog explores the top trends shaping brand strategy in
The Top Trends in Brand Strategy and Positioning Read More »
Trends in novelty retail experiences are redefining how brands connect with consumers. These immersive and unexpected spaces offer a sense of discovery, tapping into customers’ desires and behaviors. In this blog, we introduce some of the latest trends in novelty retail experiences and explore how they may be shaping the future of retail. Multi-sensory Retail
Novelty Retail Experiences: Trends and Predictions Read More »
https://www.sld.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/HEADER-1.mp4 Communicating Kindness The power of stories builds awareness for the Petro-Canada CareMaker’s Foundation. CLIENT PetroCanada CareMakersFoundation PROJECT CareMakers Website RELATED SERVICE Visual Identity DesignCorporate CommunicationsWeb Design, Content StrategyContent Production THINK As a relatively new organization, the PetroCanada CareMakers Foundation wanted to build awareness of their purpose: supporting Canadian family caregivers. The cause is one
PetroCanada – CareMakers Foundation Read More »
The wellness industry has been growing rapidly, with technology solutions such as wearables, personalized products such as 3D printed vitamins, and in-home gym and workout equipment. In the retail sector, hot trends in healthy lifestyles are changing certain categories and creating new ones. In today’s blog, we’ll explore how trends in wellness are reshaping health-focussed
How the Huberman Podcast is Influencing Retail Read More »
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 people who you are, what you stand for, and what they can expect inside. In this blog, we dive into why exterior signage matters and how it works. A-Pillar of Brand Identity
The Impact of Exterior Signage on Customer Connection Read More »
Dentistry is one of the most aesthetic of the medical professions, so it’s no surprise they lead the way when it comes to clinic design. Modern dental practices have moved away from the sterile, often tired-looking office spaces towards bolder and brighter settings that merge function, hospitality, and style. Ultimately, dentists have proven that interior
How Dentists Are Leading The Way in Healthcare Clinic Design Read More »
Online retail has provided a new channel for growth, but it has also revealed a significant challenge. With return rates averaging 30-40% and soaring to 50% in the fashion industry, the industry is facing a pressing issue. Consumers return products worth a staggering $743 billion annually, constituting about 14.5% of total retail sales. Most of
Tackling The Billion-Dollar Returns Waste Crisis Read More »
No topic has been more buzzy over the last year than advanced AI such as ChatGPT and Dall-E. Apple’s recent announcement of the launch of Apple Intelligence adds another opportunity for marketers to explore how AI could support better customer experiences. Apple’s devices and user experience have always accelerated shifts in customer behaviors – will
Apple AI, Let’s Get Personal Read More »
Sometimes it’s hard to know when to make a change, and when it comes to packaging design, there is no set rule. However, like any aspects of a brand, packaging can become outdated or ineffective over time. But knowing when to refresh your design can make a huge impact on how your products perform in
Five Signs it’s Time to Update Your Packaging Design Read More »
In an uncertain economy, grocery stores have a unique opportunity to win over customers through pricing as food costs continue to rise. With the rapid expansion of private label brands across North America, grocers have been able to introduce excellent private label offerings that deliver both selection and value. With this rise, how can grocery
How Private Labels Can Capitalize on Value-Based Grocery Shopping Read More »
In Canada, the new front-of-pack labels for foods high in sugar, salt, and saturated fats are the latest in a wave of packaging regulations attempting to help consumers make healthy food choices. In today’s blog, we’ll ask some of the SLD team to weigh in on how they’re working to address the new FOP regulations,
How to Deal with FOP Warning Labels and What to Expect Read More »
