Not only does a successful brand clearly define a unique and ownable position in the market, they also deliver on their promise and make an emotional connection with their customers. Brand assets such as tradition and performance are still relevant to consumers; however, these are ceasing to determine solely whether a person buys from one […]
The Evolution of Brand Activism Read More »
The facts are sobering: according to the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, by 2050 the ocean could contain more plastic than fish, and plastics could be consuming 20 percent of oil production and 15 percent of the carbon budget. Only 14 percent of plastic is recycled across the planet – the rest is tossed out, filling landfills, rivers
What Retailers Need to Know About the Circular Economy Read More »
From focus groups and brainstorming sessions to virtual reality and neuroscience, Jean-Pierre Lacroix’s newest book, Think: The Future of Retail Banking, leverages extensive research and design concepts to present a hypothesis on what the bank of the future could look like. In celebration of the new book, which is available for free download, we sat down with
An Interview with Jean-Pierre Lacroix Read More »
Shikatani Lacroix Design (SLD) is excited to announce the release of their newest book, Think: The Future of Retail Banking. Written by Jean-Pierre Lacroix, founder and president of Shikatani Lacroix Design and SLDNXT, the new book is now available for free download. Think: The Future of Retail Banking is based on extensive research conducted by SLD. Through the use
Think: The Future of Retail Banking Available for Download Read More »
The relevance of retail banking is under siege. Banks are responding with new formats, smaller footprints, and a nimbler approach to change. While banks have focused intensely on driving cost down through automated digital technologies, this has put retail banks at risk of losing their human connection with customers and losing marketshare to non-traditional banks.
Think: The Future of Retail Banking Read More »
Consumers are more empowered and educated than they’ve ever been throughout the history of modern capitalism. They want to know where their shoes are made, how their coffee was grown, and what conflicts their diamonds might have created, and they can find out in a matter of seconds. Environmental sustainability is a key issue that
Can Brands With A Purpose Be Heroes? Read More »
Is bigger always better? Large retailers with multiple locations and a global reach seemingly have infinite capital and resources, but this can come at a cost. The decision makers in these companies are often far removed from their customers, and any initiative to lead change can be met with differing opinions and agendas. Those smaller,
What Big Brands Can Learn From Independent Retailers Read More »
In our previous blog we discussed the four tiers of immersive experience with the pinnacle representing the “Bionic Human,” a fully symbiotic technology enabled human delivering superior customer engagement. We often wonder how far into the future it will be that we witness the convergence of technology and human beings, such as The Six Million Dollar
New Technologies that Will Change the Banking Industry Read More »
Over five years ago, SLD introduced the word “immersive” into our company vision, and identified the term as the new definition of customer engagement. At the time, the idea of creating immersive experiences focused on how technology such as Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) would shift the way consumers engage with brands and
The Four Levels of Immersive Experiences Read More »
As digital technology enables new opportunities for automation across various industries, it makes sense that subscription services have evolved and gained popularity in recent years. These services, such as Netflix and Birchbox, are essentially automated shopping – improving efficiencies in the lives of their customers while generating recurring payments and building strong brand relationships. According
What is the Future of Subscription Services? Read More »
Posting food images on social media has extended the communal aspect of preparing, presenting and eating food beyond the table. For foodservice brands it offers a powerful way to deliver the drool factor right to customer’s phones. Will this powerful trend continue? How can foodservice brands, small and large, take advantage of #foodporn now, and
The Impact of Social Media on Foodservice Read More »
The odds are very high you have flown on a Boeing 737 MAX 8 in the past year. Since its launch in 2011, more than five thousand orders have been placed, with over 350 planes delivered to airlines since 2017. However, Boeing has gone from getting passengers to their destination to being associated with fatal
Why Boeing Needs to Rebrand the 737 MAX 8 Read More »
Creating a name for a company, a service or a product is an important part of the overall branding strategy for a business. A great name helps convey what a brand stands for and is aligned with both the brand personality traits and its value proposition, helping build brand equity. Inviting employees and/or customers to
Naming Strategies for Your Business, Product, or Service Read More »
It should come as no surprise that most conversations in the banking industry these days are focused on how the industry needs to innovate. The search for innovative banking solutions concentrates on new channel strategies, partnering with Fintech industries, reinventing the branch experience, and exploring AI to deepen the personalization of services. However, none of
How Banks Can Redefine Their Business Model Read More »
In our recent white paper, How Banks Can Leverage a Walletless World, we discussed how new entrants in the financial industry, including start-ups and tech giants, are threatening banks by offering services in areas in which clients are being underserved. In this blog, we will discuss how banks can go beyond a simple brainstorming session and
Alternative Ideation Methods for Banks Read More »
Private labels used to be synonymous with “no name” brands. Also known as “store brands,” the benefit to consumers was a lower cost on everyday items. However, the world of the private label is evolving to include everything from shoes to furniture, and companies from Amazon to high-end fashion retailers are rolling out their own
Private Label Is Taking Over Retail Read More »
Once upon a time a retailer could offer products with a generalist, one-size-fits-all approach. Foodservice operators could present the same menu across their entire network. Banks could offer the same products and services at every branch. Apparel stores could stock whatever fit into their store. And people would buy. As anyone in the retail industry
Retail Storytelling Through Curation Read More »
An RFP, or Request for Proposal, is an official document that notifies potential suppliers of a new project and asks for a detailed response of their proposed fees, team members, and process. This method aims for fairness and clarity in competition for the work. A clear and concise RFP will make searching for a supplier
Checklist for an Effective RFP Read More »
Shikatani Lacroix Design (SLD), a strategic design agency based in Toronto, Ontario, has announced that they will be uniting with their sister company, SLDNXT. To coincide with the partnership, SLD has unveiled a new corporate identity that will further establish them as a global leader in retail design. SLD is uniquely positioned to combine their
Shikatani Lacroix Unites with SLDNXT, Unveils New Logo Read More »
Brainstorming is a common technique used by many organizations to create new concepts and products. In a typical brainstorming session, a small group of people discuss potential ideas and solutions. The goal is to generate and record as many thoughts as possible by postponing judgement and analysis, and encouraging unusual or far-fetched contributions. In theory,
How to Run a Better Brainstorming Session Read More »
