As we approach 2020 and a new decade, there are arguably more questions than there are answers for what the future of retail design will look like. Every year it seems we have a new “most interesting store in the world” that boasts the latest technology and design trends, but what has staying power still remains to […]
What Will Retail Design Look Like in 2020? Read More »
On December 12, 2019, President Jean-Pierre Lacroix and Managing Director Teddy Ma were invited to deliver a keynote address at the 2019 Smart Ecological Omnichannel Development Forum in Shenzen, China. This forum invited industry experts from around the globe to discuss developmental trends; the future of banking channels in the new financial era; how to
2019 Smart Ecological Omnichannel Development Summit Forum Read More »
Men’s apparel has undergone major shifts as workwear becomes more casual and at the same time more men are interested, or at least curious about being fashionable. So how then do you take a classic menswear brand into the future? Today we’re talking to Lance Itkoff, CEO of the iconic men’s wear brand Tip Top.
Lessons in Updating Your Retail Store Experience Read More »
In 2019, the retail landscape experienced a significant transformation, shifting from traditional stores to innovative concepts that embraced the idea of “retail PLUS.” These forward-thinking retail spaces redefined the shopping experience, emphasizing more than just the act of purchasing. Instead, they became places for experimentation, entertainment, learning, and play. One such trendsetter in this evolving
Inspiring Retail Concepts from 2019 Read More »
Emotions drive the majority of our purchase decisions and most are at a deep rooted subconscious level. Our previous blog on neuroscience research reviewed the new tools available for marketers that are wanting a stronger understanding of how their customers feel towards various research stimuli. However, there are a variety of factors marketers and retailers can consider
Increasing Sales With The Five Emotional Levers Read More »
Shikatani Lacroix Design and U.S. Bank are proud to have been awarded First Place in the Best Branch Experience category at the 2019 Bank Customer Experience Summit. The award is in recognition of a new branch design created with U.S. Bank. “Winning Best Branch Experience is a tremendous honor,” says Jean-Pierre Lacroix, President of SLD.
SLD and U.S. Bank Win Best Branch Experience Read More »
Cable, internet, and mobile phones have been the bread and butter of telcos for many years, however, growth in these categories is dwindling and brands are beginning to feel the heat. Today, we speak to Will Gibson, a telco retail and marketing expert who’s seen the industry shift from his days at Blockbuster to becoming
How Telco Companies Can Remain Relevant Read More »
It’s fairly bold to dub yourself the most interesting anything, so if nothing else, Showfields, and their “most interesting store in the world” gets points for audacity. But dig a little deeper into the mysterious retail experiment, House of SHOWFIELDS, and it’s hard to deny that there is something interesting indeed about the concept. Showfields is
“The Most Interesting Store in the World” Read More »
Since the breakthrough of technology, Millennials have changed the way retailers must accommodate shopping patterns. However, as “digital natives” Gen Z shoppers are creating an even bigger impact and challenge for retailers to provide the desired retail experience. Although Gen Z’s are typically thought of to be heavily reliant on technology, their shopping habits are
Gen Z’s Perspective on Retail Experience Read More »
We all know that fashion changes over time but what about the business model for fashion retailers? For a long time, it was a simple process. Customers go to a store, try something on and hopefully make a purchase. However, this is no longer the case as online shopping and subscription and rental services allow
The Future of Fashion Retail Read More »
Smart Banking promised to herald in the convenience of digital technology and more personalized customer service. Today most would agree what was imagined as utopia has yet to materialize for banks pioneering this new branch format. Early attempts have demonstrated that consumers remain attached to in-branch human interaction and are skeptical of the merits of
Five Strategies for Implementing a Smart Bank Read More »
Things used to be so simple. We bought nails at the hardware store, books at the bookstore, coffee from a coffee shop. We lived in communities made up primarily of dwellings, and commuted to work away from our homes. It was an easy time to be a retailer: put up a sign, stock your shelves
The Impact Mixed-Use Spaces Can Have on Retail Read More »
Seamlessness is now an expectation in our service-oriented society. Customers have little patience for services that are inconvenient, frustrating, and inefficient. We don’t want to wait in line, have to repeat ourselves, or deal with mistakes. Many major companies are selling services instead of physical products and are differentiating themselves based on customer experience. Brands
Service Design and the Banking Experience Read More »
Shikatani Lacroix Design is proud to have been inducted into the Class of 2018 at Retail Design Institute’s 48th International Store Design Competition. In celebration of Nu Xtore, an experience center designed by SLD for health and beauty company Nu Skin, this year’s judging panel recognized SLD for excellence in design and execution. The Retail Design
SLD Recognized for Excellence in Design and Execution 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 »
Tip Top has partnered with Toronto branding and design firm Shikatani Lacroix Design (SLD) for a transformative rebrand of their company. To support the modernization of the Tip Top brand, SLD led the creation of a new visual identity, retail store design, digital experience, value proposition and brand manifesto. As a Canadian brand rooted in
Tip Top Unveils New Retail Store Design 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 »
While pop-up stores have been around for decades, their popularity seems to be at an all time high. They are a great way to connect with consumers and build awareness around a brand or new product launches, not to mention the opportunity to create the “wow factor” and the possibility to leverage consumer’s sense of
Our Favorite Retail Pop-Ups of 2018 Read More »
On November 23, 2018, Nu Skin officially unveiled their new experience center, Nu Xtore, in Shenzhen, China. Designed by Shikatani Lacroix Design (SLD), the state-of-the-art Nu Xtore features an increased focus on the customer experience and incorporates the latest in design and technology. Jean-Pierre Lacroix, SLD’s president, and Teddy Ma, Managing Director, Pacific Rim, were
SLD Designs New Experience Center for Nu Skin Read More »
As customer needs change and emerging technology enables new possibilities, retail channels need to adapt in order to stay relevant. This pattern has been demonstrated throughout history. For example, before the 1900s, personal cars and home refrigerators were not widely used, so people would visit markets and convenience stores fairly often. After sub-urbanization began and these
Design Considerations for Different Retail Formats Read More »
