We’re proud to announce that our flagship design for Chongqing Rural Commercial Bank (CQRC) has won Gold at the 2025 Shanghai Design Awards by BETTER FUTURE! From architectural flow to emotional resonance, every detail of the flagship was meticulously designed by our global team to reflect the values of a brand that stands for trust, […]
SLD Wins Gold at the 2025 Shanghai Design Awards for CQRC Flagship Design Read More »
https://www.sld.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Chongquing-Rural-Commercial-Bank-CQRC-Case-Study-Header_v2.mp4 Where flow meets function A visionary flagship branch that transforms financial transactions into meaningful experiences with fluid design, storytelling, and digital innovation. CLIENT Chongqing Rural Commercial Bank PROJECT Flagship Branch RELATED SERVICE Retail Design Environmental Graphic Design THINK Chongqing Rural Commercial Bank (CQRC) envisioned a flagship branch that would redefine the conventional banking experience.
Concerns about theft in retail have been mounting since the pandemic. What’s behind the shifting dynamics of shrink and how can brands address it? Design is only one element of loss prevention, but it’s a key component. Before we get into how design can help, let’s take a look at how theft in retail stores
How Can Design Help Retailers Reduce Theft? Read More »
The casual dining and fast casual restaurant industries have faced significant challenges, with many well-known brands struggling or closing locations. Reports highlight an industry in decline, citing closures and bankruptcies of chains such as Red Lobster, TGI Fridays, and Denny’s. However, not all chains are experiencing downturns—brands like Chick-fil-A, Texas Roadhouse, and Outback Steakhouse continue
The State of Casual Dining and Fast Casual Chains: Customer Loyalty and Brand Promise Read More »
https://www.sld.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/CaseStudy-Chopped-Leaf-Header-1.mp4 FOR THE LOVE OF GREENS A bold and tasteful redesign CLIENT Innovative Food Brands PROJECT Chopped Leaf Brand & Store Redesign RELATED SERVICE Retail DesignVisual IdentityService DesignBrand Positioning THINK Chopped Leaf, the home of delicious greens and salads, celebrates its 15th anniversary with a fresh new look. With more than 115 locations across Canada
The Decline of Customer Service According to Forrester’s CI Index, customer service is the worst it’s been since they first started collecting data in 2016. Other reports from Cavell, Customer Contact Week Digital and the National Rage Survey confirm the findings: around half of consumers feel service has gotten worse in the past few years.
How To Turn Around Poor Customer Service In Retail Read More »
2024 was somewhat subdued when it came to new store openings, likely a result of economic uncertainty. However, many notable retail experiences launched around the globe, ranging from high-end luxury to highly accessible. Here is a selection of some of our favorite new stores from 2024. 1. Best Use Of Color Trinny London is one
The Best New Retail Stores of 2024 Read More »
The road to 2025 is marked by shifting priorities and expectations. As consumers redefine their values in response to economic pressures and cultural changes, brands will need to prove their relevance by delivering meaningful, personalized experiences that go beyond traditional offerings. Our 2025 Trends Report explores four pivotal themes shaping the upcoming year: the increasing
2025 SLD Trends Report Read More »
SLD is delighted to announce our honorable win at the 2024 GDUSA American Package Design Awards, for our design work for Krema Yogourt. The annual competition celebrates creative excellence in packaging, highlighting designs that connect with consumers at the “moment of truth”, with a focus on premium elegance and refined simplicity. “This award is a reflection
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 »
The Cash in the USA conference, held on October 22nd in Nashville, explored cash’s current and future role in retail banking. The conference was well attended, and presenters reflected the diversity of the industry sectors that manage cash within the banking industry. SLD shared insights on how cash and its management are no longer a
Future Of Cash in Retail Banking: Notes From Cash in USA Conference October 2024 Read More »
Technology as part of the customer experience is everywhere. That isn’t always a good thing. Although there are many ways in which automation and digital experiences have enhanced, expanded, and sped up service, not every touch point is ideally served through tech. In this blog we’ll explore key aspects of the customer experience where a
What Not To Automate: A retailer’s guide to smarter service experiences 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 »
At the 2024 Networld Media Group Banking Customer Experience Summit in Charlotte, experts gathered to discuss how AI, sustainability, and evolving consumer behaviors are reshaping the customer journey across industries. From retail banking to tech-driven customer experiences, the summit highlighted the importance of aligning business strategies with customer needs in today’s digital age. Sustainability and
Elevating The Banking Customer Experience: Notes from the 2024 ICX/BCX Summit 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 »
SLD was among the three winners honored at the Bank Customer Experience (BCX) Awards ceremony during the 2024 Bank Customer Experience Summit in Charlotte, North Carolina. The BCX Awards honour financial institutions and technology providers that are transforming the retail banking industry through innovative solutions. This year’s winners delivered innovative experiences that transformed the branch experience
SLD Wins Best Branch Design at The 2024 BCX Awards 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 »
