Strategy

Creating an Inclusive Environment that Appeals to Gen Z

Inclusion has become part of the vocabulary of almost every retailer. While some have introduced inclusive aspects into their retail designs, many still have not met consumer expectations. Gen Z has consistently called for more inclusive environments, with 66% of respondents from our Inclusivity in Retail study indicating that inclusive retail elements enhanced their shopping […]

Creating an Inclusive Environment that Appeals to Gen Z Read More »

Unlocking Consumer Insights: Best Practices and Tips for Effective Design Concept Research

Before launching a new package, store design, logo, or brand design, it’s important to gain consumer insights and feedback. It’s never been easier to research design concepts: platforms like SurveyMonkey, Qualtrics, and Pollfish provide sophisticated testing tools and access to consumer panels across the continent. However, not all research is created equal. To get the

Unlocking Consumer Insights: Best Practices and Tips for Effective Design Concept Research Read More »

Key Takeaways from the WBR Future Branches Conference: Strategies for Branch Evolution and Customer Engagement

The WBR Future Branches Conference in Boston on June 24-25 brought together banking industry leaders to discuss innovative strategies for branch evolution, customer engagement, and leveraging technology. Prominent speakers from national and regional banks and credit unions, as well as industry experts and bank executives at various levels, shared insights on transforming branch networks and

Key Takeaways from the WBR Future Branches Conference: Strategies for Branch Evolution and Customer Engagement Read More »

Why Prioritizing Physical Accessibility In Retail Will Create Brand Loyalty

Creating accessible environments is crucial. Retailers invest billions of dollars annually to optimize their retail spaces for customer appeal. However, many do not prioritize inclusive design. Our comprehensive white paper on inclusivity in retail highlights that an accessible store is not just a legal obligation but a strategic asset that enhances customer satisfaction and loyalty

Why Prioritizing Physical Accessibility In Retail Will Create Brand Loyalty Read More »

AI Regulations

How will AI be Regulated? What Brands Need to Know

Lawmakers around the world are scrambling to regulate advanced artificial intelligence (AI) technologies. The European Union (EU) recently passed the Artificial Intelligence Act, while President Biden has signed several executive orders regarding advanced AI. Canada’s Bill C-27, not yet passed, attempts to regulate AI but has come under heavy criticism for being insufficient. As retail

How will AI be Regulated? What Brands Need to Know Read More »

Banking Advice

The Future of Seamless Banking and Financial Advice: EU/UK vs. North America

Shikatani Lacroix Design (SLD) was invited to speak at the ebankIT Summit in Portugal on the future of seamless advice and its impact on customer loyalty in the banking sector. The presentation was based on a consumer study with a detailed comparison of the banking industry in North America and the EU/UK. It revealed nuanced

The Future of Seamless Banking and Financial Advice: EU/UK vs. North America Read More »

Indie Brand Launch Kit: How to Set Your Brand Up for Success

Starting a business is like building a house – there are some fundamentals you must get right to ensure it stays standing and provides a foundation for the future. From building a business case to naming and branding, this toolkit will help entrepreneurs and indie brands build a solid foundation. This easy-to-follow worksheet will help

Indie Brand Launch Kit: How to Set Your Brand Up for Success Read More »

Trust

Building Brand Trust in an Age of Deep Fakes, Bot Factories & Angry AI

In 2021 we launched a consumer study series to understand how misinformation impacted consumers. We discovered that despite an emerging skepticism, there was a high level of optimism as the pandemic appeared to be subsiding and life was finally “returning to normal.” Today, inflation, the war in Ukraine, climate-related extreme weather, and political division unfolding

Building Brand Trust in an Age of Deep Fakes, Bot Factories & Angry AI Read More »

Think outside the box

Breaking Category Norms: 6 Brands That Went Against The Flow

In the world of brand strategy, there are norms in each category that are considered to be the wisdom of the day. These rules are in flux, responding to changing market dynamics and consumer expectations, but it is uncommon for brands to deviate from norms. Occasionally, however, someone decides to go against the flow. In

Breaking Category Norms: 6 Brands That Went Against The Flow Read More »

Theft versus Experience: A Behavioral Approach to Self-Checkouts

Self-checkouts should be working better than they do. Although consumers are warming up to them, theft related to a cashier-less experience is so extreme that some retailers are pulling them out. Others are amping up deterrence measures, but many of these practices are rubbing consumers the wrong way. Is there a better approach? In this

Theft versus Experience: A Behavioral Approach to Self-Checkouts Read More »

Automation and human interaction

How can AI shape customer experience design?

Artificial intelligence (AI) has become a transformative force in various industries, and its impact on customer experience (CX) design is undeniable. AI starts to affect our work and daily lives, giving us answers, helping us with complex tasks, and lowering risks. With AI-powered solutions, the promise is that businesses can revolutionize customer interactions, engagement, and

How can AI shape customer experience design? Read More »

Leveraging Extended Reality (XR) in Retail Spaces

In the age of technology, industries are rapidly changing to incorporate new and exciting technological developments. Retail is no exception, with the introduction of many new technologies over the years. With the development of Extended Reality devices, equipping retail spaces with extended reality (XR) experiences can serve as an additional touchpoint in a brand’s omnichannel

Leveraging Extended Reality (XR) in Retail Spaces Read More »

Revealing Untapped Potential: How CPG Brands Can Thrive in the Baby Boomer Market

Accurately predicting the future of retail environments, customers, and trends can be difficult for any brand. With so many businesses focusing on how to better serve Generation Z customers, an entire generation has been forgotten and cast aside: baby boomers. According to census data, there are approximately 73 million baby boomers in the United States,

Revealing Untapped Potential: How CPG Brands Can Thrive in the Baby Boomer Market Read More »

Customer Segmentation Strategies: Emerging Trends and Best Practices

The future of customer segmentation is rapidly changing, introducing new trends and best practices that businesses have to adapt to. Effective customer segmentation is critical in today’s dynamic market landscape for understanding target audiences and delivering tailored products and services. Companies can increase customer engagement and loyalty by categorizing customers based on shared characteristics, preferences,

Customer Segmentation Strategies: Emerging Trends and Best Practices Read More »

Attracting Gen Z to the Retail Industry: The Changing Needs of Younger Talent

Labor shortages have hit the retail industry hard. COVID may have been the catalyst for many to leave the industry, but the conditions for this crisis pre-date the pandemic. Employee motivation in the retail sector has been on the decline for ages. Conditions today are challenging for retailers: economic uncertainty, inflation, and supply chain issues

Attracting Gen Z to the Retail Industry: The Changing Needs of Younger Talent Read More »