2026 brings a new set of pressures and expectations as global tensions, economic strain, and rapid technological shifts reshape how consumers interact with brands. In this atmosphere of rapid change, relevance comes from understanding the tensions people are navigating and designing experiences that bring confidence and clarity. In our 2026 Trends Report, we explore six […]
2026 SLD Trends Report Read More »
We’re excited to announce that SLD has been honored as a winner in the RTF (Rethinking the Future) Awards. This international design competition recognizes excellence and innovation in architecture and design. Our design work for the CQRC Flagship was selected for its bold vision and ability to connect brand and consumer experiences. The Rethinking The
SLD Win’s its First RTF Award Read More »
/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Progressif-casestudy-banner.mp4 A Progressive Telco Design Gen Z-focused store design moves the category forward CLIENT Progresif PROJECT Flagship Store RELATED SERVICE Retail Design THINK Since its launch in 2015, Progresif has positioned itself as a challenger brand in Brunei’s telecommunications sector. Within five years, the company experienced significant growth and set its sights on the next
The Brand Promise Think Blink Gap: A Comprehensive Analysis of Restaurant Chain Performance in the Fast Casual and QSR Landscape This joint study by SLD and The Customer Obsession Advantage analyzes 2,000 customer reviews across 18 major restaurant chains. It reveals that customer loyalty hinges on four key drivers and shows how the ThinkBlink framework
SLD is celebrating the end of the summer with an award from the 2025 LOOP Design Awards for our work for the CQRC Flagship Experience. The project reimagines the flagship experience by blending functionality with storytelling, creating an immersive space that reflects CQRC’s brand values while engaging customers on an emotional level. Established in 2019,
Design with Impact: SLD Wins 2025 LOOP Interior Design Award Read More »
You’ve likely seen them trending on your social feeds or lined up in specialty stores. The blind box craze isn’t slowing down anytime soon. But what is behind their viral appeal? Blind boxes spark nostalgia, deliver surprise, and leverage the Blink Factor by prompting quick, emotional decisions, proving how a single, well-designed moment can capture
The Gamification of Blind Boxes Read More »
https://www.sld.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/wireless_wave_banner.mp4 GET WIRED! An expertise-driven model for tech-savvy consumers. CLIENT Glentel PROJECT Store Transformation RELATED SERVICE RetailGraphicDigitalStrategy THINK Wireless Wave was one of the first Canadian telcos to offer a provider-agnostic concept that allowed consumers to match their ideal device with a plan that met their needs. Their brand promise was to offer the best
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 »
A new aisle for CPG brands has fragmented the path to purchase. As the line between social media and e-commerce gradually blurs, platforms like TikTok and Instagram aren’t just influencing buying decisions they’re becoming the shelf. With 34% of consumers shopping online at least once a week and 70% of online purchases influenced by social
The Role of Social Commerce in CPG: Designing for the Scroll, Click, and Buy Journey Read More »
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 »
Loneliness is increasingly being recognized as a global challenge. In May 2023, the U.S. Surgeon General went so far as to call loneliness a public health epidemic, further cementing the severity of the problem. According to our new research, 43% of consumers say they feel lonely at least some of the time – a staggering
The Connection Crisis: How Brands Can Bridge The Gap And Drive Customer Loyalty 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 »
In 2024 brands continued to push for personalization, sustainable materials, and big shelf impact with their package design. What trends can we expect in 2025 and what will lose momentum? Here are our predictions for the coming year. Front-Of-Package Nutritional Warnings – What’s Coming In Canada, the final push to comply with new nutritional Front
Package Design In 2025 – What’s Hot and What’s Not 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 »
“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 »
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 »
