This week’s newsletter highlights the latest innovations in retail, wellness, and sustainability that we’ve saved to the PSFK Signalbox database. From the multisensory experience at OASES Wellness in Manhattan to ISSEY MIYAKE's newly designed sustainable shop-in-shop in Tokyo, see how brands are enhancing customer engagement through thoughtful design and creativity. Unique projects, like a wool pizza performance in Reykjavík and Decathlon’s Playgrounds to Podiums initiative in Australia, demonstrate the intersection of design, community, and environmental responsibility.
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Retail Innovation Stories
OASES Wellness in Manhattan
Set over 4,755 square-feet. OASES New York offers a multisensory wellness experience with food, drink, and design rituals for a unique urban escape. Learn More
Cafe Leo Pop-Up in Berlin
Cafe Leo in Berlin serves affordable coffee and light meals, providing a welcoming environment for all. Beyond its culinary offerings, the café functions as a social hub, hosting community activities such as multilingual support for immigrants, family assistance, and various workshops. Learn More
ISSEY MIYAKE Shop-in-Shop in Tokyo
The newly designed ISSEY MIYAKE shop-in-shop at Matsuya Ginza, created by Tokyo-based Moment Inc., features a clean, minimalist aesthetic. Each of ISSEY MIYAKE’s three lines is showcased within a monochromatic space crafted from natural soil blends, evolving into a soft patina over time. Sustainable design elements include grey tiles made from city waste and sleek steel fixtures, all reflecting the brand’s commitment to ethical production and innovation in materials. Learn More
FOG Architecture's Portable Bakehouse
FOG Architecture's Portable Bakehouse in Shanghai merges retail with cultural storytelling through innovative design. Learn More
Flétta and Ýrúrarí's "Pizza Time"
Pizza Time is a performance project where guests could order "wool pizzas" made from Icelandic wool industry leftovers. Using an electric felting machine as a "pizza oven," the designers created unique, felted pizzas. Guests participated by customizing their orders with toppings, taking home one-of-a-kind wool creations.
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Japanese Pop-Up in Oarai
Nami to Tsuki, located in Oarai, Japan, offers an immersive experience that blends neo-Chinese dining with a serene coastal environment. Visitors can enjoy locally sourced dishes in a communal dining space or stay overnight in the venue's private house, which accommodates up to 10 people. The venue also features a sauna, providing a relaxing detox experience with views of the surrounding town. Learn More
Whole Foods Urban Store Format
Whole Foods' new urban stores emphasize convenience with grab-and-go meals and organic products in smaller spaces. Learn More
Inspire Pilates Studio
Inspire Pilates in Beaconsfield, VIC, designed by Bergman & Co., redefines the wellness space with a focus on its female clientele. The studio features a sophisticated lounge area in peach, blush, and terracotta tones, complementing the light-filled Pilates space above. The design incorporates woven vinyl, bronze mirrors, mosaic tiling, and blush-hued stone to create an immersive and inspiring environment. Learn More
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This Week’s Additional Links
Finnish Design Shop introduces the Pelata collection, featuring open-ended wooden toys that serve as conversation starters and provide playful experiences for all ages. Learn More
Stone Island's new campaign features architect Philippe Starck modeling minimalist designs from the brand's Ghost collection, blending fashion and architectural aesthetics. Learn More
Nike is undergoing significant leadership changes, with CEO John Donahoe stepping down, sparking interest in how this transition may impact the brand’s performance. Learn More
Cadillac’s concept EV, the 'Sollei,' introduces a sustainable interior material made from mushroom-based mycelium, an eco-friendly alternative to traditional leather. Learn More
Chinese influencers are leveraging AI clones and virtual influencers to enhance interaction in e-commerce and livestreaming, signaling a shift in how brands engage with audiences. Learn More
Urban Outfitters is launching UO College Shops to attract Gen Z, offering products inspired by college culture and social media personalities. Learn More
The Red Lobster collapse underscores the impact of financial engineering and supply chain decisions on profitability, offering lessons for the food service industry. Learn More
Decathlon promotes environmental conservation by offering discounts to customers who pick up litter as part of a World Cleanup Day initiative. Learn More
Tech companies are racing to develop AR glasses, with major implications for both society and daily life. Learn More
E-textiles and flexible electronics are revolutionizing automotive interiors, creating smart cabins that enhance user experience and connectivity. Learn More
Asda's trial of selling refurbished TVs promotes sustainability by offering affordable, eco-friendly electronics to customers. Learn More
ClooV helps fashion companies turn inventory waste into new opportunities by renting or reselling pre-owned stock, promoting sustainability in the industry. Learn More
The wellness industry’s growing demand for frankincense is endangering Ethiopian trees and local communities, highlighting the need for sustainable sourcing. Learn More
IKEA's 'Meeting Places' concept integrates shopping, living, and working spaces, exemplifying the trend towards mixed-use developments in retail. Learn More
Nespresso partners with HIVED to offer sustainable and convenient coffee deliveries in London using electric vehicles and eco-friendly practices. Learn More
Porsche and Puma collaborate to celebrate the 911 Turbo's 50th anniversary with a limited-edition sneaker collection, featuring 12 designs, each limited to 911 pairs. Learn More
Starbucks Japan’s anniversary celebration includes customizable tumblers with tiny aprons, adding a playful twist to the brand’s personalization offerings. Learn More
Nike’s museum exhibition, "Nike: Form Follows Motion," is on display at the Vitra Design Museum and chronicles Nike’s evolution from a small start-up to a global sports brand, highlighting key design milestones from the 1960s to today, including innovations like the Air sole and sustainable materials. Learn More
Decathlon has been running the Playgrounds to Podiums program, providing Australian schools with sports equipment to inspire youth engagement in sports. Learn More
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