Retail Innovation Week
Researched by Piers Fawkes and the PSFK iQ team. Includes a trends analysis on Intent Based Experiences, a Japan promo, a free download of a PSFK report & a reminder re. this week's meetup in NYC.
This Week’s Retail Innovation Case Studies
In this section of today’s retail innovation email, we will be showcasing a variety of progressive trends and projects shaping the retail industry.
Louis Vuitton’s New Retail Concept in Bangkok
Offers exclusive items, local art collaborations, and cultural experiences, blending luxury with local culture. Learn more
Hermès Unveils a Heritage-Themed Boutique in Kuala Lumpur
Reopened store showcases a design that merges local architecture and craftsmanship with the brand's luxury heritage, highlighted by a special window display inspired by traditional Malaysian puppet theatre, 'Wayang Kulit', with a contemporary twist. Learn more
Alliance Branded Lounge in Amsterdam
New branded lounge offering refined surroundings and a peaceful atmosphere for travelers. Learn more
Silencio Nightclub in New York
Blends art, luxury, and culture for an immersive experience for its patrons. Learn more
Beijing City Library by Snøhetta
A social and communal space with an otherworldly design, highlighting the evolving role of physical spaces. Learn more
Leica’s Immersive Flagship Store in NYC
Features a showroom, gallery, library, and photo studio for customers and creative professionals. Learn more
La Distillerie de l'Arbre Sec Atelier
Near the Louvre in Paris, visitors can engage in mixology workshops and create their own gin. Learn more
Coach Opens Cafe & Steak House in Jakarta
Luxury brand’s restaurant offers NY steakhouse and diner fare in a setting reflecting retail leatherwear codes and colors. Learn more
Walmart Partners with Wonder for In-Store Dining
Evolving in-store dining options with an indoor food hall offering multiple restaurant brands for delivery, pickup, or dine-in. Learn more
Culinary Gem in Lisbon Champions Zero-Waste Dining
Restaurant Sem in Lisbon offers a unique dining experience centered around zero waste and regenerative agriculture, featuring a menu influenced by local produce and creative reuse, complemented by eco-conscious design elements. Learn more
ICA Stop Supermarket in Sweden Rebrands Grocery Shopping
A newly refurbished supermarket rebrands grocery shopping as a colorful, enjoyable experience. Learn more
Rowse’s Plant-Based Beauty Boutique in Madrid
Beauty company transforms from e-commerce to retail by opening a boutique and wellness space. Learn more
The Bored Cuban - NFT and Cuban Culture Inspired Restaurant
Offers a creative menu, signature drinks, and a laid-back vibe, inspired by the Bored Ape NFT collection. Learn more
Hilton and AutoCamp provide Airstream Accommodations
Offers stylish Airstream accommodations and outdoor experiences with amenities and a national footprint. Learn more
Drone Burrito Delivery
Partnership between Manna Drones and Irish restaurant Boojum offers drone delivery for burritos in Dublin's Blanchardstown area. Learn more
Carvana Rolls Out Automated Car Vending Machine Concept
San Diego branch offfers a contactless and efficient way for customers to pick up purchased vehicles. Learn more
Authentic Brands Group - AI-Powered Shopping
Enhances personalization and search across its brand portfolio, including DC Shoes and Reebok, using Fast Simon's technology. Learn more
Outing - Social Marketplace for Group Outings
Outing simplifies planning by allowing users to book fun group activities like kayaking, pottery, private dinners, and karaoke in one place. Learn more
Sephora's Impact Summit for BIPOC Founders
Brings together BIPOC founders and industry leaders to discuss diversity and inclusion, fostering growth for Black-owned brands. Learn more
New York's Proposed Bill on Plastic Packaging
Aims to reduce plastic usage, impose fees, and ban toxic chemicals, promoting sustainable packaging options for retailers. Learn more
This Wednesday : Coffee & Chat Meet Up in NYC
PSFK and Spring Studios invite our communities to connect and discuss the practical uses of AI technology in our work. March 6th, Tribeca NYC. Everyone is welcome. Free to attend. Shouldn’t be too geeky.
This Week’s Trend: Intent Based Experiences
For the next few week’s, we’re sharing an extract from Piers Fawkes’ new 2025 trends report: Machine Thinking. In this thought piece, the PSFK and Broadmind.ai founder looks at the creation deeply personalized, intuitive digital experiences with AI-led interfaces.
At PSFK, we can sense a paradigm shift where we unshackle our machines from our historical perceptions of design. What if let the machines reimagine interaction with the unfiltered essence of human senses? Consider the possibilities: your device experience isn't a carbon copy of mine; it's a unique narrative, tailored to your sensory profile and personal quirks.
Why shouldn't our digital interfaces adapt to our individual visual experiences, ergonomic needs, or even our fluctuating moods? It's time for technology to become an intimate companion, attuned to our personal symphonies – from the unique hues we see to the private melodies we hear. Commenting recently, IDC analyst Francisco Jeronimo said, “The intelligent phone we will see in the future [will be a] a truly digital personal assistant where the phone adapts to your use…Over the last 10 years it was all about how many apps are available out there that can help us.Now? The fewer apps, the better the phone."
And we can see what Jeronimo means when we look at one of the ‘hits’ of CES2024: the Rabbit R1. At the convention, Rabbit Inc unveiled R1, an AI assistant with a pocket-friendly design. The device ignores classical UX and app experiences and can perform tasks like calling an Uber or making a restaurant reservation through voice commands and automated scripts called "rabbits."
Design is about to move beyond the rigidity of standardization to a fluid, real-time adaptability. This isn't just about creating accessible technology; it's about designing empathetic, personalized experiences. With AI as the conductor, we're on the cusp of transforming interfaces into deeply intuitive, inherently understanding extensions of our individual selves.
Adam Sheppard, an emerging technologies expert argues, “The future is what I call Intent-Based Computing. I express intent through whatever modality is most convenient for the context I’m in. This could be natural speech, a subtle gesture to a camera, or through some non-intrusive Brain-Computer Interface (BCI). From that input, an intelligent, hyper-personalized agent manifests the optimum outcome and expresses it back to me in the most optimum modality. … What will be certain is that I won’t have to wade through a myriad of disparate Apps, Websites, and User Interfaces to get stuff done.”
We’ve started to some early adoption of the Intent Based Experience philosophy. Google’s “circle to search” and Fiverr’s upcoming AI-personalization of its homepage are clear examples. Writing for 365 Retail, Terry Clark says it could intent bases experiences can creeping into many different categories - including gambling, “These technologies are completely changing the way users interact with the internet. AI is able to comprehend your preferences and learn about your gaming patterns in order to customise the gaming experience to your liking. It resembles having a personal concierge at a casino!”.
In this evolution of immersive interfaces, we're withnessing a redefinition of the boundaries of human-tech interaction. We're stepping into a future where technology isn't just a tool but a reflection of our diverse, multifaceted humanity.
Keep subscribed to this newsletter to receive an alert regarding the publication of ‘Machine Thinking’ to PSFK’s report library
Last Week’s Podcasts
Our Earnings Calls podcasts use AI Agents created by our Broadmind.ai team to extract business strategies, market trends and consumer insights from investor reporting. This week we published 3 minute audio clips with commentary on the following companies:
AMC Entertainment Holdings, Anheuser-Busch InBev, Aston Martin Lagonda Global Holdings, Beyond Meat, CAVA, eBay, FIGS, Fresh Del Monte Produce, Hilton Grand Vacations, Hims & Hers Health, Jack in the Box, Lenovo Group Limited, Mastercard, Planet Fitness, Urban Outfitters, Vita Coco, Virgin Galactic Holdings
Available for free on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
Download Our Analysis of 75 Earnings Calls in 2024
Now that we're 60+ days into 2024, how are businesses faring? Where are industries channeling their investments? Download our deck from LinkedIn!
This June: Make in Japan, Sell in NYC
Last Week’s Innovation Reports
Future Mobility Transformation: Product Evolution & Consumer Trends
Data-Driven Customer Acquisition & Retention Strategies in Food Service
AI Acceleration Strategies: Future-Proofing Tech Competitiveness
Operational Efficiency and Productivity Enhancement Strategies in Home Goods
Sustainable Business Evolution: EverGreen Strategy Implementation
Demographic-Focused Product Line Development Strategies in Fashion & Apparel
Profit Boost: Maximizing Market Expansion and Innovation in Food & Beverage
Read our sibling-newsletter: PSFK Weekly
Quotes Of Note
"I believe there is a lot to be gained from making vending machines a more accepted part of American retail. Establishing an entire store, or even just a section within a larger establishment, operated entirely by vending machines could significantly minimize the need for extensive staffing, especially at a time when many retail outlets are struggling with labor shortages."
Dan Doromal, co-owner and VP of operations, Everest Ice and Water Systems
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"Our focus on non-new and seasoned items, as well as our emphasis on refurbished goods and luxury, allows us to compete effectively and differentiate ourselves from low-price competitors. We have a unique advantage with our organic traffic, high customer lifetime value, and cross-category shopping. We continue to invest in AI technology and innovative features to drive frequency and engagement on the platform."
Jamie Iannone, CEO, eBay
Stat Of Note
Over 55% of UK consumers are spending more money in physical stores due to the return to office. Source
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Shoplifting in UK's small shops increased by more than fivefold last year. Source