Retail Innovation Week
Researched by Piers Fawkes of PSFK. Monday, November 18
Retail is evolving faster than ever, driven by innovative experiences, sustainability, and digital transformation. This week’s roundup highlights standout strategies shaping the future of commerce—from immersive retail pop-ups and gamified booths to cutting-edge metaverse platforms and eco-conscious store designs. Each story reveals opportunities for brands and retailers to captivate audiences, streamline operations, and redefine consumer engagement.
And before we start, to remind you of:
Piers Fawkes and the PSFK team can help your organization find real and original opportunity in this ocean of ideas. DM him via piers@psfk.com
Retail Innovation Stories
InterContinental Singapore’s Champagne Drive-Through
This innovative luxury drive-through offers a selection of over 30 high-end Champagnes, blending convenience with indulgence. Learn More
IKEA Celebrates FRAKTA in London
IKEA’s pop-up celebrates the iconic FRAKTA bag, showcasing its cultural significance and versatility through immersive installations. Learn More
VARIO Flagship in Shanghai
Blending Haipai culture with Western design, VARIO’s flagship offers handcrafted sculptures and modern aesthetics for an immersive shopping experience. Learn More
Instacart’s Gamified Booth at Groceryshop
Instacart wowed attendees with a custom Plinko game and interactive walk-through, showcasing gamification’s potential in retail engagement. Learn More
Walmart’s Metaverse Holiday Updates
Walmart enhances its metaverse platform with immersive experiences, offering shoppers unique ways to engage with holiday gifts. Learn More
Google’s Enhanced Shopping Tools
Google upgrades its shopping tools, combining improved product research and streamlined payments for an effortless online and in-store experience. Learn More
East Fork’s Brooklyn Store
Pottery brand East Fork debuts in Brooklyn with exclusive home goods and workshops, fostering community engagement. Learn More
By Rotation’s Sustainable Fashion Pop-Up
Promoting sustainable fashion, By Rotation’s Mayfair pop-up merges rentals and resale with designer items and a thriving digital community. Learn More
Ortensia Restaurant in Shanghai
This French-Japanese restaurant pairs dynamic interiors with exquisite cuisine, featuring a central floral installation and gradient lighting. Learn More
MetaGalaxy’s Creative Office in Shanghai
MetaGalaxy revitalizes two historic buildings in Shanghai, creating a hub for cross-disciplinary collaboration and design innovation. Learn More
Lemaire’s Chengdu Store
Blending Parisian elegance with local aesthetics, Lemaire’s Chengdu debut reflects deep consumer insights and a commitment to authenticity. Learn More
More Links of Inspiration
BMW Group is automating driving capabilities, setting benchmarks in digitalization and robotics.
Uber launches XXL service for travelers needing extra trunk space during the holidays.
McKinsey’s Lilli AI platform emphasizes robust design and high-quality data inputs.
Accenture and Nvidia team up to scale AI agents for enterprises.
Zara’s Birmingham flagship store focuses on waste-reducing and eco-friendly designs.
Levi’s expands in Canada with a focus on e-commerce and sustainability.
The UN struggles with global plastic pollution collaboration.
InterContinental Singapore’s Champagne drive-through modernizes luxury.
Diageo consolidates rare spirits and luxury brand experiences.
Walmart’s retail media benefits from ad buyer interest as an Amazon alternative.
Target struggles with inflationary pressures and consumer spending shifts.
Personal care products with ‘forever chemicals’ pose risks for pregnant women.
Erewhon enters sexual wellness market with Dakota Johnson’s brand, Maude.
Hellmann's launches Mayonnaise Blanc for personal holiday gifts.
Kraft Heinz launches Everything Bagel Mac & Cheese flavor chosen by fans.
Gap Inc. revitalizes with improved brand relevance and operational focus.
Marathon running surges among Gen Z during the post-pandemic fitness boom.
Flying Tiger Copenhagen's loyalty app enhances shopper engagement.
Ralph Lauren modernizes holiday windows with AI-powered displays.
Southwest Airlines struggles to adapt to changing consumer expectations and market conditions.
Sony faces challenges keeping consumer excitement alive for new camera releases.
Study highlights societal pressure and fear caused by violent clips on social media.
Study shows that shoppers who walk contribute more to local economies than those arriving by car.
Decline in honesty values among younger generations points to cultural shifts.
Channel 4 and Domino's humorous spa-themed ad campaign features pizza facials and enemas.
A renter scoring firm settles over allegations of discriminatory algorithms.
Amazon’s warehouse robots face challenges matching human flexibility and expertise.
The Trade Desk shakes up the advertising industry with new CTV offerings.
AI-driven shopping agents revolutionize retail personalization and engagement.
A Sample of Stories from our PSFK Weekly newsletter
Beyond Perception Exhibit, NYC
An innovative exhibit combining physical objects and their digital twins to explore self-discovery and societal reflection Learn More
Trek x Pantone Limited Edition Bicycle
A stylish bicycle inspired by the colors of the night sky, merging Pantone’s design expertise with Trek’s craftsmanship. Learn More
Movie Chocolate
Milk chocolate bars wrapped like movie tickets bring a playful twist to snacking at the theater. Learn More
Last Week’s Video / Next Week’s Webinar
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Flooding the Channels of event content - How and Why:
From Broadmind: Earnings Call Analysis & Vendor Opportunities
Interviews & Speeches We’re Tracking
Verizon Dials Up Ambition: 100 Million Homes in Broadband Crosshairs
Verizon details its strategy to expand broadband reach to 100 million homes, focusing on innovation and connectivity. Learn More
Logitech CFO Charts Path Beyond China and Consumer Markets
Logitech discusses its growth strategies focused on diversification and technological advancements beyond its core markets. Learn More
Carvana CFO Maps Out Tech-Driven Growth Path at RBC Conference
Carvana outlines its vision for tech-enhanced operations and growth strategies at the RBC Capital Markets Conference. Learn More
CVS Health CFO Maps Out Tech-Driven Pricing Revolution
CVS Health shares insights on leveraging technology to revolutionize healthcare pricing and accessibility. Learn More
J&J Pumps Up Cardiovascular Innovation Plans at Stifel Conference
Johnson & Johnson highlights its focus on innovation in cardiovascular health during the Stifel Healthcare Conference. Learn More
GM Charts EV Course: CFO Details Growth and Tech Strategy at Barclays Conference
General Motors shares plans for advancing electric vehicle development and growth strategies at the Barclays Conference. Learn More
Discover's Bold Move: CMO Jen Murillo Unveils Strategy to Reshape Card Acceptance Perception Discover’s CMO outlines plans to improve card acceptance and elevate the brand’s consumer perception. Learn More
Glassdoor CEO Reveals Remote Work Strategy and Future of Job Market Transparency
Glassdoor's CEO discusses the future of remote work and strategies to improve transparency in the job market. Learn More
Red Lobster CEO Charts Course for Revival: Menu Overhaul and Refined Dining Experience at Forefront Red Lobster shares a vision for revival with a focus on menu innovation and enhanced dining experiences. Learn More
GuocoLand CEO Reveals Strategy: Simplicity and Integration Drive Success in Real Estate GuocoLand's CEO emphasizes simplicity and integrated design as the keys to success in real estate development. Learn More
California Pizza Kitchen Serves Up Fresh Marketing Strategy to Reignite Brand
California Pizza Kitchen’s CMO discusses new partnerships and marketing efforts to drive brand growth. Learn More
Kraft Heinz CMO Reveals Recipe for Marketing Success: Balancing Creativity and Business Objectives
Kraft Heinz’s CMO outlines a strategy that combines creative branding with strong business outcomes. Learn More
Targeting the Future of Marketing Strategies Across Industries
Executives and CMOs share unique insights across industries, providing an overview of innovative marketing and leadership strategies. Learn More