Shows
The Advisor with Stacey Chillemi: Mindset & Self-ImprovementWant a Life of Freedom? Here's the Big Shift You Need!Are you feeling stuck and unsure of how to make the big shift in your life? Do you have a deep desire to break free from the status quo and pursue your passions, but something is holding you back? In this captivating episode, venture into the realm of personal growth and professional development with host Stacey Chillemi and guest Jean-Pierre Lacroix from SLD Inc. Explore the art of making profound shifts in both personal and professional life, unveiling invaluable strategies and practical tips that will empower and inspire you to confidently maneuver life's twists and turns....2025-01-2336 min
The Chris Voss ShowThe Chris Voss Show Podcast – Desire by Design: What Data-Driven Marketers Should Know About Driving Desire for Their Brands by Jean-Pierre LaCroix
Desire by Design: What Data-Driven Marketers Should Know About Driving Desire for Their Brands by Jean-Pierre LaCroix
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Conventional thinking has brands trying to give customers what they want. But what if wanting is no longer enough? A customer may want a great mobile phone, for example, and there are many options. But a huge majority will choose the now iconic iPhone, even waiting long hours in lines to purchase the latest model. This is not simply about wanting. Its about desire. The question for brand marketers is how to...2024-11-2729 min
Think RetailTackling The Billion-Dollar Returns Waste CrisisDiscover how industry leaders are innovating ways to give returns a second life and significantly reduce waste. This insightful panel session is moderated by Jean-Pierre Lacroix, president of SLD, with guest speakers Nancy Yousef, Chief Business Officer at Soles4Souls, and John D. Lee, President of JDL Associates. In this webinar, you will learn about:The key factors driving waste and its impact on retail performance How leading retailers are addressing this critical challenge The role of organizations like Soles4Souls in mitigating waste Six actionable strategies to transform returns and reduce waste Hosted...2024-09-1046 min
Bank Customer ExperienceHow to pull off a successful branch renovationBanks have been rethinking their branch strategies for some time. While some are downsizing their number of branches, others are renovating or constructing brand new branches. These branches need to be fully optimized to meet the needs of a changing audience. The first episode of the Bank Customer Experience Podcast explored the topic of branch renovations. Bradley Cooper, editor of ATM Marketplace, interviewed Jean-Pierre Lacroix, founder and president of design firm Shikatani Lacroix Design to learn more about how banks can discover the secret ingredients of branches to deliver the best return-on-experience for customers.During the podcast...2024-04-1220 min
INspired INsider Podcast[Top Agency Series] Powerful Retailer Business Design With Jean-Pierre Lacroix of Shikatani Lacroix DesignJean-Pierre Lacroix is the Founder and President of Shikatani Lacroix Design, an international design firm specializing in creating immersive experiences that connect in the blink of an eye. He is also a registered graphic designer in Ontario, a credential that demonstrates his professional standards and ethics. As a visionary leader with over three decades of experience in the branding and design industry, Jean-Pierre has helped Fortune 500 companies transform their brands and organizations through his unique “ThinkBlink” process, which combines strategic foresight, design innovation, and consumer experience engineering. He is also an accomplished speaker, author, and educator who has...2024-02-0150 min
Think RetailOvercoming Bad PressNo brand is immune to falling from grace even beloved brands have come under fire for both serious misconduct and things that are completely beyond their control. Some have managed to regain consumer confidence while others stumbled for years or even completely faltered. In today's conversation, we're talking about how brands need to address negative consumer perceptions. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2022-09-2920 min
Think RetailUnderstanding Customer SegmentationUnderstanding your target consumer is key to success, doesn't matter what industry you're in. With the many tools available today to gather data about consumers, the ability to create a clearer picture of your customers and how they might fall into different categories has never been stronger. However, it's difficult for most companies to make use of every tool available. That means we have to pick and choose which tactics we want to develop strong portraits of our consumer segments. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2022-09-0120 min
Think RetailSocial Media Trends in RetailSocial media is constantly evolving. Something as little as removing the number of likes can make a big difference in the way users respond to a post. Just when marketers feel like they figured it out, a new platform, a new trend, or a tweak to the algorithm switches it all up again. Today, we're talking about some of the newest trends in the world of social media and how brands can respond. And welcome, Matt Wilson, SLD's new digital communication specialist. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2022-07-1429 min
Think RetailBuilding Connection Through Community Post-COVIDThese days we're all a little bit sensitive, maybe a little more than ever, and we really need a sense of connection. Community is one of those words that can be misused, but one of the positive things that happened during the pandemic was community building. Whether it was in a branded virtual community like Peloton, a school discord server, or the conversion of outdoor spaces into more comfortable community gathering spots, we craved being together when we were suddenly separated.Today, we're talking to Ziyan Hossain, futurist and managing director of OCADU about community building...2022-05-2627 min
Think RetailThe Future of Retail in CommunitiesCOVID is no longer preoccupying our lives as it was three years ago. Now, the war in Ukraine and the destabilization of the world economy are creating more uncertainty. It may seem like there are just too many things to worry about. And for retail brands that have been anticipating a celebratory end of the pandemic, it might feel almost soul-crushing to be facing another major crisis.So how do you get yourself and your team back up on your feet and looking ahead to a positive future when things are so uncertain? Today, I'm speaking...2022-04-2831 min
Think RetailThe Future of the Hospitality IndustryEvery other day, you read a headline about labor shortages hurting restaurants and hospitality. In some places, companies are recruiting 14-year-olds, while others are offering big signing bonuses. Many restaurants are closing their doors several days a week because they don’t have enough staff to stay open, further hurting businesses that have managed barely to stay afloat during the pandemic. And government benefits that have supported those who’ve lost their jobs have ebbed away. So, why this dearth of workers? And why is it persisting? And if it continues, what does that mean for service?To...2022-02-0132 min
Think RetailBest Brand Stories of 2021At the end of the year, we like to regroup and look back at the big brand stories that caught our attention throughout the year. And this year was a particularly strange one. The pandemic experience has become regionalized and our appetite for doom scrolling has kind of disappeared. Political intrigues have been flying under the radar in spite of the efforts of social media, and the biggest communal problem the planet’s facing aside from the existential threat of climate change, which we appear to be unable to face, is one that most of us have never really th...2022-01-0732 min
Think RetailShowrooms, Flagships, and the Future of Destination ShopsRetail may have suffered a blow during the harshest times of the pandemic, but as we emerge in various stages around North America, people are heading back to stores, salons, restaurants, theaters, and malls. But are they shopping the way that they used to? A significant shift to e-commerce is not the only drastic change to consumer behavior that retailers are now facing. As people go back to the real world, another trend is emerging and that’s the destination shop. We’re talking about new flashy flagships, concept stores, showrooms. They’re changing the way we think about store...2021-12-0336 min
Think RetailThe Rise of Slow FashionFor many years, fast fashion was on top – cheap, ubiquitous, ripped from the runway designs that were so fast and easy they were literally designed to be disposable. However, the impact of this approach to clothing has come under intense criticism. From enormous quantities of product ending up in landfills to chemical dye pollution and unethical labor practices, the cost of fast fashion is adding up. For consumers and many in the industry, the cost of such an unsustainable model has inspired them to seek out other approaches now coming under the umbrella of slow fashion. Upcycling, thrift flips, re...2021-11-1729 min
Think RetailThe Future of E-Commerce for CPG BrandsEven though grocery stores remained open during lockdown, many people chose to do their grocery shopping online to avoid exposure to COVID. In fact, in SLD’s recent study on e-commerce for CPG brands, 69 percent of respondents said they shopped more online for groceries during the pandemic. For CPG brands, this news is not generally received with enthusiasm. The online shopping experience is extremely different from a shop in the store and options, such as saving your previous purchase list for reorder can make it harder for brands to be noticed. Some CPG brands are wading into the waters of dir...2021-10-2022 min
Think RetailHow to Empower Employees and Create a Culture of ChangeThe financial services industry has largely begun to undertake the work of transforming their customer experience model from physical branches to their digital experience, to at least some degree. However, to get the most out of these intensive projects, transforming the people who work in banks and how they work is just as critical as your app, your branch design, and marketing campaigns. When people are included in transformation, not only do financial brands get a better end result when it comes to the customer experience, but they’re better poised to fend off incoming disruptors. Tod...2021-09-3041 min
Think RetailSocial Justice and Brand BuildingOver the past few years, brands have more often ventured into the realm of social justice and politics, whether it’s Starbucks giving their entire retail network a day off to learn about racial equity, Dick’s Sporting Goods taking automatic guns and ammunition off their shelves, or beauty brands making a pledge to stop Photoshopping models, every day there’s another story about a company taking some sort of stand. Why is this happening, and does it build or harm brand equity? Today I’m chatting with Digital Marketing and Communication Strategist, Sebastian Maynard, about some of t...2021-08-1931 min
Think RetailWhy Authenticity and Inclusivity Must Go Hand-in-HandIn North America, demographic changes are creating a more diverse customer base. This means that brand strategy and marketing needs to become more inclusive quickly. But some marketers are nervous about making mistakes trying to speak to audiences with different experiences. Today, my guest is Puja Prakash – a graduate student at OCAD, completing her master's in Strategic Foresight. We’re going to talk about why this is so important to take on, and how to put yourself in the best possible position to be authentic and inclusive. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privac...2021-07-2325 min
Think RetailBusiness Leaders, Bold Thinkers, and the Brand of the FutureThe future is unfolding in real-time, all the time. But most retail brands are in a state of constant catch-up – just being at par before another innovation appears. This is partly the result of fast-moving times, but it’s also the result of an industry that has been somewhat lackadaisical about innovation.To really become a brand of the future, today’s guest sees audacious leadership as essential. Nancy Giordano is a strategic futurist, speaker, consultant, and author of Leadering, a book aimed at challenging leaders to be bolder in shaping the future – not only of their co...2021-06-2530 min
Think RetailThe Importance of Innovation and Design Thinking for BrandsInnovation and design thinking are new hot topics in board rooms these days, but anyone who has tried to make a company more innovative through strategic design knows that it’s really challenging. Newer companies that are starting off with innovation as a foundational principle have a big advantage over older organizations with legacy systems, ingrained cultural dynamics, and leadership who might understand the benefit but not really know where to begin.Today’s guest, Avi Raj, is a design strategist who understands how to connect the dots between design thinking, business, and digital experience. 2021-06-1117 min
Think RetailExploring the Possibilities of Augmented and Virtual RealityVirtual and augmented reality are two of the most exciting technological developments of the last 20 years. Already widely used as a training tool in the military, healthcare, professional sports, VR has many potential uses in a consumer-facing industry such as retail. Augmented reality is already sprouting up with fun extras like augmented packaging and practical uses such as wayfinding through a store or checking to see how an item of furniture might look in your living room. As exciting as these technologies are, a lot of us don’t really have a great understanding of the ful...2021-05-2827 min
Think RetailDiscussing SLD's DeepReal Study With Jean-Pierre LacroixThe rising concern about misinformation and fake news is a top concern of people around the world, whether we’re talking about Russian interference with foreign elections or an organic seal on a carton of milk. Skepticism is high and consumers expect it to become even harder to figure out what’s true in the future.Today, we’re talking to SLD’s president Jean-Pierre Lacroix about a recent study we conducted on the subject of why brands should be thinking about this and how they can become ambassadors of DeepReal in a DeepFake world. ...2021-05-1426 min
Think RetailThe Future of Distributing Regulated Products is Already HereIn a world where distribution channels are becoming more and more tailored to specific locations, consumers and products, technology is enabling innovation that would have been impossible only a few years ago. Today we’re speaking to Corey Yantha, CEO of Dispension Inc. about a very unique way to sell a specific kind of product and the potential application to a wide range of scenarios. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2021-04-3023 min
Think RetailLessons in How to Modernize Your Legacy BrandHere is a little trivia for you: what is the oldest and longest-surviving company in North America? Think the fur trade, striped, colourful blankets, and a coat of arms that features one fox, two elk and four beavers. Give up? It’s Hudson’s Bay, of course!Founded in 1670 with their first department store opening in 1881, The Bay now operates close to 100 locations across Canada along with a huge online store that ships across the country. From fashion apparel to home goods, whatever you want – The Bay probably has. But how can such an iconic brand stay r...2021-04-2320 min
NXTLVL Experience DesignEp.20 Making Customers Experiential Partners with Marcos Terenzio - VP of Creative & Strategy for iGotcha MediaAbout Marcos:Marcos’ LinkedIn Profile: linkedin.com/in/marcosterenzioWebsite: igotchamedia.comPhone Direct Line: 416.567.8957Email: marcos.terenzio@igotchamedia.com Twitter: marcosterenzioBio:Marcos Terenzio is an executive, strategist, artist, creative director, graphic designer & digital visionary. He brings 25 years of award winning experience creating integrated brand experiences for international fortune 500 clients. Marcos is a proven leader with a long history of delivering strategic and creative solutions, winning new business, building client relationships and increasing revenue. He has been focused in the retail sector for the past 15 year...2021-03-311h 05
Think RetailTrends in Online Social EngagementAt SLD, part of what we do is trends analysis. And since clients are always asking for our perspective on various emerging innovations and ideas, we thought we would make this part of what we share with you on the podcast. Today I’m joined by podcast producer and Digital Marketing Strategist, Sebastian Maynard - you may recognize his voice. And we’re focusing today on emerging trends in the realm of social engagement online. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2021-03-3118 min
Think RetailHow to Make Retail Jobs Fun AgainPeople are what make your company culture. Who are your people? This is the question I’m exploring today with retail HR specialist, Suzanne Sears. From emerging job descriptions and COVID shortages, to service excellence at the frontlines, in this episode we talk about how retail brands can become more future-focused by finding the right people for the right position. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2021-03-1224 min
Think RetailTraining Your Staff To Become Better LeadersIt has been quite telling over the years working with retail brands, whenever you bring up the subject of employee engagement, it’s usually not a top priority. Everybody is so focused on e-commerce and social media that employees are often treated as an afterthought. And while digital is, of course, critical for any brand in bricks and mortar retail, people are the power behind real success. So why aren’t retail leaders more focused on leadership? April Sabral has had a long career in retail leadership with companies such as Banana Republic, Starbucks, and Apple. She’s...2021-02-2229 min
Think RetailBringing Optimism to Your Marketing and CommunicationsA big buzzword for 2021 is optimism. Politicians, marketers, and even celebrities are cheering the world on as vaccination efforts roll out. And while the end of the pandemic may still be further away than we’d like, at least an end is in view. How does this relate to the retail experience? As we all know, shopping hasn’t exactly been a fun experience lately. It’s felt more like a military operation at times. That being said, wherever brands can bring a little bit of joy into their messaging and store experience, it will be most welcome. 2021-02-0535 min
Think RetailHow to Get Customers to Fall in Love With Your StoreHow to get more people into your store is a question that retailers both big and small have been asking since the dawn of e-commerce. Add Amazon, a pandemic, direct to consumer online brands and a smartphone in the hand of nearly every consumer in North America, and the answer seems less clear still.Mark Kinsley and Mark Quinn (also known as Dos Marcos) are both veterans in the retail industry and have written a book on this very subject. Come Back to Bed is a joint effort, bringing their expertise and experience in the mattress indus...2021-01-1937 min
Think RetailLooking Ahead to 2021 with the SLD TeamAt the end of every year, it’s tradition to reflect on the things we’ve loved, hated, and what we’re looking forward to for the coming year. 2020 was obviously pretty unusual, and although 2021 promises to be an improvement, it will also certainly be a year to remember. Today, I’m talking to some designers and thinkers from the SLD team about trends in design, technology, marketing, and culture – the good, the bad, and what’s next. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2020-12-2120 min
Think RetailThe Ever-Evolving World of Digital MarketingTikTok and Snapchat, Google’s antitrust lawsuit, AOC versus Zuckerberg, it seems like every day there’s a new factor that could change digital marketing, making it a moving target for brand marketers. With so much to stay up to date on, it can be hard to know where to focus your efforts. Luckily, our guest today lives and breathes the world of digital marketing.Martin Waxman is a digital and social media strategist who also teaches at the Schulich School of Business, Seneca College and McMaster University. And we’re going to talk about the shifti...2020-12-0726 min
Think RetailWhy Now Is The Time To Embrace a Bank TransformationThe word transformation gets bounced around a lot, and like any other word that starts to become part of our marketing vernacular, it can start to lose its true meaning. That being said, when it comes to what’s happening in the world of retail banking, there really isn’t a better word to describe what’s going on. For banks leading this revolution, we’re seeing fundamental shifts in their model that are truly transformative. But for many banks, catching up with digital innovations has been enough of a challenge, and if you add COVID on top of that, it...2020-11-2522 min
Think RetailWhat Artificial Intelligence Means for Retail DesignOne of the buzziest and most debated tech terms of the last 5 to 10 years is artificial intelligence. To start off with, what does the term artificial intelligence actually mean? If you just Google “define artificial intelligence,” you’ll discover that even computer scientists and engineers don’t entirely agree on what to call everything that fits under the AI umbrella. And when it comes to putting it to use, there’s even less clarity. For retail brands, many of whom may be sitting on a lot of consumer data, understanding what options are available now, and what could be relevant to...2020-11-1024 min
Think RetailThe Three Pillars to Fostering Retail PrideWhat was your first job? Mine was as a teller at a big box store and there’s a very good chance your first job was also in retail. Maybe you were a busboy at a restaurant, or you bagged groceries or sold shoes at the mall. The retail industry is massive. In the U.S. one in four jobs are retail jobs. And yet working in retail is often seen as a default, not a choice to be lauded. Today’s guest, Ron Thurston, has had a long career in retail, starting off as a part...2020-10-2227 min
Think RetailDigital Ecosystems and the Future of Retail and BankingDigital transformation was something retail organizations and financial institutions were already talking about before COVID hit. The pandemic has accelerated the trend and brought with it more challenges that were not anticipated. While brands have adopted many makeshift processes and systems to address these needs, companies are now wondering what’s going to stick after the pandemic. Today, our guests are going to provide some context to help answer that question. Stuart Armstrong is Chief Revenue Officer at JohnRyan and is a leading figure in customer engagement and digital signage technologies with a focus on how the...2020-10-0829 min
Think RetailHow Experiential Design Can Help Tell Your Brand StoryAny branded environment tells a story and a big part of that story is visual. Today, we’re talking to Cybelle Jones, CEO of SEGD, a not-for-profit professional organization for designers from all over the world who focus on shaping content-rich experiential spaces. Trained as an architect, she’s worked on many projects that involve historical and cultural environments such as galleries and museums, as well as working with brands to create memorable, interactive experiences. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2020-09-3024 min
Think RetailWhy Your Sales Staff Need to Be OnlineAs disruption from the pandemic rises and falls in waves around the globe, retail brands are pivoting their business to try and make up for related sales losses. Many brands were in good shape to manage this with robust digital and omnichannel ecosystems already in place. Many luxury brands, however, were not as well prepared. Heavily reliant on an in-store, really personal customer experience model, luxury brands in North America are now scrambling. A drastically changed in-store experience, the loss of tourists from Asia, and inexperience in the digital realm are some of the key challenges they’re facing....2020-09-1528 min
Think RetailWill COVID-19 Be The Demise of Cash?Today, we’re talking about cash. Is it going to go away completely? Is it unhygienic? Should retailers still allow cash payments, or is it okay to push consumers towards cards and digital-only? Today, our President Jean-Pierre Lacroix is talking to David Fagleman, Director at Enryo, a consultancy firm in the UK that helps support financial services in times of change. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2020-08-3119 min
Think RetailTips for Running a Successful Brainstorm SessionBrainstorming is a practice that most businesses need to employ from time to time, but it’s not as simple as just getting a bunch of people together with a whiteboard and some sticky notes. It’s a real skill. It requires a lot of preparation, guidance, structure and a plan. You need to be able to help the team focus but also be creative. Brainstorming sessions can be invigorating and exciting, if not challenging. And with work from home being an ongoing reality, brainstorm sessions might seem impossible to manage. In this episode we speak with...2020-08-1414 min
Think RetailHow Sports Teams Create a Sense of BelongingFor sports teams, the brand is everything, it’s massive. Fan behavior in which individuals feel their own self-identity is intertwined with a team, even to the extent that the team’s performance is felt on a deeply personal level, has been widely studied by psychologists and academics and has driven sales of billions of dollars of merchandise around the world. But relying on diehard fans for sales is limiting. Today, we’re talking to professional sports team brand expert, Anthony Partipilo, the Chief Brand Officer for the Saskatchewan Roughriders, about why sports teams need to reach b...2020-07-2417 min
Think RetailWhat COVID-19 Means for the Fashion IndustryWe all know COVID has changed the game for many retail categories. Some have been obvious winners and others are feeling extremely strained. For the fashion industry, some are saying the pandemic may be a day of reckoning. Today, we’re talking to iconic Canadian fashion designer, David Dixon, and his brother, interior designer, Glenn Dixon about the silver lining and how smart brands can use this as an opportunity to leap into the future. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2020-07-1329 min
Think RetailChange Management and Creating a Unified BrandThe perks of operating your own independent business are often outweighed by the enormous burdens that come along with it. You become a de facto marketer, administrator, HR specialist. You work incredibly long hours and no matter what category you’re in, you’re facing increasing competition, both for clients and talent from larger organizations. For the Canadian Orthodontic Partners, the burden on independent orthodontic practices presented an opportunity. Founded by orthodontists, the organization has brought an initial 51 independent orthodontic practices under one banner in a new national brand. Today, we’re talking to Paul Abrams, Vi...2020-06-2623 min
Think RetailDesign Thinking and the Future of BankingDesign Thinking is a term that many of us have heard, but what exactly does it mean, and how can financial brands benefit from this approach?Today we’re speaking with Janet Jones, a design thinker with an incredible range of experience in design, strategy, and innovation about design thinking for financial brands. Janet’s experience includes 25 years of interior design, as well as working as a strategic foresight consultant and an instructor in foresight and design, at OCAD. This experience led to working directly with financial brands as an innovator and the first design strategist with...2020-06-1527 min
Think RetailExploring the How and Why of Biometric SecurityIn the financial industry, security is paramount. As the world moves online and technology becomes more sophisticated, so do hackers and scams. The advantages of leveraging technology have just skyrocketed with the impact of COVID-19, but preventing systems breaches can make the difference between customer loyalty and customer attrition. In China, biometric security is rapidly being adopted as a safe and easy way to handle financial transactions securely. Will COVID-19 be the thing that pushes North American banks to begin implementing these security measures on a wide scale?In this episode, we speak with Nick Hallas...2020-05-2922 min
Think RetailThe Highs and Lows of the Legal Cannabis IndustryAs cannabis legalization sweeps through North America there’s been a corresponding race for brands entering the market in what has amounted to a gold rush turn green. And Organigram is one such brand, they’ve been in the market from the time that medical cannabis became legal in Canada in 2013 and they now offer a range of brands including that medical line Organigram, and recreational lines Edison, Edison Reserve, ANKR and Trailblazer.Ray Gracewood is the SVP of Marketing and Communications for Organigram and he’s going to tell us about the roller coaster ride at the...2020-05-1419 min
Think RetailStrategic Foresight and How It Can Help BrandsA field of study that previously was seen as something of an academic niche is now emerging as a key tool that can help brands not only stay relevant, but if leveraged to its full extent, can even help them leapfrog ahead and become leaders. That field is strategic foresight and future studies.Today, we’re talking to Foresight Strategist Robert Bolton to understand exactly what strategic foresight is and how it can help brands. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2020-04-2336 min
Think RetailDiscussing SLD's Future Readiness ReportIn this episode, Jean-Pierre Lacroix, President of SLD speaks with Manpreet Juneja, a Design Strategist at SLD about a study we recently conducted on the subject of future readiness and strategic foresight. The study asked brands to consider the subject of the future and how well prepared they think their organization is to cope with change. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2020-04-2316 min
Think RetailHow AI Can Help Retailers Navigate Through COVID-19With economies in a fragile state due to COVID-19, many are wondering what Q2 and Q3 will look like, or if they’re even going to have a job. Retail brands that have incorporated AI are faring better. Today we speak with Max Peiro, CEO of Re-Hub about how Chinese companies have used innovation to get through this difficult time, and what the rest of the world can learn from their experiences. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2020-04-0720 min
Think RetailCommunicating With Customers During COVID-19As retail brands are forced to close their doors in an attempt to slow the spread of COVID-19, many are understandably concerned about the impact this is going to have on their business. In times like this, it’s still important, or maybe more important than ever, to keep the lines of communication open with customers. Despite retail locations shutting down left, right, and center, retailers need to be creative in maintaining relationships with their customer base, positioning themselves as part of their communities and offering help in any way they can. Today, we’re speaking to Scott McArthur of Statf...2020-03-2515 min
Think RetailThe Evolving Definitions of Beauty and LuxuryAlmost every retail category has been transformed by technology, social media, and the mainstreaming of progressive social attitudes. But for the luxury beauty industry, the change has been more long coming than for others and it’s been revolutionary. Up until the past few years, luxury beauty focused on the narrow idea that affluent white women were their one and only target market. Models were almost always thin, white, and young. However, the shift over the last decade has been remarkable. The very idea of beauty and luxury are being redefined by younger generations who’ve never even flipped through an e...2020-03-1227 min
Think RetailWhy Design Deserves a Seat at the TableFor the majority of indie start-up brands, design seems like something of a luxury. Indie operators end up doing a lot of the work on their own, relying on an ad hoc internet education to patch together something that feels like an image. Once they grow and have a bit of money, then investing in design might be on the table. Local Toronto brand Pilot Coffee Roasters took a different approach. They were fortunate enough to have today’s guest, Creative Director Michelle Wilkin, as part of the family, and as such, Pilot has been in a unique position to be...2020-02-2722 min
Think RetailThe Future of Interactive Customer ExperiencesEvery new year brings the promise of new, magical, game-changing digital innovation. But what we expect from technology doesn’t always deliver quite the way we want it to. As retailers consider the expansion of 5G, AR, VR, and artificial intelligence, there are a lot of promises. But what will they actually deliver? In this episode we speak with Christopher Hall, Managing Director of the ICX Association, about five big tech promises for 2020, and whether he thinks they’re going to live up to the hype. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2020-02-1829 min
Think RetailLuxurious vs. Value Experiences in FoodserviceIn this episode, SLD's Jean-Pierre Lacroix has a conversation with Simon Stenning, a consultant who works exclusively in the foodservice and hospitality sector, providing brands with actionable market intelligence. Simon’s background includes working with huge names like Hilton and Compass. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2020-01-3124 min
Think RetailDesigning for Generation ZFor years now, Millennials have been the most researched and targeted demographic group in the history of brand marketing. Today, Millennials are approaching middle age, and as their needs shift, Generation Z is stepping into the spotlight. Born in the late 1990s and early 2000s, they’re now coming of age and represent 25 percent of the U.S. population, making them bigger than Boomers or Millennials. Today, we’re talking to VP and Managing Director of our New York City office, Janice Jaworski, about designing for Gen Z. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2020-01-0215 min
Think RetailLessons in Updating Your Retail Store ExperienceMen’s apparel has undergone major shifts as workwear becomes more casual and at the same time more men are interested, or at least curious about being fashionable. So how then do you take a classic menswear brand into the future? Today we’re talking to Lance Itkoff, CEO of the iconic men’s wear brand Tip Top. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2019-12-1622 min
Think RetailWhy the Bank Branch is Still RelevantRetail banks have spent years catching up with the wave of technological advances that shook the industry with the impact of startup fintech companies. Now that the dust is settling and most large banks are well on their way to providing seamless digital banking solutions, what will differentiate one bank from another? How will retail banks deal with branches once we can all do our banking from our cell phones? Today we’re talking with Chris Stamper–who’s spent over 30 years in the retail banking industry–about the future of retail banks. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privac...2019-11-1519 min
Think RetailThe Keys to a Bespoke Apparel ExperienceThere was a time when everybody made their own clothes or had them made by a tailor or seamstress. You had only a few things in your wardrobe, but they fit you perfectly and were made to last. Fast forward to today, we’ve got ubiquitous, cheap, fast clothing in abundance but there’s a wave rising up in the world of fashion and its name is personalization and it signifies a change. It’s not always pertaining to tailoring per se, but the idea that clothes are made especially for the individual is one that’s resonating again.2019-11-0430 min
Think RetailRetail Trends To Keep an Eye OnTrends come and some go while others mark permanent industry shifts. It can be hard to figure out when to invest in a new idea and when to walk away. In this episode, we speak with Janet Groeber, Director of the Retail Design Institute and Susan Reda, VP of Education Strategies from the National Retail Federation about what’s hot now and what has legs. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2019-10-2229 min
Think RetailThe Store as a Media ChannelPhysical stores have the potential to become the most powerful media channel available to brands, but it requires that everything about the physical store, how it’s planned, located, designed, staffed, and measured must be re-engineered. Today we speak with futurist, author, businesses advisor, and the founder and president of Retail Prophet, Doug Stephens. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2019-09-2526 min
Think RetailPart 2: Artificial Intelligence and the Retail IndustryWe’re back with Kunal Chopra for Part 2 of our discussion about artificial intelligence. In Part 1, Kunal defined artificial intelligence and gave us a high level understanding of what it. Now we’re going to talk about the application of artificial intelligence to the world of retail. In this episode, Kunal is going to tell us what’s possible now, who’s doing a great job using artificial intelligence, and what to look out for in the future. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2019-09-1221 min
Think RetailPart 1: Artificial Intelligence and the Retail IndustryWhen you hear the words “artificial intelligence,” what pops into your mind? Maybe you think about Westworld or self-driving cars or robot soldiers, maybe chatbots or video game characters. But what exactly constitutes AI? Today we’re talking to Kunal Chopra, a business transformation and management consultant who specializes in optimizing delivery models. This is going to be a two-part series about AI, and this episode we will discuss what AI is, and what it isn't. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2019-09-1213 min
Think RetailHow Telco Companies Can Remain RelevantCable, internet, and mobile phones have been the bread and butter of telcos for many years, however, growth in these categories is dwindling and brands are beginning to feel the heat. Today, we speak to Will Gibson, a telco retail and marketing expert who’s seen the industry shift from his days at Blockbuster to becoming an award-winning speaker, thought leader, and retail futurist. He’s going to tell us what he sees as a threat to the future of telcos, and how brands can pivot and stay relevant. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more inform...2019-08-2920 min
Think RetailCreating the Holy Trinity of Restaurant ExperiencesRestaurateurs know that although the food is critical, it’s only one of the factors that determines success. In this extraordinarily competitive market, the guest experience has always mattered and today it’s more important than ever. Whether your restaurant brand is fun and raucous or elegant and luxurious, paying attention to every point along the guest’s journey is not optional anymore. Today we’re speaking to Anna Neri, a branding specialist who’s worked with food service brands for over 10 years, about how restaurateurs can up their game with the guest experience. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/p...2019-08-2123 min
Think RetailWhy Should Consumers Share their Data with You?Every retail brand on the planet is talking about consumer data and it’s being pitched as the magical key to personalization, which in turn promises greater loyalty and repeat purchases. Having Amazon prompt you to repurchase an item like toilet paper might seem innocuous and maybe even helpful. However, the line between personalized and downright creepy is one that brands need to pay closer attention to, especially as laws in Europe and Canada are beginning to protect consumer data. In this episode, we speak to Jeff Hirsch, founder and president of The Right Brain Studio, and professor at the Univ...2019-07-2425 min
Think RetailWhat's Next for the Foodservice Industry?Foodservice brands–from small mom-and-pop shops to multinational chains–have been learning to adapt more quickly in an age where everything’s moving at lightning speed. Just when you think you’ve got a handle on things, ‘Boom!’ along come Foodora and Uber Eats and you’re back to the drawing board with another disruptive challenge. One of the ways foodservice brands can cope with change is by getting ahead of it. In this episode, we speak with PepsiCo's Senior Director of Global Marketing, Nancy Rooney, about the future of foodservice. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more informa2019-07-1525 min
Think RetailLegal Cannabis and the Retail ExperienceAll across North America, the decriminalization or legalization of cannabis has given birth to a brand-new industry, and in many places you can now easily purchase cannabis online or in a store. Today we’re speaking to Steffen Schenk from mīhī cannabis. He’s the SVP of Customer Experience, and we are going to talk about how you create a customer-centric retail experience for a product that has been underground for as long as any of us can remember. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more info...2019-06-2517 min
Think RetailThe Future of Fashion RetailWe all know that fashion changes over time but what about the business model for fashion retailers? For a long time, it was a simple process. Customers go to a store, try something on and hopefully make a purchase. However, this is no longer the case as online shopping and subscription and rental services allow customers to shop from the comfort of their home. While the rising consumer activism has meant that customers aren’t always willing to support a company whose ethics do not match their own. In this episode, we speak with with Joe Mimran, the co-founder of ico...2019-06-2522 min
Think RetailCan Brands Be Heroes?Consumers are more empowered and educated than they’ve ever been throughout the history of modern capitalism. They want to know where their shoes are made, how their coffee was grown, and what conflicts their diamonds might have created, and they can find out in a matter of seconds. Environmental sustainability is a key issue that threatens to disrupt the entire planet and younger generations increasingly see this as a top concern. Designer and co-founder of the houseware brand Umbra, Paul Rowan, sees this as an opportunity for companies to step out of their role as sell...2019-06-1113 min
Think RetailHow Independent Retailers are Excelling at Customer ExperienceIs bigger always better? Large retailers with multiple locations and a global reach seemingly have infinite capital and resources, but this can come at a cost. The decision makers in these companies are often far removed from their customers, and any initiative to lead change can be met with differing opinions and agendas. Those smaller, independent retailers are faced with their own challenges. They generally have the power to implement change quickly and use firsthand insights into what their customers want and need. Today, we talk about why independent retailers are winning at customer experience. Hosted on Acast. S...2019-05-2714 min
Think RetailBeyond Materials: Sustainability in PackagingThe environmental impact of plastic packages has become an issue customers, brands and governments can no longer ignore. The EU is poised to ban certain single-use plastics within a few years, and other governments are exploring similar policies as we speak. Younger consumers place an even higher importance on environmental issues, making this an important problem for brands to solve. Companies know this, but there isn’t a perfect solution – at least not yet. Today we are speaking to James Downham, President & CEO, PAC Packaging Consortium, who has spent a great deal of time and energy studying this issue, about the op...2019-05-1319 min
Think RetailWhy Brands Need to Start Thinking About the MoonWhat was once thought of as pure fantasy is no longer a far-fetched idea – humans inhabiting other planets and bodies in space. NASA is running a design competition for houses that could be 3D printed on Mars. Elon Musk’s SpaceX promises to take tourists on private trips to the moon in the near future. It’s just a matter of time before brands get involved as part of a new “space race.” Nike designing the hottest space suits? Kraft Heinz creating space food? In this episode, SLD’s Executive Vice President of Design and Innovation, Richard Dirstein, discusses whether or not brands s...2019-04-2920 min
Think RetailHow Neuromarketing is Changing the Retail IndustryRetail brands know the key to success is understanding what the customer really wants – ideally before they even know they want it. Market research and consumer data analysts all promise to help retailers answer this tricky question. Most techniques rely on direct consumer feedback – and this may sound reasonable, but the results aren't always accurate. What if, however, you could actually look inside the customers’ mind, beyond their preconceived ideas or biases, to what really captures their attention? That is the promise of neuromarketing – research that measures consumers’ physiological responses to brands, providing a window into their true feelings and reactions...2019-04-0821 min
Think RetailRetail: Plugged or Unplugged?Technology has changed the retail landscape dramatically over the past 10 years, so much so that many people proclaimed digital shopping would kill retail altogether. In reality, technology has enabled retailers to connect with consumers better than ever before, and for those brands willing to innovate, it has provided them with a significant advantage in the physical store. But with so many options, it can be overwhelming trying to determine what digital solutions will actually provide an experience customers really want. Executed poorly, technology can become a high-cost/low-return experiment that is quickly outdated. Today we talk to Marcos Terenzio, our...2019-03-1422 min
Think RetailThe Impact of Social Media on FoodservicePosting food images on social media has extended the communal aspect of preparing, presenting and eating food beyond the table. For foodservice brands it offers a powerful way to deliver the drool factor right to customer’s phones. Will this powerful trend continue? How can foodservice brands, small and large, take advantage of #foodporn now, and where will instagrammable food go next? Today, we talk with Helen Langford, who has worked with foodservice brands both large and small for many years – she doesn’t like the term “food porn” but she has a lot to say about how brands can elevate the...2019-03-1416 min
Where We Buy: Retail Real Estate with James CookBuilding Stores for the Future (with Jean-Pierre Lacroix) - Where We Buy #49Jean-Pierre "JP" Lacroix of Shikatani Lacroix Design shows how technology has blurred the lines between the physical and digital world, both in the store and in the retail design process. The firm uses VR tools to do fast iterative design of retail environments and test them with customers. A hip redesign of the urban Toronto flagship of the Canadian casual chain Boston Pizza with an eye to creating an enviable sports fan experience.2017-11-3024 min