What comes to mind when one hears "Retail Innovation Lab"? Many will imagine a generic space with row upon row of shelves set to perfection, devoid of any missing SKU, complete with POP and impressive yet unrealistic endcaps and feature displays. This isn't the case at LAB9, Nestlé Purina's cutting-edge innovation center. LAB9 was designed […]
Vertical: Retail
Generation Alpha Shaping the Future
Born between 2015 and 2023, Generation Alpha is not just the largest generation in history but also the most diverse. With an expected economic impact of nearly $5.5 trillion by 2029, they are already exerting significant influence on the world. Growing up alongside the iPad and Instagram, they are digital natives who are quick to […]
Slow Retail; A New Way Forward
You Win. You Lose. Fast. One retail phenomenon that has become increasingly apparent with the passing of each quarter is the bifurcation of retail into clear winners and losers. The delta between those categories gets bigger and bigger every season as well. We all know who the winners are: Amazon (to put it mildly), Walmart, […]
Balancing Authenticity and Innovation at the Fast Company Innovation Festival
Attending the Fast Company Innovation Festival in New York City was nothing short of inspiring. Marking its 10th anniversary, the festival brought together some of the most creative and driven minds, from industry disruptors to innovators championing new ideas. For us, it was a chance to attend panels, workshops, and discussions with a common thread […]
How WD, Ingka and IKEA are Turning Climate Ambitions into Action
Real Change Begins With Real Action At WD Partners, we’ve long championed circularity, not just in merchandise but in how we envision the future of retail. For the last few years, we’ve had the privilege of working with the Ingka Group and IKEA on ideas for a more sustainable future, allowing us to dive deeper […]
Elevating Retail with Service-Centric Research
Shopping in store is more than a transaction—it's an experience that can transform everyday errands into meaningful moments. At the heart of this experience is customer service, which plays a critical role in shaping how shoppers perceive and interact with a brand. That said, great service is the key to turning one-time shoppers into loyal […]
Celebrating 25 Years of Partnership with The Home Depot
Our 25-year relationship with The Home Depot is a story of collaboration, innovation, and growth. What began as a partnership focused on supporting their rapid expansion across the United States has evolved into a trusted, strategic relationship that continues to shape the future of retail design and development. In the early days of our partnership, […]
Rethinking Store Formats
Gone are the days when a single store prototype defined a brand's innovation. Today, brands need to recognize that a one-size-fits-all approach isn't sustainable. Different locations and market dynamics demand tailored experiences that deliver greater brand impact. It's about evolving from the rinse-and-repeat store model to a more strategic, tiered approach that considers market nuances […]
What Does WD Do?
If you've made it to this article, you've at least heard of WD Partners, but what exactly do we do? Let's take you through how we bring ideas to life, create extraordinary experiences, and ensure that everything runs smoothly—all under one roof. The Power of Integration At WD, we're not just about ticking boxes or […]
Get Local
For retailers, the COVID-19 pandemic feels like a vague, bad dream. For many of us as well, there's this "Did that really happen?" sense, followed closely by the realization that "Oh yeah, it did". I've had many more people say to me recently, "You know, back during the pandemic," or, "Yeah, we did that back […]
