A day in the life of a WD engineer goes by quickly – not only is the work fast-paced, but the projects big and the challenges complicated. Collaborative Solutions Unlike your standard engineering consulting firm, at WD, we’re all on the same team – the engineers, the architects, the construction managers, the designers, the strategists, […]
From Hype to Habit
wayfindTrade fairs and sustainability aren’t often thought of as going hand in hand. In fact, some might even argue the opposite. But this year, the world’s number one retail trade fair proved that the two can have more in common than you might think. Hosted every three years in Dusseldorf Germany, EuroShop takes the crown […]
Generation Alpha: Little Kids, Big Influence
wayfindGeneration Alpha is marking a new era of consumer influence. As digital natives, they’re growing up in a world saturated with technology, posed to reshape the retail landscape. In this article, we dive into the dynamics of Gen Alpha’s upbringing by millennial parents, their evolving perceptions of work and consumption, and the implications for retailers […]
The Creative Catalysts Guide to Thriving in the Evolving Retail Landscape
wayfindSOME PROGNOSTICATORS ARE still confident in predicting that “retail is dead.” I beg to differ – retail is not dead, it’s evolving. As designers, retailers, and creatives, it’s our job to lead this change by being the alchemists creating the next evolution in design and experience. The beauty of creativity is that it can always […]
No Greenwashing Available Here
wayfindUnraveling the Depths: Beyond Furniture at IKEA What comes to mind when you hear the name of the Swedish company and store, IKEA (other than the great scenes in Fight Club)? Cool, inexpensive furniture, primarily for young people, right? Turns out, as is often the case, we’ve all missed something, and it’s big. That “thing” […]
How to Be a Great, Not Just Good, Retailer
wayfindIn today’s competitive retail landscape, it’s crucial to go beyond the ordinary and create a distinctive retail experience that sets you apart from the competition. Whether you’re in Las Vegas or anywhere else in the world, being a great retailer is about embracing your unique qualities, taking calculated risks, and captivating your audience. In this […]
How the Test and Learn Approach Can De-Risk Your Idea and Guarantee an ROI
povIn a competitive landscape, it’s important to continue experimenting with things like new store formats, services, collaborations and partnerships, and technology. But how do you guarantee an ROI before sinking a ton of money and resources into a new idea? Included in the full POV: Breakdown of the test & learn framework Top emulators applying […]
The Best Places to Go in Austin, Texas for a Culinary and Retail Adventure
wayfindWe frequently find ourselves in Austin, Texas, whether it’s for conferences, speaking engagements, or simply to immerse ourselves in the vibrant culture of the city. With each visit, we uncover new culinary delights, refreshing drinks, and unique shopping experiences that showcase the essence of this dynamic Texan metropolis. As we prepare for our next trip, […]
4 Steps for Rethinking Experiential Retail
wayfindThe most common complaint we hear from clients, prospects, retailers of all stripes, competitors, and even associates is, "We're tired of hearing, 'you have to provide the customer with a great in-store experience.' Well, duh!" We agree. Our reaction has always been, "When has that NOT been a must-have in the retail industry?" The tools […]
3 Great Retailers That Know How to Get Customers Offline and Through the Door
wayfindAs e-commerce continues to gain ground, questions arise about the relevance of physical stores. Online shopping may suit some, but there is a significant audience who craves a break from the screen and yearns to escape the frustration of mismatched expectations, delivery mishaps, and the never-ending cycle of returns and exchanges. In a period dominated […]
Building a Sustainable Future
wayfindEmbracing the Green Wave: Sustainability in the Spotlight You probably don’t need us to tell you that sustainability has become a trending topic, becoming mainstream in media and discussed collectively by all generations around the globe. In fact a study conducted by IBM reported that of their 16,000 global respondents, 51% say that environmentalism is […]
The Evolution of Stores
wayfindStore (noun): a business establishment where usually diversified goods are kept for retail sale According to Webster, that is the definition of a store in its purest form. Oh how the times have changed. This past year brought greater complexity and dimension to the definition of a store. It’s now more than just a place […]
Pets Are People Too
povIn the consumer-driven pet care market, the more customer friendly and accessible your practice is, the more you will have people come running to it. Pet owners are basing who they date, how they work, where they live, how they vacation – all on their pets. In this POV, we look at the disruptors that […]
How to Treat Your BOH Like the Heartbeat of Your Store
wayfindIn recent years, the retail industry has undergone a transformation akin to racing on an F1 track with the throttle pinned to the floor. The growing demand of alternative fulfillment methods such as BOPIS, curbside pick-up, ship-to-store, and digital return-to-store has caused many retailers to operate at breakneck speed. The rate at which stores have […]
Go Beyond the Path to (re)Purchase
wayfindIn the world of brands and retailers, much attention is devoted to the path leading up to the purchase—affectionately known by most of us in the biz as the “path to purchase.” Questions arise concerning how to streamline the customer journey and ensure the right product is available at the right price, when and where […]
Follow the Yellow Brick Road to an Immersive Experience
wayfindThe spinning and shaking have stopped. After hanging on for dear life, the house has finally settled, bringing a serene calmness to everything. You feel okay, but something is… different. You get yourself up, gather your belongings, and head for the door. As you peer outside for the first time in a while, your eyes […]
Can Resale Save The Store?
wayfindThe Familiar Yet Fresh Appeal of the Circular Economy Whether you realize it or not, you’ve almost certainly participated in the circular economy. Perhaps it was the vintage sectional that breathed new life in your first apartment or that stylish pre-owned Acura fresh off a lease. It could have been the classic Pearl Jam CD […]
The Truth Behind Greenwashing
wayfindEvery day, the importance of needing to be more environmentally conscious becomes more and more apparent. The global conversation around creating a cleaner, more sustainable planet has captured the attention of people from all generations and the conversation has undoubtedly made its way into the consumer mindset. Now, more than ever, brands are being challenged […]
Will Circular Commerce Drive Traffic to Stores?
wayfindResale is not just a passion trend; it’s a thriving market projected to reach over $353b by 2030, up 154% from 20201. When you think of resale, your mind naturally goes to secondhand apparel. Secondhand apparel does account for a big piece of the pie and is expected to grow 16x faster than the market […]
EchoPark’s Sustainable Approach to Design & Build
wayfindIn an era where consumers are increasingly mindful of corporate responsibility and sustainability, brands are challenged to redefine their approach to doing business. Sustainability is no longer confined to eco-friendly practices; it now encompasses social and economic considerations. Put simply, corporate sustainability is a way for companies to ensure longevity by considering the social, environmental, […]
