Embarking on a journey spanning North America, Europe, Australia and Asia, our associates explored new places, sharing experiences that resonated with WD’s core services: architecture, engineering, design, strategy, operations, and development services. Here, we'll uncover unique insights gained during some of our travels, which continue to serve as a source of inspiration for our work. […]
Vertical: Retail
Everything In Retail Has Changed. Have Stores Kept Up?
It's hard to imagine, especially for anyone under 30 years old, how important physical stores once were. Not too long ago, you might have asked yourself, 'I wonder what [fill in your favorite brand name here] has that's new?' Or maybe you were faced with a functional challenge like, 'I'm out of light bulbs.' Regardless […]
The Art and Science of Running… and Ops
Running is something you either love or hate. And sometimes, let’s be honest, you love to hate running! For us, running is a big part of who we are. We’ve each been running over 3 decades and make it a point to run in every city we travel to together for work! Admittedly, it’s not […]
Navigating the Retail Returns Revolution: Insights from Joanne Heyob, a Veteran Retail Expert
Meet Joanne, SVP of Operations Strategy & Design at WD Partners and retail expert with an impressive 25-year journey rooted in the world of retail and store operations. With a proven track record of implementing innovative growth strategies for customer experience brands, Joanne’s leadership is instrumental in driving WD’s end-to-end offering. Having served in key […]
The Department Store Dilemma
Exploring the Disconnect Between Department Stores and Consumer Preferences in the Age of Technology Department stores were icons of the past, but their recent sales have us wondering if their current tactics are misaligned with consumer interests. The Rise and Fall of Department Stores Emerging during the late 18th century amidst the dynamic backdrop of […]
Discover the Best of Miami
Welcome to Miami, a vibrant and diverse city known for its stunning beaches, eclectic neighborhoods, and lively culture. Whether you’re looking for trendy shopping destinations, unique art experiences, or delectable dining options, this travel guide will help you make the most of your visit. Of course, this list is just a preview of our favorite […]
Women in Sport
The growth in women’s participation in sports has opened new opportunities for retailers and manufacturers to tap into a new consumer base, but are brands actually doing enough to make space for women and empower them in their sport? Included in the full POV: Insights from retail experts Key gaps in the current sports retail […]
Are Department Stores Turning Off Their Base With Tech?
The decline of department store revenue and customer footfalls over the last 20 years has been well documented. Are department stores responding with the right strategy (one dominated by technology) or are they missing out on a large part of their customer base? Included in the full POV: Proprietary research from two WD customer surveys […]
Mastering the Online Returns Game
Online shopping has revolutionized the way we buy products, offering unparalleled convenience and choice. In just a few clicks you can get nearly anything you want delivered straight to your door. However, with the ease of purchasing comes the inevitability of returns. Just as easily as you added to cart and hit 'place order,' you […]
Adaptive Reuse
In a world where sustainability and resource conservation are becoming increasingly vital, the concept of adaptive reuse has emerged as a powerful tool for creating a more sustainable future. In 2017 it was predicted that 90% of future development in the next decade will be renovations and adaptive reuse1. Adaptive reuse refers to the process […]
