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
wayfindOnline 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
wayfindIn 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 […]
Engineering at WD
wayfindA 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 […]