FuturistU > Retail > How to be Retail Resilient > Module 1 / 4

Intro to How to be Retail Resilient

Instructor: Ady Floyd
In this module, Trend Hunter's VP of Client Success, Ady Floyd, explores the fast-paced world of retail shifts and how so many retailers remained resilient against the abrupt changes brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. Retail as an industry has the power to change, grow and adapt, and it will never die - retail is necessary. What kinds of disruptions took place both online and offline, in the world of retail and what do you need to know to stay ahead?
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Phygital Hangouts
Youth-facing retailers redesign stores as social, sensory destinations
Trend - Retailers are reimagining youth-focused stores as immersive spaces that blend shopping, socializing, and content creation. Watsons Pink locations feature lipstick-shaped makeup bars and K-pop photo zones, Claire’s sensory stores include slime, squishies, and recording booths, and Urban Outfitters’ UO x Glendale concept uses modular fixtures and personalization informed by Gen Z shoppers.
Workshop Question - How could your brand make its physical spaces feel more social, sensory, and worth showing up for?
8.7
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
Patterns
Megatrends
Gen-Z-Targeted Retail Concepts
Gen-Z-Targeted Retail Concepts
Urban Outfitters Debuts 'On Rotation' with Nike
Urban Outfitters debuts 'On Rotation,' a new retail concept aimed at redefining the relationship between "commerce, culture, and community." Designed to appeal to Gen Z consumers, the initiative... MORE
Gen Z Concept Stores
Gen Z Concept Stores
UO Insiders Insights Informed the UO x Glendale Store Experience
The newly opened UO x Glendale location reflects Urban Outfitters' brand-new store concept and retail environment, built on insights from UO Insiders, the brand's engaged community Gen Z shoppers.... MORE
Interactive Cosmetics Retail Stores
Interactive Cosmetics Retail Stores
Watsons Upgrades its Stores for Gen Z and Gen Alpha Consumers
Watsons, a leading Asian beauty and health retailer, has strategically upgraded its stores as interactive cosmetics retail stores to cater to the interactive and dynamic preferences of Gen Z and Gen... MORE
Sensory Retail Experiences
Sensory Retail Experiences
Claire’s Launches ASMR-Inspired Stores for Gen Alpha Shoppers
Sensory retail experiences are redefining how brands engage younger consumers by blending physical interaction with digital content creation. Claire’s summer campaign introduces an ASMR-driven... MORE
Narrative Commerce
Retail brands are reimagining store spaces for specific intellectual properties
Trend - Retailers are leveraging playful, fandom-driven intellectual properties and franchises to create personalized, interactive shopping experiences within brick-and-mortar environments. By reformatting the traditional store concepts as an immersive, thematic destination, retailers aim create deeper consumer engagement.
Workshop Question - How can your brand create engaging in-store experiences for consumers?
8.5
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
Patterns
Megatrends
Culturally Specific Retail Expansions
Culturally Specific Retail Expansions
ICONSIAM and POP MART Establish a Global Landmark Location
ICONSIAM, a major retail and lifestyle complex in Bangkok, has partnered with the art toy company POP MART to establish a large-scale flagship store on its premises. This 760-square-meter venue is... MORE
Experiential Convenience Stores
Experiential Convenience Stores
FamilyMart Announced IP-Centered Store Experiences in Japan
FamilyMart announced a new wave of IP-centered store experiments in December 2025, signaling an evolution in Japan’s convenience store sector toward more experiential forms of everyday retail.... MORE
Beauty Retailer IP Collabs
Beauty Retailer IP Collabs
Olive Young Announced the Expansion of Character-Driven Products
Olive Young announced the expansion of its character-driven intellectual property (IP) collaboration strategy, beginning with a new partnership launching in February. The initiative builds on... MORE
Youthful Flagship Stores
Youthful Flagship Stores
MINISO Inaugurates a New Flagship Retail Location in Sydney, Australia
A new flagship retail location of MINISO LAND has opened its doors in Sydney, Australia. This venture represents the most extensive and upscale presence in the country to date. Situated at a... MORE
Local Loyalty
Hyper Local Commerce shifts toward neighborhood-first shopping
Trend - Consumers are increasingly prioritizing local retailers, regional goods, and community-based shopping experiences. Whether it’s buying from a neighborhood store or choosing products made nearby, there’s growing momentum behind commerce that feels rooted in place. National brands are responding by incorporating local elements into their offerings, partnering with small businesses, highlighting regional sourcing, and localizing store formats, to stay relevant in a shifting retail landscape.
Workshop Question - How might your brand collaborate with local businesses, creators, or communities to build trust and relevance at the neighborhood level?
4.7
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
Patterns
Megatrends
Canadian-Made CPG Brand Campaigns
Canadian-Made CPG Brand Campaigns
Kruger Products Debuts Made by Canadians for Canadians
Kruger Products has launched a new campaign titled 'Made by Canadians for Canadians.' With this initiative, the CPG brand aims to encourage consumers to choose locally manufactured tissue products.... MORE
Canadian-Focused Campaigns
Canadian-Focused Campaigns
Maple Leaf Foods Sparks Pride with Its 'Look for the Leaf’ Campaign
'Look for the Leaf' is more than just a tagline; it’s a movement. Maple Leaf Foods is taking a bold stand in response to U.S. tariffs, urging Canadian consumers to support homegrown brands, even... MORE
Retail Boosting Citywide Initiatives
Retail Boosting Citywide Initiatives
Aberdeen is Bringing Back its 'Shop Aberdeen' Initiative
The Shop Aberdeen initiative, organized by Aberdeen Inspired, is a campaign aimed at revitalizing the city's retail sector by encouraging shoppers to visit the city center. The event features... MORE
Civic-Led Buy Local Campaigns
Civic-Led Buy Local Campaigns
City of Toronto Launches 'Love Local' Campaign to Support Businesses
The City of Toronto has launched the Love Local campaign to bolster small businesses and reinforce Canada’s economic resilience in response to recent U.S. tariffs. Announced by Mayor Olivia Chow... MORE
AI Intimacy
Retail brands are using AI to create deeper emotional connections with customers
Trend - Retail companies are deploying AI systems that go beyond transactional interactions to build genuine emotional relationships with customers. These technologies learn individual preferences, remember personal details, and anticipate needs in ways that make customers feel truly understood. AI is being used so every interaction feels like a continuation of an ongoing relationship.
Workshop Question - How could your brand use AI to remember and celebrate the small details that make each customer feel uniquely valued?
7.7
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
Patterns
Megatrends
Interactive AI-Powered Retail Kiosks
Interactive AI-Powered Retail Kiosks
Skechers and We Are Social Singapore Launched the Luna Kiosk
Skechers and We Are Social Singapore have announced a new partnership that will see the performance footwear brand and the creative agency offering access to the Luna kiosk. The artificial... MORE
Optician-Focused AI Retail Solutions
Optician-Focused AI Retail Solutions
KITS Eyecare Ltd. Has Introduced OpticianAI™
KITS Eyecare presents an advanced artificial intelligence platform designed to modernize the eyewear shopping experience — OpticianAI™. This system combines facial recognition, prescription... MORE
AI-Powered Retail Advisors
AI-Powered Retail Advisors
Lowe's Mylow Companion Enhances Service & Associate Onboarding
Lowe's Mylow Companion is a new AI tool for associate sales floor devices and it's poised to enhance the in-store customer experience and the associate onboarding process. The app quickly provides... MORE
AI-Powered Loyalty Programs
AI-Powered Loyalty Programs
The Ubacart Loyalty Program is Targeted Towards Convenience Stores
The Ubacart loyalty program has been created by the brand as a new artificial intelligence (AI)-powered discount solution for shoppers to help them enjoy exclusive discounts and wards for their... MORE
AI Experience
Brands increasingly use artificial intelligence to power live retail experiences
Trend - Brands are leveraging artificial intelligence to bring personalized, interactive shopping experiences to malls and brick-and-mortar stores. By integrating machine learning and augmented reality (AR), they create immersive, tech-driven demonstrations that connect consumers with branded products.
Workshop Question - How can your brand create stronger in-store connections with consumers?
7.1
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
Patterns
Megatrends
Entertaining AI-Driven Experiences
Entertaining AI-Driven Experiences
Lotte and Arbitrum Partner for the Coalesced 'Lotte Caliverse'
Lotte Group has launched the ‘Lotte Caliverse,’ an AI-driven, 3D entertainment experience integrated with blockchain technology. This innovative virtual world is supported by over 90... MORE
AI-Powered Bakery Pop-Ups
AI-Powered Bakery Pop-Ups
The Betty Crocker Dream Bake Studio Beats "Baker's Block" with AI
To inspire bakers and engage people with a sweet tooth, the Betty Crocker Dream Bake Studio is launching at The Trafford Centre, Manchester to serve up inspiration and interaction. At the pop-up,... MORE
Transformative AI Shopping Experiences
Transformative AI Shopping Experiences
Omoda and Google Cloud Partner for Generative-AI Shopping
Omoda and Google Cloud have partnered to enhance Omoda’s online shopping experience using AI. Through this collaboration, Omoda has introduced ‘Omoda Stylist,’ a conversational AI... MORE
Gamified In-Airport Activations
Gamified In-Airport Activations
Haribo's Mobile Games Gives People of All Ages the Chance to Win
In the UK and Europe, confectionary brand Haribo launched gamified in-airport activations that give people of all ages the chance to win branded items and fan-favorite Haribo Goldbears. The gamified... MORE
Rewarding AI Shopping Apps
Rewarding AI Shopping Apps
The ShopUp App Revolutionizes In-Store Shopping with AI Data
AI technology has made significant advancements to the online shopping experience and the ShopUp app elevates in-store shopping experience by sharing real-time sales and tailored recommendations.... MORE
Artistic Retail
Retail companies team up with artists for immersive in-person events.
Trend - Retail companies are increasingly collaborating with artists to host in-person events and activations. These initiatives aim to create immersive and engaging experiences that draw consumers to physical retail stores. By integrating art installations, retailers seek to offer unique experiences.
Workshop Question - How can your brand create unique and memorable in-person experiences to attract more customers to physical locations?
6.7
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
Patterns
Megatrends
Illusionary Ice-Hotel Beauty Pop-Ups
Illusionary Ice-Hotel Beauty Pop-Ups
Lancôme Hosted an Exclusive Rose Ice-Hotel Activation
Lancôme Travel Retail Asia Pacific, in collaboration with The Shilla Duty Free Korea, introduced the 'Rose Ice-Hotel' activation at Incheon International Airport. Unveiled on 7 February for... MORE
Artist-Centric Networking Events
Artist-Centric Networking Events
Adidas x SNIPES Unveil The NYC Superstar & Empower Artists
The Adidas x SNIPES collaboration presented a movement celebrating New York City’s creative culture. With the launch of the Adidas 'NYC Superstar,' a bold tribute to the city’s rich tattoo... MORE
Localized Retail Experiences
Localized Retail Experiences
UNIQLO Sherway Blends Japanese Tradition with Toronto Culture
UNIQLO is bringing a fresh take on retail theater to Toronto’s Sherway Gardens, where its fourteenth Greater Toronto Area store will transform shopping into a cultural celebration starting... MORE
Premium Peach Vodkas
Premium Peach Vodkas
Sprinter Launches Single-Flavor Pack in Peach State Celebration
Kylie Jenner's Sprinter brand is expanding its ready-to-drink portfolio with its first single-flavor vodka soda pack. The new Peach Pack responds to consumer demand for the brand's most popular... MORE
Employee-Free Retailer
Brick and mortar stores are turning to AI to mitigate labor costs
Trend - Retailers and grocers are testing fully automated locations to lower costs. By saving on the many complications associated with labor, these retailers are able to offer reduced prices for the benefit of the consumer. These often begin as solo test locations before expanding based on demand.
Workshop Question - How could your brand alter its operations to reduce costs of its products or services for consumers?
6.3
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
Patterns
Megatrends
Grab-and-Go Employee-Free Retailers
Grab-and-Go Employee-Free Retailers
Lotus Launched a 'Pick & Go' Location in Thailand
Lotus’s Pick & Go employee-free store in Thailand represents a significant step forward in retail innovation. The store, which operates without any staff on the premises, leverages... MORE
Employee-Free Smart Stores
Employee-Free Smart Stores
The 'Teo' Employee-Free Store in Germany is a Success Story
The Teo unmanned smart store concept in Germany, developed by the German supermarket chain tegut showcases a unique direction of retail. Initially launched in Fulda in November 2020, this store has... MORE
Smart Shopping Cart Rollouts
Smart Shopping Cart Rollouts
ZeroQs Raised Over €457 Thousand to Invest in Smart Shopping Carts
Warsaw-based retail startup ZeroQs has successfully raised €457,000 in funding from Freya Capital to further develop and expand its smart shopping cart technology. The company’s innovative... MORE
Cashier-Free Grocer Expansions
Cashier-Free Grocer Expansions
Aisle 24 Continues to Expand in Canada Amid Success
Aisle 24, a cashierless grocery retailer, continues its expansion across Canada with the launch of a new, larger store concept. Founded in 2016, Aisle 24 operates 24/7, fully automated stores that... MORE
Retail Lounge
Retailers are launching experiential events to enhance connections to consumers
Trend - Retailers in various industries, such as department stores, luxury brands, and more, are launching in-store lounges and experiential events. These events are designed to enhance the comfort of shoppers while deepening the connection between the shoppers and the brand.
Workshop Question - How can we create experiential in-store events that enhance consumer engagement and strengthen their connection to our brand?
7
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
Patterns
Megatrends
Experiential Intimates Spaces
Experiential Intimates Spaces
Knix Opens Immersive Retail Location at Premium Shopping Centre
Knix is elevating the intimate apparel shopping experience with its new 1,800-square-foot pop-up at Toronto’s Yorkdale Shopping Centre. The Canadian brand’s fifteenth North American... MORE
Zen-Inspired Experiential Retail Concepts
Zen-Inspired Experiential Retail Concepts
One Golden Thread Opens Its Innovative Space
One Golden Thread, the regenerative apparel brand based in LA, has announced the grand opening of its Flagship Experiential Retail Concept on Abbot Kinney in Venice Beach. The innovative space... MORE
Immersive Lifestyle Stores
Immersive Lifestyle Stores
Gelato Pique Has Inaugurated Its Standalone Store in South Korea
Gelato Pique’s latest retail activation is strategically located in the vibrant Hannam-dong area of Seoul. This significant launch introduces a unique lifestyle space encompassing a garden... MORE
Tranquil Retail Environments
Tranquil Retail Environments
NEOM Wellbeing Has Launched Its First U.S. Storefront in New York
NEOM Wellbeing’s storefront in New York’s West Village marks an important step in its global expansion. The store spans 481 square feet and is designed as a tranquil retreat from the... MORE
Luxury Jeweler Boutiques
Luxury Jeweler Boutiques
Château D'ivoire Renovated Its Downtown Montreal Location & It's Stunning
Château D’Ivoire, a longstanding luxury jeweler in Montreal, has reopened its downtown location following a significant renovation. The revamped store offers over 20,000 square feet of space... MORE
Gamified Storefront
Brands are gamifying brick and mortar stores for the retailtainment trend
Trend - Brick-and-mortar storefronts are adding elements of gamification and entertainment to improve the in-store shopping experience. These 'retailtainment' initiatives add immersive experiences and interactive elements to increase consumer engagement and pull the focus away from simply spending money.
Workshop Question - How can we integrate gamification and entertainment into our physical spaces to create a more engaging and immersive experience for our customers?
6.8
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
Patterns
Megatrends
Gamified Metaverse Stores
Gamified Metaverse Stores
Lacoste is Virtually Inviting Shoppers into the Jaws of a Croc
French clothing brand Lacoste teamed up with Web3 development company Emperia to create a metaverse store that invites shoppers straight into the jaws of a virtual crocodile. Inside the space,... MORE
Interactive Arcade Storefronts
Interactive Arcade Storefronts
JD & Snap London Created an AR Storefront for Christmas
As part of its ‘King of the Game’ Christmas campaign, sports retailer JD teamed up with Snap to turn its London storefront into an AR storefront. With the storefront turned into a giant... MORE
play_circle_filledMulti-Sensory Flagship Stores
Multi-Sensory Flagship Stores
KATE Shibuya Offers Immersive Digital and Physical Experiences
KATE Shibuya presents a groundbreaking flagship store that integrates digital and physical elements to offer an immersive shopping experience. This innovative retail environment blends cutting-edge... MORE
Digital Snowball Competitions
Digital Snowball Competitions
The LEGO Snow Throw Pits NYC and London Stores Against One Another
The LEGO Snow Throw is a first-of-its-kind transatlantic, interactive game that transforms storefront windows into digital snowball machines. For the holiday season, people who pass by the 5th... MORE
Interactive Cosmetics Retail Stores
Interactive Cosmetics Retail Stores
Watsons Upgrades its Stores for Gen Z and Gen Alpha Consumers
Watsons, a leading Asian beauty and health retailer, has strategically upgraded its stores as interactive cosmetics retail stores to cater to the interactive and dynamic preferences of Gen Z and Gen... MORE
Barcode-Free Checkout
Artificial intelligence is used to identify barcode-less items at checkout
Trend - Artificial intelligence has been adapted to enable barcode-less product scanning, facilitated by algorithms that analyze images and videos of objects to identify unique features. This technology accurately accounts for retail items in real time, providing shoppers with seamless checkout experiences.
Workshop Question - How can your brand use automation to appeal to consumer's demand for convenience?
6.8
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
Patterns
Megatrends
AI-Powered Smart Trolleys
AI-Powered Smart Trolleys
Instacart Unveils a New AI-Powered Shopping Cart Partnership with Aldi
Instacart and Aldi South Group are set to broaden their global partnership. As part of this expansion, Instacart will deploy its Connected Stores technologies across Aldi’s US locations. This... MORE
AI-Powered Payment Systems
AI-Powered Payment Systems
Mashgin Introduces a New AI-Powered Checkout System with Verifone
Mashgin, an innovative leader in artificial intelligence (AI)-based self-checkout systems, is joining forces with Verifone, a global pioneer in payment solutions. The core of this innovation lies... MORE
AI-Augmented Retail Checkouts
AI-Augmented Retail Checkouts
This Checkout Solution Helps Prevent Theft and Scanning Errors
Diebold Nixdorf, a multinational retail technology company that offers a variety of products and services that are associated with self-checkout and self-service transactions and point-of-sale, is... MORE
Computer-Vision Self-Service Kiosks
Computer-Vision Self-Service Kiosks
Toshiba's Vision Kiosk Identifies Items Without Barcodes
At EuroCIS 2024, Toshiba Global Commerce Solutions will give retailers the chance to experience transformational business solutions like the Toshiba Vision Kiosk. This cutting-edge retail solution... MORE
Barcode-Less Product Scanners
Barcode-Less Product Scanners
SeeChange Taps Diebold Nixdorf to Create AI Checkout Tools
SeeChange Technologies, a company known for its retail-focused computer vision AI technology, has announced a strategic partnership with Diebold Nixdorf, a global leader in retail consumer and staff... MORE