Autumn Communications’ Post

A new and improved Foot Locker debuted at a New Jersey mall on Wednesday as the #sneaker #retailer looks to reverse a sales slump, keep brand partners loyal and win back Wall Street’s confidence by revamping the footprint for its all-important stores. The new concept Foot Locker bills as its “store of the future” turns the retailer’s tired #mall format on its head through a streamlined layout that’s more immersive than the typical format, which tends to be two walls of shoes with a middle section used for trying on sneakers. The new format also includes a “drop zone” that shows off new sneaker releases, a communal try-on area, elevated brand product displays and a “sneaker hub” for customized options like specialized lacing. Even the Striper uniform, the iconic black and white striped outfit worn by Foot Locker’s store associates, is getting a refresh, Frank Bracken, Foot Locker’s chief commercial officer, told CNBC in an interview. As the retailer draws about 80% of its revenue from its more than 2,500 physical locations, CEO Mary Dillon has focused on revitalizing Foot Locker’s store footprint since she took over in September 2022. She’s working to build new, off-mall locations, close underperforming stores and refresh existing locations. Dillon and her team are betting that the new store designs will bring in customers who are shopping outside of malls and give sneakerheads a reason to come to its shops rather than go directly to a brand’s website or store. Will Foot Locker be able to turn things around? How will the new store design land with the public and brand partners? Read more at the link below and tell me what you think in the comments! https://lnkd.in/dESwpgzH

Sneaker Retail Store Design Elevating the Sneaker Shopping Experience: Innovative Retail Store Designs In the dynamic world of fashion, retail store design plays a pivotal role in capturing the attention of customers and creating memorable shopping experiences. When it comes to sneaker retail, the design of the store becomes even more critical, as it sets the stage for enthusiasts to explore and connect with their favorite kicks. Here's a glimpse into the realm of sneaker retail store design, where creativity meets functionality. 1. Fusion of Aesthetics and Functionality Modern sneaker stores are no longer just spaces to display products; they are immersive environments that blend aesthetics with functionality. From interactive displays showcasing the latest releases to innovative shelving systems that maximize product visibility, designers are pushing boundaries to create spaces that resonate with sneaker culture. 2. Tech-Driven Experiences Embracing technology is a hallmark of contemporary sneaker retail. Augmented reality (AR) mirrors, interactive touchscreen walls, and virtual try-on stations allow customers to engage with products in unique ways. These tech-driven elements not only enhance the shopping experience but also reflect the cutting-edge nature of the sneaker industry. 3. Community Spaces Sneaker culture thrives on community, and forward-thinking store designs are incorporating communal spaces. From dedicated areas for sneaker customization workshops to collaboration zones where enthusiasts can connect, these spaces go beyond selling products—they foster a sense of belonging within the sneaker community. 4. Sustainable Design As sustainability takes center stage, sneaker retail stores are adopting eco-friendly designs. Recycled materials, energy-efficient lighting, and green spaces are integrated into store layouts to align with the values of environmentally conscious consumers. 5. Instagrammable Spaces In the age of social media, creating visually appealing, shareable moments is essential. Sneaker retail stores are incorporating Instagrammable spaces, from eye-catching murals to unique display setups, encouraging customers to share their experiences online and generate organic buzz. #SneakerCulture #RetailDesign #InnovationInRetail #TechDrivenStores #SustainableFashion #CommunitySpaces #ShoeLovers #FashionForward In conclusion, the evolution of sneaker retail store design reflects the ever-changing landscape of fashion and consumer expectations. As these spaces continue to evolve, they not only serve as points of sale but also as hubs for community engagement and cultural expression. The fusion of technology, sustainability, and community building ensures that sneaker retail stores remain at the forefront of the retail experience. Https://amzn.to/3TrDzGj 

We helped Sephora and Lululemon get a smooth makeover for their stores (without having to close). Here’s how 👇 A brand wants a remodel or an upgrade. They team up with us. Goal is to  + avoid limited operation  + stay within budget + finish on time We met challenges head-on: → Premium Quality [Exceptional results reflecting the brands' high standards.] → Night-time Hustle [Keeping the daily buzz alive, working continuously over several nights.] → Green Solutions [Implementing eco-friendly options to align with sustainability goals.] Last year, we took on bold projects for Sephora and Lululemon: Lightbox Displays We installed captivating displays throughout Canada .  These windows now draw more attention. LED Lighting We upgraded stores across North America with eco-friendly lights.  They mimic daylight. Store Refreshes Multiple stores in the US got a complete makeover.  Each space is now more inviting. New Stores We opened many new locations.  They're spreading brand love and attracting more customers. The Impact More Visitors Our work is generating increased foot traffic. Positive Feedback Customers love the new store designs. Eco-friendly Our efforts support the planet. Boosted Sales Refreshed and new stores are improving brand awareness. Looking Ahead to 2024 The journey with Sephora and Lululemon goes on. We have exciting projects lined up: 👉 An exciting number of XAL Lighting Projects Lighting up 2 countries, across the board. 👉 More Revamps than we count Ready to refresh and revamp even more spaces. Ready for a transformation? If you're in charge of retail brand transformations, let's connect. We have a few spots open for 2024. Reach out to see how we can make your retail space shine. — I help GCs and architects create beautiful  commercial spaces without all the stress.

Elevating the pop-up concept:  Nordstrom "The Corner" redefines the concept of Curated Partnership. Here are some thoughts: Focus on size and experience: Dedicating 2,000 square feet for Bode is a significant investment. It suggests Nordstrom is serious about creating a truly immersive experience, not just a quick product display. Curated partnerships: The choice of Bode for the inaugural launch is interesting. Their unique, handcrafted aesthetic seems like a good fit for this type of presentation. Elevating the pop-up concept: By offering exclusive pieces and a focus on the brand's story, this takes pop-up shops beyond just limited-edition product drops. It creates a destination for brand enthusiasts. It will be interesting to see how this concept evolves and what other brands Nordstrom partners with for The Corner in the future. Could this be a way for them to attract new customer segments or highlight up-and-coming designers? #popupstore #retail #curation https://lnkd.in/ddnHkwMt

🌍The incredible Houdini Sportswear opens the World's First Circular store 🌱 Thrilled to read more about the groundbreaking initiative by Houdini, one of the most renowned sustainable outdoor brands, opening the world's first circular store, and the results are truly inspiring! 🎉 In their pursuit of a more sustainable future, Houdini has taken a bold step towards circularity. The circular store, located in Stockholm, is a testament to their commitment to reducing waste and promoting a more sustainable way of doing business. So, what have they learned from this innovative venture? Let's dive into some key takeaways: 1️⃣ Embracing the Circular Economy: Houdini has successfully embraced the principles of the circular economy by designing their products with longevity in mind. They have implemented a rental and repair service, allowing customers to extend the lifespan of their garments and reduce overall consumption. 2️⃣ Collaboration is Key: Houdini has partnered with local organizations, including textile recycling companies, to ensure that their products are recycled properly at the end of their life cycle. By collaborating with experts in the field, they have created a closed-loop system that minimizes waste and maximizes resource efficiency. 3️⃣ Education and Awareness: The circular store serves as a platform for educating customers about the importance of sustainability and the impact of their purchasing decisions. Houdini has created an immersive experience, showcasing the entire lifecycle of their products and highlighting the positive environmental impact of choosing circular options. 4️⃣ Customer Engagement: Houdini understands the significance of engaging their customers in their sustainability journey. The circular store provides a space for customers to learn, ask questions, and actively participate in the circular economy. By involving customers in the process, Houdini fosters a sense of ownership and empowers individuals to make more sustainable choices. Houdini's circular store is a testament to their commitment to sustainability and innovation. By challenging the traditional retail model, they have set a new standard for the industry. This pioneering initiative not only benefits the environment but also inspires other brands to follow suit. I applaud Houdini for their dedication to creating a more sustainable future. Let's support and celebrate their efforts as they continue to pave the way for a circular economy in the fashion industry. Together, we can make a difference! 🌍💚 - Congrats Angelica Molin, eva karlsson & all of the team! You guys rock! Read more: https://lnkd.in/eg7r4mE8 #CircularEconomy #Sustainability #Innovation #FashionIndustry #Houdini #SustainableFuture - 😎 Shopify

Foot Locker and FRONTGATE are both undertaking innovative approaches to the "store of the future." While both are emphasizing experiential aspects, the nature of their products demands tailored strategies. Frontgate recently opened a store in Dallas TX and Footlocker is expected to launch in April. FRONTGATE's focus on home furnishings necessitates immersive design services, utilizing technology to visualize and personalize spaces, creating an intimate and consultative shopping journey. On the other hand, Foot Locker's athletic footwear and apparel require a dynamic and engaging experience, possibly incorporating interactive elements like virtual try-ons or athlete-led events to resonate with their athletic-minded customer base. By understanding the unique needs of their respective markets and leveraging experiential strategies accordingly, there is opportunity for both brands to forge stronger connections with consumers and drive sustainable growth in today's competitive retail landscape. How are you approaching development of your store of the future? Want ideas, let us know at cda Ventures LLC!!! #ExperientialRetail #Innovation #RetailStrategy

Very interesting insights and knowledge from Cristian Musardo & Reece Crisp on re-opening LN-CC in London. Its always good to get inside a buyer's mind! Ace questions from Lucy Maguire as usual. 'If you look at the performance of our brands, you will clearly see that the brands that don’t overlap much with those big platforms are the ones that are performing well. The fact that we have a distinctive assortment that does not overlap is the way we want to protect our business.' POINT OF DIFFERENCE IN THE MARKET, POINT OF DIFFERENCE IN THE ASSORTMENTS, SMALLER ASSORTMENTS. NO WONDER CERTAIN STORES ARE STRUGGLING. EVERYONE HAS THE SAME BRAND/PRODUCT, AND BURDENED BY STOCK LEVELS. BE DISTINGUISHABLE, WHAT DO YOU STAND FOR, WHAT IS YOUR PERSONALITY? 'Multi-brand isn’t dead. Customers look for and enjoy a space where they can truly discover products, new styles, and they can discover how they combine them. At the same time, brands need [retailers] that reach a new type of customer. Both need a place like LN-CC.' EXCITE THE MIND AND THE HAND WILL REACH FOR THE POCKET. GIVE PEOPLE A REASON TO VISIT THE STORE. A UNIQUE VALUE PROPOSITION / POINT OF DIFFERENCE + INTERESTING SPACE = CUSTOMERS. 'We have an edit that is our own edit. The idea is that we don’t want to have the same assortment that others have.' VOO STORE SAID THE SAME LAST YEAR. 50% OF THEIR ASSORTMENT ARE EMERGING BRANDS. UVP! OR WE WILL ALL END UP SHOPPING AT AMAZON LOL. 'We are willing to take more risks. Going into showrooms, when brands talk about their distribution, about what stores they’re already stocked in, sometimes that actually deters us from buying. From the big brands, we actually ask them what everyone has bought and then try to steer away from it for a portion of the buy. I say to my buying team that you have to use your gut. When you’re going into showroom appointments, and you get a feeling or an emotion about products, that’s the same the customer gets when they come into our space. WOW EMOTION IS BACK. FASHION & RETAIL = PEOPLE, RELATIONSHIPS AND FEELING. NO AMOUNT OF A.I., DIGITAL ADVANCEMENTS WILL EVER REPLACE HUMANS AND EMOTION. PERIOD. 'We are culturally open, so we want to be inclusive. We feel very proud of the outcome, the store provides a very experiential shopping experience that we didn’t want to keep closed or restricted. At this moment in time it’s very important to be open and speak to more people.' SIGN OF THE TIMES - TRANSPARENCY, OPENNESS, DIALOGUE - MUCH LIKE SEEK 😂 Congratulations on opening the store.

So both Allbirds and Outdoor Voices have announced the closing of several storefronts- some rather abruptly. They were celebrated for their innovative (and often sustainable) breakthroughs-- why are we always seeing this ebb and flow of interest sustainable #DTC? It's fake sticky. We as consumers need to do some serious reflection on our role in the marketplace. Outdoor Voices, under the leadership of Ty Haney, carved out a niche distinct from the mainstream, advocating for the joy in simply "Doing Things" rather than chasing the next big trend. They existed, for me, as something bigger than a garment brand: a reflection of the type of active person I wanted to be recognized as. I wanted in on the club. This shift serves as a critical reminder of our complacency and the transient #loyalty we often exhibit towards brands striving to make a difference. The rapid turnover of #trendcycles, fueled by our "buy, buy, buy" mentality, poses a grave threat not just to visionary companies but to our planet and an individual's financial goals. As we lament the closing of these stores, let's also confront the underlying issues: our collective pursuit of convenience and the next fleeting trend. Reassess your consumer habits and let's encourage a more sustainable and mindful marketplace. #sustainability #consumerbehavior #Allbirds #OutdoorVoices

This business goes from strength to strength , a true testament to the teams delivering on the key business objectives, staying true to the brand DNA , opening stores when they say the will , and focusing on key channels of DTC. Simple retail is not hard , too many fashion brands going off in different directions, take a look at these guys, this is how you build a fashion brand #fashionindustry #fashionbrand #dtc #retail ME+EM Ltd

Grihum’s rebranding marks a dramatic shift beyond traditional retail boundaries. The redesigned store is a harmonious blend of style and practicality respecting its visually appealing layout and effortless navigation. This development exemplifies Grihum’s unwavering commitment to excellence, providing our discerning customers with a sophisticated and upscale shopping paradise. Welcome to another season of unparalleled wonder. #connectexp #media #connections #creative #advertising #exp #experiential #brandexperience #marketmanager #eventpros #marketingstrategy #activation #eventtech #promo #brand #virtualevent #eventplanners #experientialagency #brandstrategy #socialmedia #tradeshows #promonate #creativeagency #experience #promolife #fabrication #eventstaffing #cor #technology #tech