Expert series

For decades, retail has focused on “putting the customer first” through data and tactics. But in 2026, the industry has shifted from transactions to transformations. Shoppers are no longer just buying products; they are choosing relationships. In this era, experience is the product, and the brands that thrive are those that foster genuine emotional bonds. Key …

2026: Why Experience Is the New Product and Transformation Is the New Goal Read More »

A gift card is more than just a substitute for cash; it is a powerful marketing engine for attracting and rewarding visitors. In this article, Jurij Triller, CEO of SOS-SW and owner of the SmartGifty brand, explores why the shift from outdated paper vouchers to seamless digital ecosystems is essential. By prioritizing User Experience (UX), shopping …

A gift card is not a product — it is a growth engine Read More »

In destination marketing, the standard response to a visibility problem is usually an expensive ad campaign. But what happens when the challenge isn’t a lack of awareness, but a lack of wayfinding? When London’s Chinatown needed to put itself more firmly on the map, the solution didn’t come from a billboard—it came from thousands of …

Developing London Chinatown as an Iconic Destination Read More »

In an era of complex public safety challenges, the “soft target” nature of shopping malls requires more than just reactive security—it demands a connected ecosystem. In this feature, Peter Endress explores how digital platforms are replacing siloed systems to transform emergency response. From integrating digital signage for instant evacuations to streamlining communication between tenants and first responders, learn …

Beyond Panic Buttons: Secure Your Mall Now. Read More »

For years, brands have treated loyalty like a math equation: Transactions + Points = Retention. But while businesses were busy building apps and stacking tiers, the consumer evolved. Today, Gen Z and Gen Alpha don’t want to “collect” value—they want to feel it. To explore this shift, we are joined by guest author Will Odwarka, Founder …

Loyalty as we know it is dead Read More »

With three decades of deep-rooted experience in the retail industry and five years dedicated to professional futures studies, our guest writer, Peter Thommen, brings a unique perspective to the intersection of commerce and foresight. He applies the rigor of Strategic Foresight to identify the real forces shaping our global markets. In this insightful piece, he moves beyond the noise of …

Why predictions for 2026 are already wrong Read More »

Retail is no longer about square meters and sales per foot. It is about relevance, emotion, and the experience people carry with them long after they leave. As traditional malls lose momentum and new generations redefine value, the role of design is being rewritten. In this issue, Stephen Chow, Managing & Creative Director of CAN Design, shares …

Holistic design & co-creation: A new lens for the evolving retail landscape Read More »

In this edition, we hand the pen to Ghalia Boustani — Ephemeral Retailing Specialist, published author, and podcast host. With a background that bridges research and real-world execution, Ghalia examines how flexibility has become the defining factor in the survival and success of physical retail. Drawing on empirical insight and Paris-based case studies, she outlines …

How Agile Retail Spaces Are Outperforming Traditional Formats Read More »

In this special edition, we’re handing the pen to someone who’s spent more than two decades at the heart of the retail world — Melissa Moore. If you’ve ever tuned into The Retail Tea Break, you already know her as the voice that brings clarity, honesty, and sharp insight to an industry that never stops …

Why People — Not Technology — Will Decide Retail’s Future Read More »

Welcome to the first edition of our industry insights newsletter, where we sit down with leaders shaping the future of retail, destinations, and customer experience. Each issue will bring you honest conversations, sharp perspectives, and practical ideas you can apply to your own work. We are privileged to commence this series with insights from Linda …

Why the Holidays Demand a Strong, Ready Team — and Why “Bonding Is the New Branding” Read More »